The Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret) Esq. Pride Leadership Academy, an initiative designed to cultivate an environment where student-athletes have the opportunity to evolve into leaders of impact, was instituted in 2020 thanks to the generosity of Colonel Woycik and his wife, Carolyn Sanchez. Both are long-time supporters of Hofstra University and the athletics program.
This leadership program is named after Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr., who served in the US Army for over 30 years after graduating from Hofstra University in 1977, where he was a midfielder on the men's lacrosse team. He is also a graduate of Hofstra Law School. Colonel Dave was a Military Police Officer and a Judge Advocate General while serving in the US Army. He served overseas in combat during Operation Desert Storm, as well as seven tours in Panama. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, and other commendations for his outstanding leadership and dedication to his country.
He is a recipient of the Hofstra Alumnus of the Year Award, as well as the President of the Hofstra Pride Club from 2006-2010, Veteran of the Year, Pride Club Member of the Year, and was the Law School Distinguished Lawyer of the Year. He is an avid community philanthropist involved in many organizations including Vet Dogs of America, Canine Companions for Independence, Warrior Ranch Foundation, as well as Hofstra University.
Membership into the Pride Leadership Academy involves a rigorous selection process that includes an application, academic requirements, multiple rounds of interviews, and letters of recommendation.
Student-athletes participating in the Pride Leadership Academy receive additional training and development in critical leadership areas such as personal leadership styles, strategies, and tactics. Members also participate in a mentorship program, learn foundational principals of etiquette, organize and complete a community service project, take part in a networking luncheon with prominent Hofstra alumni, receive feedback from the Pride Leadership Academy Committee, and celebrate their transition to leaders of impact with an end of the year graduation ceremony.
The Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret) Esq. Pride Leadership Academy Code of Conduct
The Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret) Esq. Pride Leadership Academy has created a code of conduct to set the standard for the values we intend to articulate and exhibit in our daily lives. Entrance into the Leadership Academy involves every student-athlete taking on the responsibility to abide by the core values. Applying these values to our life will transcend individual responsibility and enhance relationships now and for years to come. This agreement signifies our role to be receptive leaders who will lead by example, and become trailblazers in our personal and professional lives.
As exemplary leaders, we make the commitment to honor our teammates and pledge to serve others. Under the Academy's direction, we will learn to build a culture of excellence at the highest level. As we continue to pursue a lifestyle of life-long learning, we know that these behaviors will lead to lasting impact in the lives of those around us.
We acknowledge there will be adversity on the success journey and we make a decision to respond with integrity on every occasion. Knowledge acquired through our training will be the springboard to practical application where we will foster a culture of respect, accountability, and preparation for both the near and distant future. We willingly and gratefully accept this challenge.
The Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret) Esq. Pride Leadership Academy Class of 2024-25
The Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret) Esq. Pride Leadership Academy Committee Members
*-Facilitator
The Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret) Esq. Pride Leadership Testimonials
The Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret) Esq. Pride Leadership Academy Classes
2023-24
Clara Bal (volleyball)
Tori Bien (women's golf)
Anna Butler (softball)
Alarice Gooden (women's basketball)
Jaxon Hummel (men's golf)
Dominique Jimenez (women's golf)
Michael Leandrou (wrestling)
Nile Love (men's cross country/track & field)
Amy Meadows (women's soccer)
Nikki Mennella (women's lacrosse)
Sabira Mohamed (women's tennis)
Alanna Morse (softball)
Trey Parkes (men's lacrosse)
Pilar Penaloza (field hockey)
Pieke Roos (field hockey)
2021-22
Maddie Appleton (volleyball)
Griffin Barrouck (men's basketball)
JaKayla Brown (women's basketball)
Simran Desai (women's tennis)
Alex Dudley (men's soccer)
Gabriela Espinoza (field hockey)
Mark Faello (baseball)
Marlene Fries (women's soccer)
Jake Giannone (men's lacrosse)
Meghan Giordano (softball)
Karissa Hough (field hockey)
Sorelle Ineza (women's basketball)
Pierce Infuso (men's soccer)
Will Kennedy (baseball)
Sam Lutfi (men's lacrosse)
Holger Maaloe (men's soccer)
Sheryl Mathew (volleyball)
Margo McCormack (women's lacrosse)
Sarah Pierre (volleyball)
Trey Rogers (wrestling)
Jess Smith (women's lacrosse)
Wessel Speel (men's soccer)
Anja Suttner (women's soccer)
Isabella Tonuzi (women's tennis)
Mandisa Walle (women's tennis)
Aiden Willey (men's cross country/track)
Kayla Wilson (softball)
Cynthia Zhao (women's golf)
2020-21 (Inaugural Class)
JaKayla Brown (women's basketball)
Alex Cianciolo (women's track)
Alex Dudley (men's soccer)
Marlene Fries (women's soccer)
Leah Gath (women's cross country)
Meghan Giordano (softball)
Sorelle Ineza (women's basketball)
Isaac Kante (men's basketball)
Cami Larsson (field hockey)
Sydney LeGuillow (field hockey)
Ryan Morash (baseball)
Chase Patterson (men's lacrosse)
Sarah Pierre (volleyball)
Trey Rogers (wrestling)
Colton Rudd (men's lacrosse)
Jess Smith (women's lacrosse)
Mandisa Walle (women's tennis)
Cynthia Zhao (women's golf)
