Two senior student athletes – Lily Laster of Hamden and Nick Pisanelli of Sheehan – are the recipients of the 2012 “Comeback Player of the Year” scholarship award. Both students overcame severe injuries during their high school careers, yet were able to overcome them to become outstanding role models in their respective schools.
Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists P.C. offered a Comeback Player of the Year Scholarship for one male and one female athlete who participated in an interscholastic sport during the 2011-12 season and showed great leadership both on and off the field after their severe injury. Laster and Pisanelli both received a $1,000 scholarship.
A soccer player Laster suffered a devastating knee injury in the fall of 2010, tearing her ACL, MCL and PCL. After successful surgery, she remained active with the team offering support and advice to her teammates.
She returned to the Green Dragons’ squad and she was named a captain for the 2011 season. Laster played in all 16 games and was a recipient of the Coaches Award by the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association. She will attend Eastern Connecticut State University in the fall.
In the middle of his sophomore year, Pisanelli, a golfer was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, which is an rare aggressive cancer that was attacking his abdominal area. He was unable to play competitive golf for two years.
He has since recovered, returned to school, and was elected golf captain for the 2012 season.
In addition, Pisanelli is a member of the Italian Club and has served as a student athletic trainer during the football season. He will attend Central Connecticut State University this fall.