Matthew Vowinkel

Classroom

Vowinkel, who carries a 3.45 GPA as a finance major, is an outstanding student-athlete. He earned 2019 United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American and Scholar All-Region honors.

He has also been a member of the Dean’s List, Athletic Director Scholars Academic Honor Roll, and CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.

Character

Vowinkel has continued to display his high character at Hofstra. Even though he led his high school to a New York State Championship, Vowinkel didn’t start as a freshman. He continued to work hard, and has since started every game played as a sophomore and junior.

Even though he may not be a vocal leader, Vowinkel leads by example and competes with an intensity that his teammates are expected to match. Despite the success that has come his way, he continues to work hard.

Vowinkel is quick to credit his teammates for their role in his goal scoring prowess.

Community

Vowinkel is a big participant in the Hofstra community. He has participated in Hofstra Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiatives.

He volunteered with Hofstra’s Community Clean-Up Day, where the team filled 14 trash bags over a two-hour span on a nearby road. Vowinkel has assisted at Hofstra’s New Student Move-In Day, where student-athletes assist incoming freshman students and their families moving into dorms.

He has also participated with Hofstra’s Shake-a-Rake, where teams go into the local community raking leaves and cleaning up yards for elderly and disabled residents.

Additionally, Vowinkel has volunteered with Island Harvest Food Drives, manning a collection table and donating items that he purchased himself. He has also taken part in numerous clinics with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, as well as local elementary schools. He taught soccer skills and discussed the importance of academics and hard work off the field.

Competition

Vowinkel has earned recognition for his success at Hofstra. In 2019, he was named to the All-CAA first team and United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region second team. In 2018, he was named to the All-CAA third team after tallying eight goals and 16 points.

In 2019, Vowinkel led Hofstra with 13 goals and 28 points. Those marks were both career highs, and his 13 goals were the most for a Hofstra player since 2005.

He has played in 57 career games with 42 starts in three seasons, tallying 23 goals and 2 assists for 48 points. Vowinkel was drafted in the third round of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by FC Cincinnati.