Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University and the Department of Athletics celebrated the year in Pride Athletics at the eighth annual HOFSPYS Awards. 

The event was held on Tuesday evening in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. 

The evening included the presenting of numerous awards, as well as camaraderie between the many teams and people in attendance. Attendees had the chance to walk the red carpet as they entered and take plenty of photos. 
 
Hofstra alum and longtime University public address announcer Siddique Farooqi welcomed the crowd and Hofstra President Dr. Susan Poser delivered her opening remarks.
 
Following the presentation of awards, Beatriz Alves of the volleyball team had the honor of being the Senior Speaker and then Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. closed the evening with his yearly message to the group.
 
Dr. Nathalie J. Smith Award - this award was created in honor of a woman who has been an integral part of women's athletics at Hofstra University. Dr. Smith started the volleyball and women's lacrosse teams at Hofstra, and coached field hockey as well. She toured the world as a member of the United States women's lacrosse team, and served as chairperson of our Physical Education Department. In 2006, she was inducted into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame. The award is presented to the student-athlete of the year from a women's team.

Winner - Nikki Mennella (lacrosse)
Nominees - Chiara Cucco (volleyball), Millie Davies (soccer), Nikki Mennella (lacrosse), Alanna Morse (softball), Pieke Roos (field hockey), Zyheima Swint (basketball)
Presented by: Dr. Nathalie J. Smith and Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance, Diversity, and Inclusion/Senior Woman Administrator Alyssa Morales Kelly
 
Howard "Howdy" Myers Award - this award was created in honor of a man who served as Hofstra University's director of athletics, head men's lacrosse coach, and head football coach for a quarter of a century. Coach Myers recorded 214 wins as lacrosse coach and made four NCAA Division I Championship Tournament appearances. He recorded 141 wins as football coach and in 1959 he led the team to the first undefeated season in Hofstra football history. Coach Myers was a 2006 inductee into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame.This award is presented to the student-athlete of the year from a men's team.

Winner - Pierce Infuso (soccer)
Nominees - Joseph Giamanco (golf), Pierce Infuso (soccer), Abraham Longosiwa (cross country/track), John Madsen (lacrosse), Kyle Mosher (wrestling), Dylan Palmer (baseball), German Plotnikov (basketball)
Presented by: Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Chief Operating Officer Jay Artinian

Sylvia J. Giallombardo Award - this award is given to Hofstra's top scholar-athlete from a women's team and is named after a woman who served a Hofstra University director of women's athletics and played a major role in advancing Hofstra's athletics program, both men and women, during her tenure. Dr. Giallombardo also coached the women's basketball team for 16 years, and served as coach of the softball, tennis and fencing programs during her tenure. She was a 2006 inductee to the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame.

Winner - Beatriz Alves (volleyball)
Nominees - Beatriz Alves (volleyball), Lea Forste-Dinell (tennis), Aimee Hodgson (soccer), Karissa Hough (field hockey), Madeleine Rudolph (lacrosse), Haley Venturini (softball), Emma Von Essen (basketball)
Presented by: Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Success Rachel Peel-Macandrew, Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Success and Services Graham Radcliffe, Assistant Director of Athletics, Learning Specialist Allie Brady, Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Services Becky Considine, and Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance & Student-Athlete Success Rich Wisor
 
Dr. James M. Shuart Award - this award is presented to the top male scholar-athlete and is named after the former Hofstra University President (1976-2001), who was also a two-sport athlete (football, lacrosse) at the University and a 2006 Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame inductee.

Winner - Josh Reynolds (tennis)
Nominees - Vincent Apostolico (golf), Cruz Davis (basketball), Sean Hamilton (baseball), Jack O'Malley (soccer), Josh Reynolds (tennis), Matt Vilas (lacrosse) 
Presented by: Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Success Rachel Peel-Macandrew, Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Success and Services Graham Radcliffe, Assistant Director of Athletics, Learning Specialist Allie Brady, Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Services Becky Considine, and Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance & Student-Athlete Success Rich Wisor
 
Nick Colleluori Unsung Hero Awards - these awards recognizes the accomplishments of student-athletes who help their respective teams achieve success in ways that may not always be measured by statistics. This 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.

MEN'S TEAM HONOREE
Winner - German Plotnikov (basketball)
Nominees - Roc Carles (soccer), Joseph Giamanco (golf), Rory Jones (lacrosse), Abraham Longosiwa (cross country/track), German Plotnikov (basketball)
Presented by: Nick's brother and HEADstrong Foundation Chief Development Officer Pat Colleluori Jr. and HEADstrong Foundation Vice President for Community Engagement Jeff Baxter
 
WOMEN'S TEAM HONOREE
Winner - Heather Canavan (field hockey)
Nominees - Tori Bien (cross country/track/golf), Heather Canavan (field hockey), Luchianna Cardello (lacrosse), Janaia Fargo (basketball), Mary Madigan (tennis), Gabriella Marte (soccer), Ellie Pamatat (volleyball), Kellie Sandas (softball)
Presented by: Nick's brother and HEADstrong Foundation Chief Development Officer Pat Colleluori Jr. and HEADstrong Foundation Vice President for Community Engagement Jeff Baxter
 
Rookie of the Year From A Women's Team - this award is presented to a freshman who shows maturity and displays outstanding athleticism and dedication in her sport, but also understands the importance of sportsmanship and what it takes to be a member of the Pride. 

Winner - Kayleigh Bender (lacrosse)
Nominees - Kayleigh Bender (lacrosse), Gemma D'Orazio (softball), Hailey Moschitta (soccer), Ellie Pamatat (volleyball), Isabella Tassara (field hockey)
Presented by: Head Field Hockey Coach Hillary Fitts
 
Rookie of the Year From A Men's Team - this award is presented to a freshman who shows maturity and displays outstanding athleticism and dedication in his sport, but also understands the importance of sportsmanship and what it takes to be a member of the Pride. 

Winner - Drew Bogardus (lacrosse)
Nominees - Drew Bogardus (lacrosse), Tyler Castrataro (baseball), Joshua DeCady (basketball), Thengill Orrason (soccer) 
Presented by: Head Wrestling Coach Jamie Franco
 
Team of the Year - this award is presented to the team who has achieved outstanding success throughout their season during the 2024-25 academic year. The members of this team have represented the Pride in all aspects, demonstrating the utmost commitment, athleticism, and dedication to their sport.

Winner - Men's Soccer
Presented by: Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs Jessica Kalbfleisch
 
Coaching Staff of the Year - the Coaching Staff of the Year Award is to honor a staff which 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.

Winner - Wrestling (Head Coach Jamie Franco, Assistant Coach Jesse DellaVecchia, Assistant Coach Anthony Sobotker, Volunteer Assistant Coach Trainee Joe Booth)
Presented by: Associate Director of Athletics for Mental Health Services Dr. Rebecca Bertuccio
 
Spirit Support Group of the Year - this honor is awarded to the spirit support group whose collaboration has demonstrated success and overall contribution to the Athletics Department this past year.

Winner - Dance Team
Nominees: Dance Team, Cheer Team, Pep Band, Kate and Willie Pride 
Presented by: Director of Creative and Digital Marketing Strategy Hannah Geller
 
Hofstra Pride Community Service Award - this award is presented to the student-athlete that has completed the most hours of service throughout the academic year.

Winner - Megan Carroll (women's lacrosse)
Presented by: SAAC Community Service Coordinators Clara Bal and Mary Madigan
 
Senior Speaker - the Senior Speaker program was introduced in 2005 as a way of having representatives from the graduating senior class convey the Hofstra student-athlete experience. The Department of Athletics feels that the message of the senior class is best delivered by an individual who has represented the University at a high level in the classroom, on the fields of play, and in the community. Each year the Senior Speaker is selected based on these criteria. 

Honoree - Beatriz Alves (volleyball)
 
Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. Award For Leadership And Service - this award was established in 2021 to recognize a student-athlete who has demonstrated the highest degree of excellence in their commitment to their country, Hofstra University, and their community by displaying unselfish devotion in leadership towards others while maintaining the principles of honor, courage, and commitment in the pursuit of success.

Winner - Millie Davies (women's soccer)
Presented by: Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Revenue Officer Bryan Graff
 
Strength and Conditioning Athlete Award From A Women's Team - this award is presented to an athlete for outstanding performance and commitment to strength and conditioning. The strength and conditioning staff select the recipient.

Winner - Tori Bien (cross country/track and golf)
Nominees: Tori Bien (cross country/track and golf), Kyndall Jackson (lacrosse), Lauren Konzen (volleyball), Margaret Peterson (soccer), Arden Wojtach (field hockey)
Presented by: Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Performance Kelly Shaver and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Evie Jerome
 
Strength and Conditioning Athlete Award From A Men's Team - this award is presented to an athlete for outstanding performance and commitment to strength and conditioning. The strength and conditioning staff select the recipient.

Winner - Ross McFarland (wrestling)
Nominees: Branden Brown (baseball), Will Delaney (lacrosse), Russell Hunter (baseball), Ross McFarland (wrestling), Joe Russo (wrestling)
Presented by: Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Performance Kelly Shaver and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Evie Jerome
 
Golden Lion Awards - These awards are given to two individuals (one from a women's team and one from a men's team) who best represent what it means to be a Hofstra University student-athlete. The recipients must demonstrate commitment to their respective teams, as well as their fellow student-athletes, and show dedication in their academic pursuits and community service endeavors.

Winners - Olivia Malinowski (softball) and Pierce Infuso (men's soccer)
Presented by: Assistant Director of Athletics for Donor and Fan Experience Mackenzie Taylor

Cindy Lewis Award - Named in honor of our longtime administrator who passed away In 2023. Cindy Lewis spent 43 years at Hofstra as a coach and administrator, and also was a two-sport student-athlete for the Pride. The award is presented to the Hofstra Athletics Employee Of The Year.
Winner - Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs Jessica Kalbfleisch
Presented by: Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr.
 
Team MVP Award - the Team Most Valuable Player Award is selected by each coaching staff based on their own criteria. 

Winners - Pieke Roos (field hockey), Beatriz Alves (volleyball), Millie Davies (women's soccer), Pierce Infuso (men's soccer), Abraham Longosiwa (men's cross country and men's track), Jackalynn Orellana (women's cross country), Cruz Davis (men's basketball), Emma Von Essen (women's basketball), Kyle Mosher (wrestling), Alanna Morse (softball), Dylan Palmer (baseball), Isabella Gerena (women's track), Regina Cantu Chavez (women's golf), Joseph Giamanco (men's golf), Nikki Mennella (women's lacrosse), Rory Jones (men's lacrosse), Lea Forste-Dinell (women's tennis), Noa Forste-Dinell (men's tennis), Mia McPartling (pep band), Hailey DiCio (dance team), Matt Friedman (cheer team), Willie Pride (mascots)
 
Team Pride Award - the Team Pride Award is selected by each coaching staff, and honors a student-athlete that is selfless and always puts their team first. This individual serves as a guiding light for the rest of the team and represents the program in the highest standards in everything they do.

Winners - Kelly Levengood (field hockey), Clara Bal (volleyball), Olivia Pearse (women's soccer), Logan D'Aoust (men's soccer), Saralyn Frederick (women's cross country), Daniel Torrillo (men's cross country), Janaia Fargo (women's basketball), German Plotnikov (men's basketball), Dylan Acevedo (wrestling), Emma Falen (softball), Luke Masiuk (baseball), Megan Flannery (women's lacrosse), Trevor Natalie (men's lacrosse), Tori Bien (women's track), Alec Padron (men's track), Mai Takahashi (women's golf), Vincent Apostolico (men's golf), Mary Madigan (women's tennis), Josh Reynolds (men's tennis), Mateo Cardace (pep band), Avery Mars (dance team), Jon Evers (cheer team), Kate Pride (mascots)
 
This year, Hofstra's student-athletes and spirit support teams voted on the following awards:

Best Duo - Chelsea Villar and Mackenzie Fitzgerald (softball) and Haley DiCio and Mia Andonelos (dance team)
Presented by: Kyndall Jackson (women's lacrosse) and Jon Lisella (dance team)
 
 Walking Ice Pack - Abby Catalano (women's lacrosse) and Stacey Wong (dance team)
Presented by: Brynn Hepting (women's lacrosse) and Matt Friedman (cheer team)
 
Most Likely To Live In The Student Center - Men's soccer team and Laila Owens (cheer team)
Presented by: Mai Takahashi (women's golf) and Josie Racette (pep band)