The Griffin Conway Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014 to honor and celebrate the life of Griffin Conway. Griffin Conway was a long-time Y-ball participant who promoted sportsmanship and teamwork not only with his teams, but in the overall league as well. As a Y-ball volunteer coach, Griffin mentored younger players, promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-confidence, along with helping to foster a love for the game. On behalf of the Conway family, the New Canaan YMCA is honored to award this scholarship to one graduating New Canaan High School Senior that has demonstrated leadership and passion for the New Canaan YMCA Basketball League. The Y is thrilled to announce this year’s scholarship recipient is Alessandro Sulpizi.

Alessandro not only participated in the Y-ball league as a player and team captain, but also served as a volunteer coach for 7th and 8th graders. “We are so proud to award Alessandro with this year’s Griffin Conway Memorial Scholarship. Alessandro embodies everything the scholarship stands for, including his passion for Y-ball, outstanding attitude, and impressive leadership among both his peers and younger players,” stated Will Schwartzstein, Sports Director at the Y. Fellow basketball teammate, John Gabriel, shared, “He was unselfish both on and off the court as he always made sure to pass the ball especially to people who didn’t typically touch it. While he always wanted to make us better so that we could win the most games, he always prioritized fun in the way that he led our team.”

Alessandro will be continuing his education at Northeastern University, and plans to pursue a degree in Business. He credits his entrepreneurial-minded parents, who own a local small business, for inspiring him to study business. “I have developed a passion for business, but more importantly entrepreneurship over the past 18 years. My goal in life is to innovate a product or service that revolutionizes an industry in order to globally change people’s lives for the better,” stated Alessandro. He also acknowledges his rewarding experience as a New Canaan YMCA Basketball League participant as having inspired his passion to positively impact others on and off the court.