Gold Standard
Kozak is a Physical Education major and a Sidney, NY, native and was not expecting the honor. “Coach DeCrosta told me,” Kozak said. “I didn’t know it even existed for college players.”
When hearing the news, Head Coach Joey DiPiazza was excited for Kozak.
“We believe defense is the heart and soul of baseball,” DiPiazza said, “This is one of the finest awards to receive and we were just so happy for him and his family because it couldn’t happen to a better kid.”
Before coming to Hudson Valley, Kozak played shortstop and pitcher, but transferred to centerfield when he got to Hudson Valley. When DiPiazza came to the program in the middle of last season he kept Kozak at center.
“The kid could run,” DiPiazza said. “He’s above average when it comes to speed. He’s above average when it comes to arm strength.”
Kozak said that it was a tough adjustment from the infield to the outfield.
“The toughest part was judging fly balls and the proper routes to the ball,” Kozak said.
“He actually was using an infielder’s glove in the outfield,” DiPiazza said. “It’s pretty funny that he receives one of the highest recognitions for a defensive player in the country and he did it with an infielder’s glove.”
With his success from last year, many Division I coaches came calling. However, some of these schools did not offer the major he was pursuing.
“It was tough for Andy to understand that hey, I’m turning down Division I scholarships, but it’s for the right reason,” DiPiazza said.
Last year Kozak was part of a young team that finished 19-22 but received a Regional appearance.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming into last year” Kozak said. “But after making playoffs, I take it as a successful season, and I expect more from this year.”
This year, DiPiazza expects great things from Kozak.
“I expect a better season than last year,” DiPiazza said. “He had a pretty good season last year. As a returning player, you only get better as the years go on.”
Last year, Kozak was one of DiPiazza’s work horses.
“With Andy last year, it was a difficult transition from high school to Junior College because we played him every inning of every game,” DiPiazza said.
DiPiazza also sees the leadership of Kozak being shown throughout the off season.
“The kids look up to him,” DiPiazza said. “He’s great as far as leading by example as well as saying the right things at the right time.”
Kozak is ready to make some noise this season with an experienced team.
“We all hope win the conference this year, and hopefully winning Region III and going to the College World Series,” Kozak said.
Kozak also expects great things for himself personally as well.
“I expect to get on base this season, and hopefully bat behind Lush [Alex Lushkevich] batting second for most of the year and getting a lot of runs across the plate,” Kozak said.
He also anticipates using an outfielder’s glove this year.