NIKKI M. GIAMPOLO:
‘IN SPIRIT, IN COURAGE’ AWARD

Nikki Giampolo was one of a kind.  She joined LEHY at the age of 9, and quickly found a home with the team.  She was one of the top breaststrokers in the state, qualifying for the CT Zone Team and YMCA Nationals in her specialty. More noticeable on the pool deck was her personality. Always smiling, always acting crazy, always being a true friend. She gave every swim 100% effort and was always there for her teammates. Outside of the pool, Nikki was an honors student at RHAM High School, accomplish flutist, and a top ranked cross country runner.  In June of 2001 Nikki was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, bone cancer.  She fought the disease with grace and dignity.  Never looking for sympathy and reminding everyone around her how special each day was.  On January 1, 2002 , Nikki passed away, but her spirit lives on through her family at LEHY. She will always be our guardian swimmer.

The Nikki M. Giampolo "In Spirit, In Courage" Award was established to recognize a LEHY swimmer (yearly) who displays the same high academic standards, commitment to the sport of swimming, and team driven attitude that Nikki had.  Any LEHY swimmer or family member may make a nomination.  All submissions should be completed on the nomination forms and given to Coach Kaeley.  If you have any further questions please contact Coach Kaeley.

Above the 2008 LEHY Long Course National Team remembers and honors Nikki by wearing swim caps with NIKKI printed on them.  The caps have become a tradition since 2008.  Below the 2010 LEHY National Team made shirts in Nikki’s memory and wore them for opening cer

Past Winners