While most men, according to the Livestrong website, stand at 5’10” and are not on varsity sports teams, Nicolaas Esposito ’15 defies averages. Esposito stands far above other students at 6’4”, has seven varsity letters in football and basketball, and is captain for the boys’ varsity basketball team.
His passion for football and basketball started when he was very young, as he played Police Athletic League (PAL) throughout his childhood. Once freshman year came around, he played on the freshman football team.
During winter, he was one of the very few freshmen to have the chance to play on the varsity basketball team.
The following year Esposito landed a spot on the varsity football team, although he only played sparingly. But it was during his junior year that Esposito hit his true stride, when he became a starting middle linebacker.
While Esposito was not a captain, he demonstrated the highest levels of leadership. “He is one of the main leaders in the locker room. He really takes charge on and off the field,” Thomas Moy ’17, a varsity Staples running back and defensive back, said.
Esposito took pride in reflecting on his football successes now that the fall season is over.
“My greatest accomplishment in football has been the tremendous success I’ve had over the past two years and hope to continue to have in the future,” Esposito said.
Now that the football season has ended, Esposito has transitioned into basketball for the winter months.
Last winter, the boys basketball team finished their season 5 -15. Many of the players suffered injuries, which consequently led the team to come home short of their goal for the playoffs.
However, with a new winter season under way, Esposito has high hopes. As the captain of the basketball team, Esposito looks forward to bringing strong leadership skills and a plan for success.
“I think that in order for us to have a successful program and team this year, we need to build a strong foundation, and that starts with leadership,” Esposito said.
Varsity basketball coach, Colin Devine, says Esposito is “a tireless worker and he leads by example.”
In fact, Esposito has qualified twice for the National Tournament with his Amateur Athletic Union Team (AAU) and traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to compete with them.
“Nick is going to be an outstanding contributor to all of our successes this year on the basketball team and we’re really excited to have him contributing in all aspects of the game,” Devine said.
When his winter basketball season inevitably ends, Esposito hopes to play either football or basketball at the collegiate level. Devine supports Esposito’s ambition to continue his athletic career.
“He could play football, or basketball in college, whatever he chooses. He’s that gifted and a hard worker so, if he puts his mind to it, he could do it,” Devine said.
