–By Mario Martinez–
On January 22nd, Brian Ferrante, 22, history major from Woodbine, and Brittany Hoffman, 20, fire science major from McMurray, PA, became the first duo in NJCU history to sweep the Thomas M. Gerrity Scholar-Athlete of the Year and Gothic Knight Academic Achievement Awards for their 2012-2013 academic year.
“It was a surprise,” said Ferrante. “I knew of the award and I thought about it at one time, just in passing, but I never expected it. When I was contacted about the award, I thought it was the second team all-American award.”
The Gothic Knight Academic Achievement Award is strictly based off of academic performance. The award honors the male and female student-athlete who has at least 36 credits earned at NJCU, and the highest GPA in an academic year.
The decorated Thomas M. Gerrity Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is presented to a male and female student-athlete with 48 credits earned at NJCU, who have distinguished themselves in their respective sports, and who exemplifies the qualities of a positive attitude, sportsmanship, citizenship, and leadership. The student-athlete must also have an above 3.2 GPA to qualify.
“It’s always nice to be recognized for the work you put in, not only in your athletics but academically,” said Hoffman. “To achieve that honor is a great experience. My family is extremely proud and people around me have been very excited for me, so it’s just been a good experience.”
Like Hoffman, Ferrante says he appreciates the awards because they are emblematic of his hard work and determination.
“It feels good.” said Ferrante. “You put in a lot of time and effort over the years. It might just be a plaque, but it’s a good way to see that your hard work is paying off.”
For a student-athlete to earn both prestigious awards in one year is truly an outstanding achievement. Hoffman became the first woman in school history to earn both awards in the same academic year, and Ferrante becomes the third male to achieve the feat.
“For one student-athlete to win both awards in a single year is a rare, special accomplishment,” said Ira Thor, director of sports information. “But for both to sweep the awards? That is incredibly exceptional. Both Brian and Brittany were outstanding on and off the field, representing the best attributes of a student-athlete and they are most deserving of these honors. I think it speaks volumes to how much work they put in at their sport and their academics and they prove that it is possible to be extraordinary as a complete student-athlete.”
Hoffman, whose GPA is 3.831, ranks second in school history in wins (20), shutouts (10), and saves (452). Looking forward to her senior season, she has already set goals to better herself and to elevate her game.
“One of my biggest goals going into my senior year as a soccer goalkeeper is to hopefully be able to achieve the NJAC first team or second team all-conference title. For the last three seasons I’ve been a honorable mention, which is a big achievement to my standards, but to put myself higher up, I’d like to achieve first team by working on my skills and honing my abilities.”
Ferrante, who graduated last spring with an impressive 3.986 GPA, was voted to the Capital One Second Team Academic All-America Men’s At-Large team, and the First-Team Academic All-District 2 squad as voted by the College Sports Information Directors of America for his senior season. Now beginning his postgraduate career, Ferrante says he still looks to keep close ties with NJCU.
“I still look at back on it,” said Ferrante. “I have many fond memories and stuff. I hope to still contribute in anyway I can to the school and the program who have given me a lot over the years.”
Ferrante esteems to further his education by pursuing graduate school and is currently a director of operations at a golf course. There he says he continues to work on his game and may one day pursue coaching the sport he loves.