Hempstead, NY. - For the third consecutive year, the Hofstra Athletic Department is pleased to announce that the Hofstra Pride Club has surpassed the $1 million mark in the Pride Club year that closed June 1, 2010.

"I want to thank our more than 1,400 members for their continued support," Director of Athletics Jack Hayes said.  "The alumni, parents and friends that make up our Pride Club membership are vital for the future success of our department and are committed to seeing Hofstra Athletics reach new heights.”

This marks the third time in school history that the Pride Club has broken the $1 million barrier.  The $1.2 million marks the second highest total in Pride Club history.  Support was bolstered this past year by a record setting year at the Hofstra Pride Golf Classic and Auction, the dedication of the Quinn Family Grandstand at University Field (baseball) and the Lacrosse and Football Traditions Project.

Also this year, the Pride Club Board of Directors introduced the Former Athlete Participation Challenge which pitted each Hofstra Athletics team in a competition to have the highest percentage of former athletes join the Pride Club.  Women's Soccer captured the $10,000 prize with 77% of their alumnae giving back to support today’s student-athletes.  Gifts from former female athletes increased by more than 100 members in the past year.  In all, a record 433 former athletes joined the Pride Club during 2009-10 year. 

The Pride Club has grown steadily over the past seven years and since 2003-04 gifts have increased by 165%.  Contributions have helped provide Hofstra student-athletes with academic aid, up-to-date training facilities and equipment, enhanced team travel and additional recruiting resources for our coaches.  The Pride Club provides the extra assistance that allows Hofstra Athletics to continue to be successful.

"Supporting our teams is an on-going process and one that needs our attention every day," commented Daniel Solow, Assistant Director of Athletics for Development. "The outstanding support from Pride Club members shows our student-athletes that the Hofstra community believes in their pursuits during competition and in the classroom."

For more information about joining the more than 1,400 Pride Club members by making a gift to support Hofstra Athletics, please contact Solow at (516) 463-1944 or Daniel.Solow@hofstra.edu.