Team Up 4 Community and the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Suffolk County Athletes of the Year Award, recognizing two outstanding student-athletes who exemplify excellence both on the field and through extraordinary service to their communities.
This year’s honorees are:
- Elizabeth Sultan — Westhampton Beach High School — Girls Varsity Soccer & Track Team
- Louis Montellese — Ward Melville High School — Lacrosse
The Suffolk County Athletes of the Year Award celebrates student-athletes whose impact extends far beyond competition, recognizing leadership, compassion, resilience, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Following the sudden loss of her father, Peter Sultan, Elizabeth transformed personal tragedy into purpose by founding Peter’s Packages, an initiative dedicated to supporting children and young adults navigating grief. Through awareness campaigns, fundraising efforts, and community events supported by the Westhampton Beach Girls Varsity Soccer & Track Team, Elizabeth has created a growing mission focused on bringing comfort, hope, and healing to grieving families throughout the community.
Meanwhile, Louis Montellese has dedicated himself to advancing cardiac safety awareness and continuing the life-saving legacy inspired by the Louis J. Acompora Foundation. Inspired by the tragic loss that led to New York State legislation requiring AEDs at athletic events, Louis has worked to help fund AED Save Stations in local schools through lacrosse training initiatives and community outreach efforts aimed at protecting future generations of student-athletes.
“These two student-athletes embody everything we hope sports can inspire in young people,” said Steve Webb, former New York Islanders player and founder of Team Up 4 Community. “Elizabeth and Louis have each turned personal experiences into meaningful action that is positively impacting others in their communities. Their leadership, resilience, compassion, and commitment to serving others demonstrate that the true power of athletics extends far beyond the game.”
“These student-athletes represent the very best of Suffolk County,” said Chris R. Vaccaro, President of the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame. “Their dedication to excellence in athletics, commitment to community service, leadership among their peers and success in the classroom embody many of the core values that the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame proudly stands for. We are honored to recognize these remarkable young people for the impact they are already making both on and off the field and look forward to following them for years to come.”
The honorees will also be formally recognized this June, when commemorative plaques will be presented at their respective schools in celebration of their athletic achievements, leadership, and lasting impact within their communities.
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