Hofstra University freshman third baseman Matt Prokopowicz (Massapequa, NY/Massapequa) captured the 2007 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year award, it was announced by the conference this evening at the annual awards banquet in Wilmington, NC.

Prokopowicz becomes Hofstra's first major award recipient since the Pride joined the CAA in 2002 and Hofstra's first major award winner overall since Justin Romano was named the America East Pitcher of the Year in 1996.

Prokopowicz, also a second team All-CAA and All-Rookie team honoree, was one of just two freshmen to earn a spot on both the All-CAA squad and the All-Rookie team (George Mason's Chris Henderson).  A two-time CAA Rookie of the Week winner, Prokopowicz took home the weekly honor on April 2 and May 14.

Prokopowicz ended his dynamic freshman year leading the Pride in batting (.416), hits (82), RBI (52), home runs (6) and total bases (113). His 82 hits set a new single-season record, besting the previous mark of 77 set by Josh Stewart in 2005. His 52 RBI are tied for fifth place in the single season record book, while his .416 average is the 10th-best mark in program history. Prokopowicz hit safely in 47 of his 54 games played, had 24 multi-hit games and, at one point during the season, had a 17-game hitting streak.

Prokopowicz ranks second in the CAA in batting and is third in on-base percentage (.491). In the NCAA statistics, Prokopowicz currently ranks 18th overall and second among Division I freshmen in batting average. He is also the 72nd toughest to strike out in the nation, striking out once every 13.1 at-bats.

The heralded freshman played four years of baseball at Massapequa High School in Massapequa, NY.  During his scholastic career he batted .500 with 19 home runs and 102 runs batted in.  He garnered All-New York State and All-Nassau County honors as a junior and senior, and was named the USA Today National Player of the Week in June of 2006.

Kellen Kulbacki of James Madison and Greg Sexton of William & Mary shared CAA Player of the Year honors, Jim Sherman of Delaware was named the coach of the year and Sergio Miranda of Virginia Commonwealth picked up CAA Defensive Player of the Year accolades to join Prokopowicz among the major award winners.

For a complete list of the postseason award winners visit the CAA website at www.caasports.com.

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