Click to VOTE for Nick Senerchia!

Pelham’s own Nick Senerchia is nominated for the USA’s Football’s Heart of a Giant Award presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants. He has made it to week four of nominations and is one of the last ten nominees standing in the Tri-State area.

Students were nominated by their coaches for their strong commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication. The process was extremely selective. USA Football reviews all nominations and selects 60 top nominees for the Heart of a Giant award, entering them into an online voting competition. Athletes are being announced 10 per week over a 6-week span.

Finalists will then submit a video for USA Football, Hospital for Special Surgery and the Giants to review. One winner will be selected for the Heart of a Giant award: an $10,000 equipment grant for their school and recognition on the field at a New York Giants home game in December. Find more information on the selection process here. 

Nick Senerchia has been dedicated on and off the field since he was a young child. “I have been playing tackle football since third grade and flag football even before then,” said Senerchia, “I have always loved football and I am so grateful to have the opportunities that I have.” 

Senerchia’s advice for other children interested in sports: “For younger kids that are starting to play sports, I would say just have fun. What’s not fun about playing sports? Just make the most of it because playing any sport will really impact your life.”

One vital aspect USA Football looks for in nominees is the will to win on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Senerchia’s involvement off the field is evident in Pelham. He is strongly involved with the Operation Smile Club which raises money for children with cleft lips. Along with Operation Smile, he is active within the Pelham baseball community and helps with youth football program during practices.

Anthony Senerchia, Nick Senerchia’s uncle, had a strong impact on the Town of Pelham and will always be remembered. For 13 years, he battled with ALS but was still involved in Pelham youth football. Seeing Anthony on the sidelines during games and at night practices inspired Nick to continue to love football.

“The hardest thing I ever went through during my football career was losing my Uncle Anthony,” said Senerchia “That was the hardest thing because he was at every game—but football is an amazing way for me to remember him. My job now is to continue to share both his vision for the program, and the character he has (given) me, with my teammates and our community.” 

Senerchia was nominated for this award for his commitment in training and preparation, will to win on the field in the classroom and in the community, perseverance when faced with obstacles and adversity, and character to lead and motivate his teammates.

Senerchia said, “If I were to win this award it would truly be one of my favorite accomplishments, and it would mean a lot to me as well as our football program.”