HADDONFIELD, N.J. – The Atlantic East Conference announced the league's Man of the Year on Wednesday morning, naming Neumann University's Dominic Petruzzelli the recipient of the award. 

The Man of the Year award is presented to one male student-athlete who combined superior academic and athletic achievement during their career thus far. The successful candidate(s) must have competed in an Atlantic East-sponsored championship sport from a full-member institution. For full award criteria, see here.

Petruzzelli, is a member of Neumann's men's soccer team, winning the Atlantic East title in 2024. The junior was named 2024 Atlantic East Defensive Player of the Year. He was impactful on the defensive end for the Knights who allowed just two goals in conference play this past fall. Neumann finished with a 1.05 goals against average in 21 games during the 2024 season. Petruzzelli earned first team all-conference in 2023 and 2024. In his career to date, the defender has started 42 games through three seasons. 
 
"It is an absolute honor to be named the 2024/2025 Atlantic East Conference Man of the Year," says Petruzzelli. "Honestly, though, this award belongs to the entire Neumann University community. Neumann embodies a culture like no other and with the support and engagement of administration, faculty/staff, coaches, teammates, SAAC representatives, and students, leaders like myself and many others can feel comfortable and empowered to promote such a positive student-athlete experience for all to enjoy!"

Petruzzelli has found numerous ways to showcase his impact off the field as well throughout his collegiate career. He is the Atlantic East National SAAC rep continuing to showcase his impact at the NCAA level as well. Through National SAAC, he is the chairperson for the Mental Health & Physical Health Subcommittee. For the conference, he helped grow the impact and collaboration of SAAC throughout the Atlantic East. He is also active on Neumann's campus as the vice president of Student Government Association, executive board member of the Student Engagement and Leadership, Knight Watch, semi-formal planning chairperson, and admissions department ambassador. He also works with the Eagles Autism Foundation college program as the sensory director. 
 
His impact is shard academically as well as the president of the math club and tutor.  While carrying a 4.0 GPA in secondary education and mathematics. This year he and his teammates were honored with the inaugural Dr. Chuck Sack Team Excellence Award.

Dominic's Reflection: 
From my first day on campus as a freshman, I had decided to dedicate myself to both service and leadership roles. Little did I know that life was not going to move in a straight line. On June 23, 2023, local breaking news changed my course: Cabrini University would be closing its doors in May 2024. I was just getting started, where I was President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Math Club, Vice President of the Student Government Association, a math tutor, and admissions tour guide. And I had recently learned that I was selected as the Atlantic East's National SAAC representative. But it is moments like these that remind us to never take anything for granted, recognizing that true growth comes from facing challenges head-on. Once all the pieces were in place for a transition to Neumann University, I made a conscious decision to embody the Neumann culture and embrace what it means to be a Knight. I quickly realized that Neumann's community was something special. Even before setting foot on campus, I had connected with my future teammates and SAAC advisor, Coach Shannon Padula. I also attended the Student Engagement Involvement Fair, where I immediately joined the Eagles Autism Foundation College Program and the Knights for Education clubs. I continue to work in Admissions and as a math tutor in the Student Success Center. Over my 1 ½ years at Neumann, my impact expanded as captain of the men's soccer team (named in my first season), a founding executive board member of the Knight Watch student section, and a Presidential Ambassador. Serving in leadership positions comes naturally to me. Rebuilding the SAAC program at Neumann with Coach Padula and my fellow executive board members has become one of my proudest accomplishments. We grew from just 9 members during the 2023-2024 academic year to over 35 -- becoming one of the most prestigious organizations on campus. This group of eager and dedicated student-athlete leaders has encouraged me on numerous occasions to keep going and to give it my all so that our fellow Knights can have the best experience possible. Seeing smiling faces and hearing laughter at community and athletic events serve as the reminder that our efforts are worthwhile – yes, even if I was the dunk tank victim during DIII week (that's a story for another time). And while I participate in community service projects locally, such as Feed My Starving Children, I have also organized service events for our athletic teams on campus. Sometimes it is as simple as leading your peers down a rewarding and impactful path that makes such a difference. The lessons I have learned – from building relationships to inspiring others and leading by example – have prepared me for my future as a high school math teacher. I plan to carry these values into my classroom, where I hope to create a positive, supportive environment that empowers my students to overcome adversity and reach their full potential.
 
Neumann's Director of Athletic and Recreation John Krimmel:
 "Since I stepped foot on campus back in September, I was impressed by the amazing leader, student, soccer player, and more importantly person that Dom Petruzzelli was and still is.  Neumann University is a better place because of Dom, and we are all better people for having had the opportunity to interact with him.  Being named the 2024-25 Atlantic East Man of the Year is a tremendous honor for Dom and is extremely well-deserved.  I am happy for Dom and his family because Dom represents everything that is great about Division III athletics and what being a true student-athlete is all about.  Dom's dedication to his studies, impact on campus and in the community; along with his amazing soccer skills on the pitch is truly inspiring.  Understanding the RISES values at Neumann is important, but even more important is living those values out like Dom does each and every day.  Today is a great day for not only Dom, but also the Men's Soccer program and Neumann University as a whole.  I look forward to watching all that Dom continues to accomplish this year and I know his impact will continue to be felt well into the future."
 
Neumann Head Men's Soccer Coach Erik Temple:
 "Since arriving on campus as a transfer in January 2024, Dom Petruzzelli has made a tremendous impact—not only on the Men's Soccer Program at Neumann University, but also on the broader Neumann community. Within just a few months, Dom was named a team captain, a testament to his leadership, character, and relentless drive to improve every day. In his first season, he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors and was selected First Team All-Conference. Being named the Atlantic East Man of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions both on and off the field. Beyond soccer, Dom serves as SAAC President, Atlantic East SAAC Representative, and Eagles Autism Director, among other campus roles. He truly embodies the qualities we seek in members of our program—dedication, leadership, and service. I couldn't be prouder of all he's accomplished. As Dom enters his final year at Neumann, I look forward to watching him continue to grow and leave a legacy that will resonate well beyond his playing days."

Information provided by Neumann Athletic Department. 
 
ABOUT ATLANTIC EAST   
The Atlantic East Conference is a member of NCAA Division III comprising eight institutions in a four-state area - Gwynedd Mercy, Immaculata, Marywood and Neumann Universities in Pennsylvania; Centenary and Saint Elizabeth Universities in New Jersey, Marymount University in Virginia, and Pratt Institute in New York.    
 
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