Flushing, NY – John Jay senior shortstop Danielle Bonici, a three-time CUNYAC All-Star is named the CUNY Athletic Conference / Hospital For Special Surgery Scholar-Athlete of the Month for March, 2010. A Staten Island native by way of St. Peter’s High School, she holds a 3.4 grade point average, while majoring in criminal justice off the field and leading the Bloodhounds on the softball field.

"Danielle is the epitome of what a CUNYAC student-athlete should be,” exclaimed head coach Laura Drazdowski. “She excels both in the classroom and on the field and still finds time to give back to her community.  She has been the leader of our program for four years and I am excited that the CUNYAC is rewarding her with this honor."

In only three games in March, due to inclement weather, Bonici batted .545 (6-11) with seven runs scored, a double, a triple and five runs batted in, while the team went 4-0 overall. In each of these three games, she had at least two hits, one run and a RBI. Last season, Bonici, batted .387 to go along with team-highs in hits with 36, triples (2), total bases (51) and slugging percentage (.540).

"It's a great honor and I am very grateful to be recognized by CUNYAC in such a way,” said Bonici, the JJC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President. “Being a student-athlete, I have learned how to interact with my professors and learned how to conduct myself in a respectful, professional manner at all times."

But the 5’2” slugger works hard for a special cause off the field as well. The John Jay softball team has participated in a special event dear to Bonici’s heart for the past three years. The Richard Gardner, Jr. Memorial Toy Drive is held in memory of the fallen police officer who was accidently killed in 1995 at the age of 24. He was an uncle of Danielle Bonici. The John Jay softball team members wrapped the gifts at Bonici’s Staten Island home and donated them to the Stapleton Church on Staten Island. Each year the nonprofit organization collects over 1500 toys for families in need.

“My uncle was a very special man,” said Bonici. “And my teammates are more than just teammates, they are friends. So for them to be involved for the cause is great.”

“The John Jay softball players do a great job each year helping with such a great cause,” said Director of Athletics, Dan Palumbo. “Their contribution to the Richard Gardner, Jr. Memorial Toy Drive goes a long way.”