Westhampton Beach Athlete Nominated For 'Heart Of A Giant' Award

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Gianni Amodemo, a Westhampton Beach senior and star athlete, has been nominated for a "Heart of a Giant" award.

Now celebrating the program’s 10th year, the 2023 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants, announced the second weekly group of nominees last week.

"These outstanding tri-state area high school football players, mascots, team managers, etc. have all been nominated for the award by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character, and dedication," USA Football said.

Of Gianni Amodemo, the Westhampton Beach High School district said: "Gianni is a high character student-athlete for our Westhampton Beach football team. A leader in our school, community, and his church. Last season, our young team overachieved and reached the Suffolk County, New York Championship Game. Unfortunately, we lost that night, but we would not be there without Gianni Amodemo. Gianni might not be the largest, fastest, or strongest player, but what he lacks in those areas he makes up in grit and determination. Gianni is a player that loves football. He is a student of the game, an off season warrior, and a leader of our team."

During the championship game, Gianni tore his groin, the district said.

"Without telling anyone, he played through the game because he said he did not want to let his teammates, coaches, or community down," the district said. "That weekend, Gianni was taken to the hospital. An infection had entered the injured groin. This became a serious issue. Gianni was not able to attend school or play a winter or spring sport. This devastated Gianni, a player that loves going to school and being around his teammates and coaches."

During his rehab that winter he worked extremely hard to prepare to come back full strength, the district said.

When asked how rehab going, Gianni would smile and say, "Great! Can't wait to get back!" the district said.

One day, his coach learned that Gianni had had a setback — the infection had returned.

"I knew this was devastating to him. I knew the one thing he wanted to do was return to his team. This kept him out all spring and most of the summer. A few weeks ago, he came to our summer workouts and said the doctor gave him an all-clear to return for our preseason camp. The moment he got the all-clear from the doctor he became locked in and started to train and prepare for the season on a mission to make the most of his senior year. I have been really impressed with Gianni's will to overcome, positive attitude, and never give up attitude. I know he will have a great year for us this year and graduate to great things in the future."

The voting period for the nominees is now open until Sunday, October 15 at 11:59 p.m. , with the final vote tally determining who will be named the weekly group’s finalist.

At the end of the 6-week voting process, six finalists and five wild card finalists will be named, for a total of 11 finalist honorees. Each finalist will receive $1,000 grant for their high school’s football program, with the grand prize winner’s school getting an additional $9,000 equipment grant. The grand prize winner and his coach will be honored on the field at a future New York Giants game this season. The grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant.

For more information on the program, click here.