Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University and the Department of Athletics celebrated the year in Pride Athletics at the ninth annual HOFSPYS Awards on April 27 at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. The evening included the presentation of numerous awards, as well as senior recognition and highlight clips of the year's top plays. Attendees had the chance to walk the red carpet as they entered and take plenty of photos at various photo stations. 
 
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, German Plotnikov of the men's basketball 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.

Winners - Nikki Mennella (lacrosse) and Izadora Stedile (volleyball)
Nominees - Aryanah Kahnamoui (tennis), Teresa Karoff (field hockey), Sasha McTiffin (soccer), Nikki Mennella (lacrosse), Alanna Morse (softball), Izadora Stedile (volleyball), Chloe Sterling (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 - Freddie Kipkosgei (cross country/track)
Nominees - Blake Cooling (lacrosse), Cruz Davis (basketball), Laurie Goddard (soccer), Freddie Kipkosgei (cross country/track)
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 Braga (volleyball)
Nominees - Beatriz Braga (volleyball), Katarina Drinchich (tennis), Aimee Hodgson (soccer), Teresa Karoff (field hockey), Madeleine Rudolph (lacrosse), Gabby Sultan (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 Kate Flamio, 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 - Cruz Davis (basketball)
Nominees - Tyler Barbaro (golf), Daniel Burko (soccer), Cruz Davis (basketball), Eñaut Garcia (tennis), Sean Hamilton (baseball), 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 Kate Flamio, 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 - Aleksei Armas (soccer) (not present, award accepted by Pietro Santi)
Nominees - Aleksei Armas (soccer), Charlie Ferrise (golf), Abraham Longosiwa (cross country/track), German Plotnikov (basketball), Jon Singer (lacrosse)
Presented by: Nick's brother and HEADstrong Foundation Chief Development Officer Pat Colleluori Jr.


 
WOMEN'S TEAM HONOREE
Winner - Chelsea Villar (softball)
Nominees - Clara Bal (volleyball), Luchianna Cardello (lacrosse), Ema Karim (basketball), Lauren Lucas (field hockey), Amy Meadows (soccer), Sabira Mohamed (tennis), Chelsea Villar (softball)
Presented by: Nick's brother and HEADstrong Foundation Chief Development Officer Pat Colleluori Jr.


 
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 - Gwenn van Dijk (field hockey)
Nominees - Aida Oviedo (tennis), Isabella Spagnoli (cross country/track), Madison Steppe (softball), Gwenn van Dijk (field hockey)
Presented by: Head Softball Coach Susan Cassidy-Lyke


 
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 - Preston Edmead (basketball) (not present, award accepted by Coordinator of Video and Player Development Lee Gerstman)
Nominees - Preston Edmead (basketbal), Hank Kancher (golf), Abel Kipkemboi (cross country/track), Gus Langtry (lacrosse) 
Presented by: Head Men's Soccer Coach Stephen Roche


 
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 Basketball
Presented by: Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Revenue Officer Bryan Graff


 
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.

Winners - Men's Basketball and Men's Cross Country
Presented by: Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Finance and Administration Kevin DesLauriers




 
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 - Cheer Team
Nominees: Dance Team, Cheer Team, Pep Band, Kate and Willie Pride 
Presented by: Senior Director of Campus Recreation Pat Montagano


 
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.

Winners - Steiger Devil (men's track) and Kelly Levengood (field hockey)
Presented by: SAAC Community Service Coordinator Clara Bal


 
Pride Service Award - this award is presented to a colleague on campus who has been an invaluable ally to Hofstra Athletics, and goes above and beyond in their work with our student-athletes and staff.
Winner - Senior Director of Campus Recreation Pat Montagano
Presented by: Hofstra Dance Team Coch Kelly Olson-Leon, Hofstra Cheer Coach Christine Farina, and Hofstra pep Band Coordinator Andrew Singer


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 - German Plotnikov (basketball)


 
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 - Constanza Perez Sain (volleyball)
Presented by: Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance, Diversity, and Inclusion/Senior Woman Administrator Alyssa Morales Kelly


 
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 - Margaret Peterson (soccer)
Nominees: Beatriz Braga (volleyball), Kelly Levengood (field hockey), Megan Maragliano (tennis), Margaret Peterson (soccer)
Presented by: Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Performance Justin Bentivegna, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach DJ Melgar, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Angelo Salomon, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Watson Berreman, and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Michael Luongo


 
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 - Sean Hamilton (baseball)
Nominees: Jurius Clark (wrestling), Will Delaney (lacrosse), George Gilbert (lacrosse), Sean Hamilton (baseball)
Presented by: Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Performance Justin Bentivegna, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach DJ Melgar, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Angelo Salomon, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Watson Berreman, and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Michael Luongo


 
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 - Chelsea Villar (softball) and Blake Cooling (men's lacrosse)
Presented by: Assistant Director of Athletics for Business Operation Haley Dillon



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.
Winners - Assistant Director of Athletics for Broadcast Productions Kevin Dexter and Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance & Student-Athlete Success Rich Wisor
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 - Beatriz Braga (volleyball), Jamie McMillan (field hockey), Laurie Goddard (men's soccer), Sasha McTiffin (women's soccer), Freddie Kipkosgei (men's cross country), Isabella Spagnoli (women's cross country), Cruz Davis (men's basketball), Chloe Sterling (women's basketball), Jake Slotnick (wrestling), Michael Brown (baseball), Alanna Morse (softball), Trevor Natalie (men's lacrosse), Nikki Mennella (women's lacrosse), Hank Kancher (men's golf), Regina Cantu Chavez (women's golf), Isabella Spagnoli (women's track), Abel Kipkemboi (men's track), Hideki Matsuoka (men's tennis), Aryanah Kahnamoui (women's tennis), Nikki Flanagan (pep band), Emma Valleca (dance), Julie Weltner (cheer), Kate 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 - Clara Bal (volleyball), Pilar Penaloza (field hockey), Pietro Santi (men's soccer), Amy Meadows (women's soccer), Brian Beck (men's cross country), Tori Bien (women's cross country), Silas Sunday (men's basketball), Alarice Gooden (women's basketball), Chase Liardi (wrestling), Brayden Gregg (baseball), Emma Falen (softball), Blake Cooling (men's lacrosse), Christine Dannenfelser (women's lacrosse), Will Thu (men's track), Macy Neider (women's track), Charlie Ferrise (men's golf), Victoria Minicucci (women's golf), Hideki Matsuoka (men's tennis), Ava Veneziano (women's tennis), Andrew Nicholas (pep band), Isabelle Uberti (dance), Caroline Arent (cheer), Willie Pride (mascots)



Hofstra's student-athletes and spirit support teams voted on the following superlative awards:

Best Duo - Avery Brawner and Isabella Gerena (women's cross country/track) and Caroline Arent and Kelly Arent (cheer)
Presented by: Chelsea Villar (softball) and Avery Mars (dance)


 
Walking Ice Pack - Kesia Richardson (field hockey) and Ava Albanese (cheer)
Presented by: Gemma D'Orazio (softball) and Haley Hepworth (dance)


 
Most Likely To Live In The Student Center - Constanza Perez Sain (volleyball) and Diego Gomes de Silva (cheer)
Presented by: Chelsea Villar (softball) and Avery Mars (dance)



Can Nap Anywhere - Tati Boyd (field hockey) and Ariana Herrera (cheer) and Tori Bellas (dance)
Presented by: Gemma D'Orazio (softball) and Haley Hepworth (dance)