Hempstead, NY - The Hofstra University Department of Athletics is saddened to announce the passing of former men's lacrosse standout and Hofstra Athletics Hall of Famer Jerry Simandl, who passed away recently. 

Simandl, a 1955 Hofstra graduate, was one of the most accomplished players in the history of the men's lacrosse program. A four-year letterwinner from 1952 through 1955 under legendary Head Coach Howard "Howdy" Myers, Simandl earned second team All-America honors in 1955 and was selected to participate in the annual North-South Senior All-Star Game.

During his outstanding senior season in 1955, Simandl led the nation in scoring with 102 points on 44 goals and 58 assists. He also led the country in assists and ranked second nationally in goals while helping Hofstra to a 14-2 record and a No. 3 national ranking. He was also an All-Laurie Cox Division selection that season.

Simandl concluded his Hofstra career with 119 goals and 119 assists for 238 points. He established numerous school records, including career points and assists, single-season points and assists, and points in a game. He recorded 12 points in a game twice during the 1955 season, against Cortland State and Union. Simandl was a member of four nationally ranked Hofstra teams during his career.

Simandl was held in the highest regard by Myers. In an interview with the Baltimore Sun in the late 1950s, Myers selected Simandl as one of the 10 players he would choose for an all-star team from among all the student-athletes he had coached during his career. Simandl considered the recognition one of the great honors of his playing career.

Simandl was inducted into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame in 2011. His No. 10 jersey was retired by Hofstra Athletics in 2009, making him one of the first two men's lacrosse student-athletes in program history to receive the honor.