Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame

Each year, two student-athletes will be honored at a Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame event for their leadership, sportsmanship, and community impact. Honorees will receive a scholarship and commemorative plaque as part of the annual celebration.

Team Up 4 Community and the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Suffolk County Athletes of the Year Award: Elizabeth Sultan of Westhampton Beach High School and Louis Montellese of Ward Melville High School.

The award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate excellence not only in athletics, but through leadership, resilience, and meaningful community impact.

ELIZABETH SULTAN
Westhampton Beach High School

Elizabeth Sultan, a standout member of the Westhampton Beach Girls Varsity Soccer & Track Team, turned personal tragedy into purpose by founding Peter’s Packages, an initiative dedicated to supporting children and young adults navigating grief.

LOUIS MONTELLESE
Ward Melville High School

Louis Montellese has continued the life-saving legacy inspired by the Louis J. Acompora Foundation through efforts focused on cardiac safety awareness and fundraising for AED Save Stations in local schools.

Both honorees exemplify the powerful impact student-athletes can have beyond the game through service, advocacy, and leadership within their communities.

The student-athletes will be formally recognized this June with plaque presentations at their respective schools.

“This partnership reflects the heart of what sports are all about—building character and creating a better community.”
— Chris R. Vaccaro, President, Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame

“We are honored to collaborate in inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose and compassion.”
— Teresa Webb, Executive Director, Team Up 4 Community