Hempstead, NY - It was another outstanding year for the Hofstra University Department of Athletics as on Monday evening the University and department celebrated the year in Pride athletics with the seventh annual HOFSPYS Awards.

The event was held at John Cranford Adams Playhouse, located on the University's South Campus.

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 photos in the lobby.

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 handing out of all the awards, Sorelle Ineza of the women's basketball team  and Jaxon Hummel of the men's golf team had the honor of being the Senior Speakers and then Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. closed the evening with his yearly message to the group.

The following awards were presented at the HOFSPYS:

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 - Julia Apsel (Softball)
Nominees - Julia Apsel (Softball), Lea Forste-Dinell (Tennis), Sorelle Ineza (Basketball), Jordyn McDonnell (Cross Country/Track), Dagny Run Petursdottir (Soccer), Pieke Roos (Field Hockey), Kerry Walser (Lacrosse), Savannah Weyrauch (Golf)
Presented by: Dr. Nathalie J. Smith

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.
Winners - Eliot Goldthorp (Soccer) and Tyler Thomas (Basketball)
Nominees - Eliot Goldthorp (Soccer), Keaton Kluever (Wrestling), Ostap Kovalenko (Tennis), Abraham Longosiwa (Cross Country/Track), Chase Patterson (Lacrosse), Santino Rosso (Baseball), Tyler Thomas (Basketball)
Presented by: Jay Artinian, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Chief Operating Officer

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 - Karissa Hough (Field Hockey)
Nominees - Beatriz Alves (Volleyball), Lea Forste-Dinell (Tennis), Louise Hayden (Soccer), Karissa Hough (Field Hockey), Taylor Mennella (Lacrosse), Jordyn McDonnell (Cross Country/Track), Becca Vaillancourt (Softball), Cynthia Zhao (Golf)
Presented by: Graham Radcliffe, Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Success and Services and Allie Brady, Assistant Director of Athletics, Learning Specialist

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 - Sean Hamilton (Baseball), Pierce Infuso (Soccer), Keaton Kluever (Wrestling), Chase Patterson (Lacrosse), Josh Reynolds (Tennis), Michael Silveri (Cross Country/Track)
Presented by: Rachel Peel-Macandrew, Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Success

Nick Colleluori Unsung Hero Award - award 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 - Sam Lutfi (Lacrosse)
Nominees - Ryan Arbeit (Wrestling), Roc Carles (Soccer), Jacco Fritz (Basketball), Jaxon Hummel (Golf), Sam Lutfi (Lacrosse), Jonathan Mahrt Guyou (Tennis), Michael Silveri (Cross Country/Track)
Presented by: Colleluori Family

Nick Colleluori Unsung Hero Award - award 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.
WOMEN'S TEAM HONOREE
Winner - Trinity Reed (Lacrosse)
Nominees - Aliya Catanzarita (Softball), Ally Knights (Basketball), Mary Madigan (Tennis), Sarah Pierre (Volleyball), Trinity Reed (Lacrosse), Liv Truong (Field Hockey), Savannah Weyrauch (Golf), Cailey Welch (Soccer)
Presented by: Colleluori Family

Rookie of the Year From A Women's Team - this award is presented to freshmen who show maturity and display outstanding athleticism and dedication in his sport, but also understand the importance of sportsmanship and what it takes to be a member of the Pride. 
Winners - Beatriz Braga (Volleyball) and Nikki Mennella (Lacrosse)
Nominees - Beatriz Braga (Volleyball), Micaela Carter (Basketball), Kelly Levengood (Field Hockey), Sasha McTiffin (Soccer), Nikki Mennella (Lacrosse), Ava Veneziano (Tennis), Lily Yepez (Softball)
Presented by: Tripp Tuff, Head Women's Tennis Coach

Rookie of the Year From A Men's Team - this award is presented to freshmen who show maturity and display outstanding athleticism and dedication in his sport, but also understand the importance of sportsmanship and what it takes to be a member of the Pride. 
Winner - Noah Tapia (Wrestling)
Nominees - Maxim Michaels (Tennis), Noah Tapia (Wrestling, Daniel Torrillo (Cross Country/Track)
Presented by: Arielle Shuren, Head Men's Tennis Coach

Team of the Year - this award is presented to the team who has achieved outstanding success throughout their season during the 2022-23 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: Dr. Rebecca Bertuccio, Associate Director of Athletics for Mental Health Services

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 - Men's Soccer
Presented by: Richard Wisor, Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance & Student-Athlete Success

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, Kate and Willie Pride, Pep Band
Presented by: Pat Montagano, Senior Director of Campus Recreation

Pride Cup - the Pride Cup is a year-long competition between teams that incorporates academic achievement, team performance, community service, attendance at mandatory programming, and support of fellow athletic teams.
Winner - Women's Tennis
Presented by: Trinity Reed and Leslie Villafuerte Castro, Hofstra SAAC Pride Cup Coordinators

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: Clara Bal, Hofstra SAAC Community Service Coordinator

Senior Speakers - 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 or individuals 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. 
Sorelle Ineza (Women's Basketball) and Jaxon Hummel (Men's Golf)

Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr Award For Leadership And Service Award - 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 - Tori Bien (Women's Golf)
Presented by: Jerry Hubshman, Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs

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 - Savannah Weyrauch (Golf)
Nominees: Beatriz Braga (Volleyball), Megan Carroll (Lacrosse), Margaret Peterson (Soccer), Chelsea Villar (Softball), Savannah Weyrauch (Golf)
Presented by: Kelly Shaver, Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Performance, and Dominick Saldutti, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

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 - Ericson Velasquez (Wrestling)
Nominees: George Gilbert (Lacrosse), Nile Love (Cross Country/Track), Alex McCoy (Baseball), Ryan Rue (Baseball), Ericson Velasquez (Wrestling)
Presented by: Kelly Shaver, Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Performance, and Dominick Saldutti, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

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 - Sorelle Ineza (Women's Basketball) and Chase Patterson (Men's Lacrosse)
Presented by: Mackenzie Taylor, Assistant Director of Athletics for Business Operations

Pride Service 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 - Joe Barkwill
Presented by: Jay Artinian, Assistant Vice President for Athletics/Chief Operating Officer, and Ryan Watson, Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Facilities

Jack Lenz Award - presented in recognition of exceptional and dedicated service for more than 20 years to the Hofstra Athletics Pride Club and Hofstra University Department of Athletics in support of athletics and academics. 
Winner - Greg Parisi
Presented by: Jessica Kalbfleisch, Assistant Director of Athletics for Donor and Fan Experience

Joseph M. Margiotta Award - given by the Hofstra University Department of Athletics in recognition of extraordinary dedication, generosity and service to the Hofstra Athletics Pride Club and Hofstra Athletics.
Winner - Nathalie J. Smith
Presented by: Jerry Hubshman, Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs

Team MVP Award - the Team Most Valuable Player Award is selected by each coaching staff based on their own criteria. 
Winners - Dylan Palmer (Baseball), Tyler Thomas (Men's Basketball), Emma Von Essen (Women's Basketball), Zach Van Houten (Men's Cross Country), Jordyn McDonnell (Women's Cross Country and Women's Track), Pieke Roos (Field Hockey), Eugene Kang (Men's Golf), Savannah Weyrauch (Women's Golf), John Madsen (Men's Lacrosse), Kerry Walser (Women's Lacrosse), Pierce Infuso (Men's Soccer), Louise Hayden (Women's Soccer), Julia Apsel (Softball), Ostap Kovalenko (Men's Tennis), Dianela Rodriguez (Women's Tennis), Nile Love (Men's Track), Beatriz Alves (Volleyball), Keaton Kluever (Wrestling), Kayla Collins (Cheer Team), Isabella LoBue (Dance Team), Willie (Mascots), Josie Racette (Pep Band)

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 - Michael Florides (Baseball), Jacco Fritz (Men's Basketball), Sorelle Ineza (Women's Basketball), Michael Silveri (Men's Cross Country), Jackalynn Orellana (Women's Cross Country), Kelly Levengood (Field Hockey), Jaxon Hummel (Men's Golf), Claire Galante (Women's Golf), Richie Hickis (Men's Lacrosse), Melissa Sconone (Women's Lacrosse), Logan D'Aoust (Men's Soccer), Aimee Hodgson (Women's Soccer), Olivia Malinowski (Softball), Jonathan Mahrt Guyou (Men's Tennis), Lea Forste-Dinell (Women's Tennis), Abraham Longosiwa (Men's Track), Samantha Szabo (Women's Track), Sarah Pierre (Volleyball), Ryan Arbeit (Wrestling), Peter Nicolino (Cheer Team), Marina LoRe (Dance Team), Kate (Mascots), Bennett Vogel (Pep Band)