Sydney Thompson of the Iona College women”™s swimming and diving program was recognized as recipient of the 2017-18 Joseph J. DePaolo Endowed Leadership Award. Thompson was selected for her leadership qualities in academics and athletics and her qualities as a representative of her family, her team, and the college.
The award is named for Joseph J. DePaolo, a 1981 graduate who is the president and CEO of Signature Bank. It goes to a junior or senior student-athlete who has high academic standing and displays the ethical and moral characteristics that have enabled DePaolo”™s success.
Thompson said, “I am so happy to receive this award on behalf of myself, my family and my team. The last two years at Iona have been a dream come true.”
Swimming and diving head coach Nick Cavataro said, “She is a superbly talented, organized and motivated individual who embraces the challenge of competition, educational excellence and service in a way I have never seen before in my 36 seasons at Iona.”
Thompson volunteered with other Iona student-athletes for a mission to Zambia, various Midnight Runs to help the homeless, Project Family Soup Kitchens and Project Sunshine among other community service efforts.
