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 include 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.

Becky Celorio from Scotia, New York, has put together an impressive freshman campaign. This year alone she won the SJU fall festival and NJIT Classic. She has also placed 24th at the CAA Championships. At the Northeast Regional, Becky posted a time of 22:50 to lead the Pride for the sixth time this season, and posted the 15th-best 6K time in school history with her 151st-place finish in the regional. As she discusses below, her last two meets have been her most memorable achievements, not only overcoming the nerves of being a freshman at her first championships but also accomplishing her goals she set heading into the races.

QUESTION: Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?

BECKY CELORIO: I chose Hofstra University because when I visited it I fell in love. I love the location of it, being close to the city. I also loved the campus and how it is separated and laid out. When I met the team, the girls had nothing but positive things to say about Hofstra and they were so sincere and welcoming. 

Q: How did you make your decision on what major to choose? 

BECKY: Athletics has always been a major part of my life and what has made me the happiest, so I knew I had to stick to that. Since I am not sure where exactly I want to take it, I chose exercise science because it has so many opportunities.

Q: What has it meant to be a member of the Hofstra Cross Country team and to run for your head coach, Pete Alfano? 

BECKY: It has meant so much to be a part of the team and run for Coach Alfano. The team has been supportive from day one and is always happy with my successes even when I'm not. They are always encouraging me to reach my goals and not let a bad race get me down. Pete has been a very motivating coach as well. He is always telling me to set my goals higher and tells me that I will be the runner I want to be. When I'm running a race it helps to know that I have such a great support system behind me, and it motivates me to do better, not just for myself but for them as well.

Q: What is your definition of a leader? 

BECKY: My definition of a leader is someone who can bring a group of people together to achieve a common goal. Our senior captain, Cara Mattson, has been able to truly show me what a leader should be.  She always makes sure that everyone feels included in all of our team activities and is just an all-around nice person. She also gives us constant reminders on what we need and when we need to be where. Cara has become a person that I feel I can ask about anything, which is a very valuable thing being a freshman student-athlete.

Q: What has been your most memorable athletic achievement? 

BECKY: My most memorable athletic achievement happened just a few weeks ago at the CAA meet in Virginia. Since it was my first 6k race, I was very nervous. I set my goal at 23:00 minutes and top 25 knowing that I would have to work hard if I wanted to reach that. I finished in 22:33 and 24th place. I was ecstatic and in addition, I hit a 5k personal record within the 6k, which was also very exciting.

Q: What does it take to be a successful student while competing as a Division I student-athlete? 

BECKY:  To be a successful student while competing as a Division I student-athlete takes a lot of time management skills. That is something that I needed to learn quickly when I got here. Learning that 10-minute periods of free time are the perfect time to study is definitely something that has aided in my academic success thus far.

Q: How has community service involvement positively impacted your development as an individual? 

BECKY: All throughout high school community service was a very big part of my life. In my community service I have learned that not only am I very fortunate, but that it is so easy to help those that are less fortunate. I have participated in activities such as teaching disabled children to ride bikes, making weekly visits to a soup kitchen and organizing food at the local food pantry. Since I have been at Hofstra I have participated in collecting bottles for the Hofstra Hunger Project and helping with the emergency blood drive. I hope to continue to be part of Hofstra's efforts.

Q: What piece of advice do you have for incoming student-athletes? 

BECKY: My best piece of advice would be to not be afraid to ask questions. Coming into college is an adjustment itself, but then adding in Division I athletics is an extra stressor. When I learned that there are so many people here to answer all of my questions (no matter how stupid they sounded) my life got so much easier.

Q: What kinds of aspirations do you have for running at the next level, if any? 

BECKY: Once I graduate college, I would really like to start training for marathons. Right now my training is focusing on 5k and 6k races, which are 3-4 miles, but after college I would love a new challenge. Anyone who can even finish a marathon is impressive to me, so that would be my first goal. But eventually I would like to qualify for more prestigious marathons like the NYC or Boston Marathons.

Q: What are your interests outside of your sport? 

BECKY: Free time is something that I don't come by often, but when I do I try to always spend it with my family and friends doing things like shopping or finding a new restaurant.

Q: What has surprised you about Hofstra since arriving on campus? 

BECKY: Since I have arrived on campus the thing that has surprised me is how peers from other teams and classes have been so friendly and willing to help. I feel like I have met so many people that do not mind going out of their way for someone else's sake, which is a really nice thing to be surrounded by.