Student-Athlete of the Month
The Student-Athlete of the Month 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.
Danny Poma, a senior outfielder, from Monterey, California, has produced one of the top offensive seasons in the nation in 2012. His .435 batting average and 97 hits rank second in Division I, while he leads the country with 76 runs scored and 31 doubles. He also tops the CAA in stolen bases (26), total bases (149), on-base percentage (.504) and slugging percentage (.668). As team captain, Danny has been a leader both on and off the field since day one of his arrival on campus last year. He has taken full advantage of all of the athletic and academic opportunities during his two years at Hofstra, recently graduating with a degree in Speech Communications. Poma is one of 35 semifinalists for the Dick Howser Trophy, which is awarded to the nation's top player. He is the first Hofstra player to ever receive the Bill Brooks CAA Player of the Year award.
QUESTION: Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?
DANNY POMA: Looking at my options, I believed that attending Hofstra would be the best opportunity to receive an outstanding degree and compete with a Division I baseball program.
Q: What has it meant to be a member of the Hofstra baseball team and to play for your head coach?
DANNY: This year has been a great experience. The team is playing at another level and we are having a winning season and breaking a lot of records. Playing under coach John Russo has been the most relaxing and fun atmosphere I have ever played in.
Q: What has been your most memorable athletic achievement?
DANNY: Achieving such an a great season with my teammates, and also going 6-6 with 2 home runs against NYIT and breaking the hit record.
Q: How did you make your decision on what major to choose?
DANNY: I wanted a major that would allow me to have multiple career avenues to pursue, so I chose speech communication.
Q: What does it take to be a successful student while competing as a Division I student-athlete?
DANNY: To be successful I believe it takes hard work and dedication. Though you may encounter setbacks, you need to remain confident at all the time which has been the key to my success.
Q: How has community service involvement positively impacted your development as an individual?
DANNY: Community service has been a great experience this year because you can see how much our interactions are really appreciated.
Q: What kinds of aspirations do you have for playing at the next level, it any?
DANNY: My goal and lifelong dream has been to play pro ball and with my dedication I think I have put myself in a good position to get an opportunity.
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?
DANNY: There has been a lot of people who have had an impact on me here at Hofstra, but the one with the most impact would be my strength coach, James Prendergast (Jimmy). He has taught me no matter how hard you think you have worked there is always something more you can do. He preaches to never be satisfied and I want to thank him for elevating my game here at Hofstra.
Q: What is your definition of a leader?
DANNY: A leader should lead by example and never have to brag and show up his fellow teammates. There's no need to tell people how good you are, your performance on the field will speak for itself.
Q: What piece of advice do you have for incoming student-athletes?
DANNY: Take advantage of every opportunity here at Hofstra because your time here comes and goes really fast. Have fun and if you want something go and get it, don't wait for it to come to you.
Q: What is your plan after graduation?
DANNY: Win the conference tournament and make a run in the NCAA playoffs. Then head back to California to spend time with my family and friends and see what happens with the draft.
