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.
Tessa Ziemba has been named the student-athlete of the month for March, 2013. She is a senior from Wilmington, DE, and the starting left fielder for Hofstra softball. Tessa is off to a red hot start this season, which has been highlighted by a pair of home runs in a victory on March 1over No. 5 Texas. Ziemba, a senior psychology major, is third on the Pride in batting average (.356) and leads in runs (22), hits (26), home runs (9), RBIs (24) and slugging percentage (.808). The Pride is coming off another strong weekend, taking both games at UNC Wilmington to start conference play.
Question: Why did you choose to attend Hofstra University?
ZIEMBA: I chose to attend Hofstra because I felt that it fit me the best. I came here to play the sport I love, softball, and Hofstra had a wonderful academic program to go along with that.
Q: What has it meant to be a member of the Hofstra Softball team and to play for Head Coach Bill Edwards?
ZIEMBA: It had meant the world to me to play for the Hofstra Softball program. There is not a day that goes by where I would have wanted anything different. The group of girls that I play with and the dedication of this team is amazing. Coach Edwards is such an inspiration and has brought me a long way since day one. The man is amazing and I absolutely wouldn't be where I am today without my wonderful coaching staff.
Q: What has been your most memorable athletic achievement?
ZIEMBA: My most memorable athletic achievement thus far was winning the NCAA Regional in California last year. Also, coming one game shy from the Women's College World Series.
Q: How did you make your decision on what major to choose?
ZIEMBA: I really wanted to work with children and help those that are undergoing problems in their lives, which is why I chose psychology. Assisting others and teaching them how to live happier lives will mean a lot to me. After graduation I want to be a mental health specialist, have a healthy family and live happily ever after.
Q: What does it take to be a successful student while competing as a Division I student-athlete?
ZIEMBA: Dedication, commitment and time.
Q: How has community service involvement positively impacted your development as an individual?
ZIEMBA: Community service has helped me as an individual because it opened my eyes to people in need, to people who don't maybe get that chance to go to college to play a Division I sport and it helps me to remember that I need to be grateful for what I have.
Q: What kinds of aspirations do you have for playing at the next level, if any?
ZIEMBA: I want to complete my senior year by winning the World Series and hopefully coach somewhere after I graduate. I don't think I'm going to play at the next level once I'm finished here at Hofstra.
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?
ZIEMBA: Hofstra alumni have influenced me a great deal. They have helped me to understand what I stand for, why I'm playing, who I am playing for and the PRIDE that I have to be a Hofstra Softball player.
Q: What is your definition of a leader?
ZIEMBA: My definition of a leader is the someone who has the ability to influence team members to work hard towards, and be committed to, team goals and achievements.
Q: What piece of advice do you have for incoming student-athletes?
ZIEMBA: Work hard at everything you do, give 100% effort all the time, and never give up on your dream.
Q: What has surprised you about Hofstra since arriving on campus?
ZIEMBA: The pride that this school has.
