Hempstead, NY - The "We Are Hofstra....We Are Leaders" program recognizes the all-around success of select Hofstra University student-athletes. The key criteria includes excellence in academics, leadership and dedication in athletics, a commitment to community service, and the extent to which they serve as a role model for their peers.
A senior member of the Hofstra Softball program, Trisha Dreslinski has been chosen as this month's "We are Hofstra....We are Leaders" due to her determination on and off the field. Trisha came to Hofstra from Kingsville, Ohio, after enjoying the atmosphere on numerous visits to see her older sister, Pam, an alumna of the Hofstra softball program. She came into this program not intimated by the history of great players who came before and ready to leave her mark on the program. Trisha began her career as a utility player, but has been the everyday shortstop the last two seasons. Not only has she excelled in this classroom, majoring in biology, but she has taken the time to give back to the community through camps and clinics, and volunteering with various organizations.
Question: Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?
Trisha Dreslinski: My sister Pam, who is three years older than me, came here because of the softball program. I came here a lot to visit and really liked the atmosphere and nationally competitive softball team.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
Trisha: I've accepted an offer from Roswell Park Cancer Institute, part of SUNY at Buffalo, to earn my PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I'm really excited about it, especially because I'll be dealing with state of the art technology and working to find a cure for cancer.
Question: What has it meant to be a member of the Hofstra Softball team and to play for your head coach, Bill Edwards?
Trisha: Hofstra Softball is my second family! You can see many others feel the same way, as every alumni day we get numerous alumnae that come back and still joke, play around, and we are all like one big family. I feel proud to be a part of this team. We work hard together and literally do everything together. So many good times and good memories with them!
Q: What has been your most memorable athletic achievement?
Trisha: Almost beating Arizona at the regional championship! I loved playing there with all the Arizona fans cheering against us, not thinking Hofstra would put up a fight. But by the end of the 12th inning, I think we gained a lot of respect from not only the fans but from our opponents as well. The feeling of earning respect from others is priceless.
Q: How did you make your decision on what major to choose?
Trisha: In high school, I had a Biology teacher that really encouraged me to pursue the field of biology. I liked the subject, found it interesting, and it also became easy to me. Now that I have almost completed my degree, I can't see myself studying any other subject than biology, and still be happy.
Q: What does it take to be a successful student while competing as a Division I student-athlete?
Trisha: TIME MANAGEMENT! Every Sunday after games, I write out my schedule for the next week, literally planning out every day to the half hour, so I can make sure I get everything done and still have time for me. Every once in a while it gets discouraging, not having enough time to do everything you want. The way I see it, you do not always get to do the things you want to but make time for the things you need to get done. So just do it!
Q: How has community service involvement positively impacted your development as an individual?
Trisha: It has absolutely impacted my life! I think reading to children at day care centers and preparing food baskets for needy families, really puts some things into perspective. No matter how bad you think you have it, there is someone out there that has it worse. It makes me appreciate the things I have and the people who love me.
Q: What kinds of aspirations do you have for playing at the next level, if any?
Trisha: Unfortunately, my career as a softball player is over this year. However, I am planning on continuing in the sport of softball by assisting in coaching with travel teams, so I'll still be involved in the game I love so much!
Q: Have you been able to meet any influential people while here at Hofstra? If so, who and why are they influential in your life?
Trisha: Coach Edwards is probably the most influential person here at Hofstra. He is such a brilliant man. He knows when you're not doing your best, and all he really has to do is make eye contact with you and you just know you have to pick up your game. I am going to take that with me in life: that I know when I am doing my best, and when I am not, I have to pick up my game. No excuses!
Q: What is your definition of a leader?
Trisha: A leader is someone who can say the right thing at the right time and be respected for it.
Q: What piece of advice do you have for incoming student-athletes?
Trisha: Be yourself, work hard, and be observant. So many things can be learned from just watching others. You don't have to make the mistakes of other people to learn the same lesson. Save yourself the time and effort, and learn the lesson from someone else.
Q: What are your interests outside of your sport?
Trisha: I really like the outdoors and I'm a country girl at heart. I like taking hikes, riding 4-wheelers, and camping. Of course, I love shopping, especially for shoes!
Q: What has surprised you about Hofstra since arriving on campus?
Trisha: How good the food is. Yeah, it can be a little pricey, but the quality and range of different food is really good. I mean, we have sushi, seafood, eggs, pasta stations, deli, Au Bon Pain. It is really all covered!
