Hempstead, NY - The Hofstra University Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the Hofstra Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, celebrated the 2018-19 year in Pride Athletics with the second annual HOFSPYS awards banquet. The event was held at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex on Sunday evening.
The event recognizes many of the outstanding accomplishments by Hofstra student-athletes, coaches and teams during the past year. Serving as emcees this year were longtime Hofstra public address announcer Siddique Farooqi, men's tennis student-athlete
Ryan Hardin and men's basketball student-athlete
Connor Klementowicz.
The event opened as the senior student-athletes were recognized in front of the crowd of more than 500 people. Women's basketball student-athlete
Boogie Brozoski then spoke on behalf of the student-athletes as the annual "Senior Speaker". Later in the evening, Hofstra Director of Athletics
Rick Cole Jr. offered his remarks on the evening and the year in Hofstra Athletics.
Next up was the presentation of the many awards.
Senior Speaker - Boogie Brozoski, women's basketball
The Senior Speaker program was introduced in 2005 as a way of having representatives from the graduating class convey the message of the Hofstra student-athlete experience. The department of athletics selects a speaker who has represented the University at a high level in the classroom, on the fields of play, and in the community.
Strength and Conditioning Male Athlete Award
This award is given to an athlete for outstanding performance and commitment to strength and conditioning. The strength and conditioning staff select the recipient.
Nominees: Justin Smith (baseball),
Connor Klementowicz (men's basketball),
Luca Tausch (men's soccer),
Joe Cuccias (men's lacrosse)
Strength and Conditioning Female Athlete Award
This award is given to an athlete for outstanding performance and commitment to strength and conditioning. The strength and conditioning staff select the recipient.
Nominees: Devyn Losco (softball),
Eliska Truneckova (volleyball),
Erin Demek (women's lacrosse),
Madison Reed (field hockey)
Hofstra Pride Community Service Award
This award is given to the student-athlete that has completed the most hours of service throughout the academic year. The assistant director of student-athlete services and life skills development will provide the name of the recipient for this award.
Nominees: Sara Guarascio (women's lacrosse),
Dominique Luxardo (field hockey),
Haley Carter (field hockey),
Darcie Smith (women's lacrosse)
Spirit Support Group Award
This honor is awarded to the spirit support group whose collaboration has demonstrated success and overall contribution to the Athletics Department this past year.
Nominees: Dance Team, Cheerleading, Kate and Willie, Pep Band
Mr. & Ms. Pride Award
This award will be given to the individuals who display high levels of athletic support/spirit and commitment to the school and fellow athletes. Additionally, he/she must excel academically, be an active member of their athletic program and engage in community service outreach.
Nominees: Mark Ellis (men's lacrosse),
Ryan Hardin (men's tennis),
Kenyon Kautz (men's golf),
Connor Klementowicz (men's basketball)
Nominees: Sabrina Bryan (women's soccer),
Sara Guarascio (women's lacrosse),
Sarah Catherine Herndon (women's tennis),
Frankie O'Brien (field hockey)
Female Rookie of the Year
This award is presented to a true freshman who shows maturity and displayed outstanding athleticism and dedication in his sport, but also understood the importance of sportsmanship and what it takes to be a member of the Pride.
Nominees: Maddie Appleton (volleyball),
Cami Larsson (field hockey),
Katherine Kachkarov (women's tennis),
Jess Smith (women's lacrosse),
Miri Taylor (women's soccer)
Male Rookie of the Year
This award is presented to a true freshman who shows maturity and displayed outstanding athleticism and dedication in his sport, but also understood the importance of sportsmanship and what it takes to be a member of the Pride.
Nominees: Sterlyn Ardrey (men's lacrosse),
Shawn Jackson (men's tennis),
Ryan Rue (baseball),
Dylan Ryder (wrestling),
Luca Tausch (men's soccer)
Coach of the Year Award
The Coach of the Year Award is to honor a coach who has demonstrated a sound ability to develop and improve individual and team performance throughout the year through promoting fun, fairness, participation, respect, and upholding the rules, values, and goals of Hofstra University.
Nominees: Emily Mansur (volleyball),
Joe Mihalich (men's basketball),
Simon Riddiough (women's soccer)
Team of the Year Award
This award is presented to the team who has achieved outstanding success throughout their season for the 2018-2019 academic school year. The members of this team have represented the Pride in all aspects, demonstrating the utmost commitment, athleticism, and dedication to their sport.
Nominees: men's basketball, women's soccer, volleyball, women's lacrosse
Nick Colleluori Unsung Hero Award - Madeline Anderson, women's soccer
The Nick Colleluori Unsung Hero Award was established in 2007 to recognize a student-athlete that has always been an exceptional representative of the Hofstra Athletics program. The award is named after the former Pride Lacrosse player, who waged a courageous 14-month battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma before passing away in November 2006 at age 21.
Dr. Sylvia J. Giallombardo Award - Monique Iannella, women's soccer
This award is given to the Hofstra's top female scholar-athlete.
Dr. James M. Shuart Award - Jan Leithner, men's tennis
This award is given to the Hofstra's top male scholar-athlete.
Dr. Nathalie J. Smith Award - Alyssa Parrella, women's lacrosse
This award is given to the Hofstra's top female student-athlete.
Howard "Howdy" Myers Award - Justin Wright-Foreman, men's basketball
This award is given to the Hofstra's top male student-athlete.
