Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. today announced the return of Justin Bentivegna to the position of associate director of athletics for sports performance. Bentivegna had been an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Hofstra from 2017 to 2022. 

"Thrilled to welcome Justin back to the Hofstra family," said Cole Jr. "An innovative leader with tremendous experience, Justin had a great connection with our student-athletes during his first tenure and I look forward to them benefitting from his guidance once again."   

"It is an honor and a privilege to be back in the Blue and Gold," said Bentivegna. "The Athletics Department is filled with incredibly hard working and talented individuals. I am excited about the opportunity we have in strength and conditioning to provide our student-athletes with a transformational experience for athletics and for life."

A seasoned strength and conditioning professional with more than a decade of experience spanning NCAA Division I athletics, U.S. military special operations, and academic leadership, Bentivegna  was a special operations strength and conditioning specialist for Naval Special Warfare in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from 2022 to 2025. There, he delivered elite performance programming, incorporating advanced technologies like VO2 Max testing, force plate analysis, and wearable data, while working closely with multidisciplinary teams in nutrition, cognitive performance, and sports medicine. He also supported U.S. Army Special Operations Command in 2021, delivering individualized programs and readiness initiatives.

Prior to his work in tactical performance, Bentivegna spent nearly five years at Hofstra, overseeing eight NCAA Division I programs. He also oversaw the strength and conditioning department's internship program and provided nutritional guidance to Pride student-athletes. Bentivegna also led leadership development initiatives, including the Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret) Esq. Pride Leadership Academy, was an adjunct professor in the graduate sports science program, and was the faculty advisor for Hofstra's Fellowship of Christian Athletes club. His impact earned him Hofstra's 2018 Assistant Coach of the Year Award.

Bentivegna has also coached at the University of Connecticut, Springfield College, and College of the Holy Cross, and is a former team captain for the University of Hartford men's lacrosse team, where he earned a degree in health science. He later completed his master's degree in exercise science at Springfield College.

A frequent clinic presenter, Bentivegna is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a CSCCa Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified, and a BioForce Certified Conditioning Coach. He also holds certifications from USA Weightlifting, Precision Nutrition, Barbell Rehab Method, and the American Red Cross. Bentivegna is known for his athlete-centered approach, leadership focus, and dedication to excellence through service.