The City University of New York Athletic Conference annually recognizes its best and brightest student-athletes, who not only excel in athletics, but succeed in the classroom as well. Over the next few weeks, CUNYAC will recognize those who truly embody what it means to be a student-athlete. The award is presented by Hospital for Special Surgery, the official hospital of the CUNY Athletic Conference.
Michael DeMarco, a member of the John Jay College men's soccer team, boasts a stellar 3.89 grade-point average, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in History. A native of Clark, N.J., DeMarco is a six-time Dean's List honoree and CUNYAC Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll member.
DeMarco is a representative of John Jay's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and assists in game day operations, often working late nights while still maintaining his success in the classroom. In addition, DeMarco has been a part of several community service initiatives, including the annual DeWitt Clinton Park clean-up and 9/11 Memorial Flag planting.
On the field, DeMarco is a four-year letter winner, starting 61 or 65 career games. A two-year team captain, DeMarco is a two-time CUNYAC All-Star and CUNYAC All-Sportsmanship Team honoree.
In 2017, he earned Second Team CUNYAC All-Star recognition, scoring three goals while helping John Jay reach the CUNYAC Championship Game for the first time since 2006.
This season, the senior logged the most minutes of any Bloodhounds defender, earning Second Team CUNYAC All-Star laurels. His defensive prowess fueled John Jay's return to the CUNYAC Championship game, where he played the entire 110 minutes to lead the Bloodhounds to a victory over Hunter in penalty kicks. The win secured the program's first-ever CUNYAC championship and trip to the NCAA Tournament.
"Being named as an Honorable Mention for the CUNYAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is a tremendous honor and privilege. Without the help from the athletics department, coaches, friends, and family, this award would not be possible," DeMarco said. "The Bloodhound community has taught me many great lessons and skills I will always use throughout my life. Being a Bloodhound goes far beyond the field or classroom, and I am grateful for the journey these past four years."
2019-20 CUNYAC/HSS Scholar-Athlete of the Year Honorable Mentions
HSS is ranked #1 in the nation for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report for the 10th straight year. No wonder the City University of New York Athletic Conference trust HSS as their official hospital. For more information, please visit www.HSS.edu. During this time of social distancing, HSS has developed resources to adjust to working from home, located on the new HSS Feel Better From Home website.