ALCGPSC 031/25 - 2024 ELITE MALE AND FEMALE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

ALCGPSC 031/25

SUBJ: 2024 ELITE MALE AND FEMALE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

A. Coast Guard Morale, Well-Being and Recreation Manual, COMDTINST M1710.13 (series)
B. EAOY Solicitation, ALCGPSC 137/24

1. I am pleased to announce the 2024 Coast Guard Elite Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

2. The Coast Guard Elite Female Athlete of the Year is CPO Laura Pirruccello, Coast Guard Academy.

3. CPO Pirruccello distinguished herself in the sport of golf. A trailblazer in competitive golf, she demonstrated exceptional athleticism, sportsmanship, and dedication through historic and inspiring achievements. CPO Pirruccello secured third place in individual play at the U.S. Armed Forces Golf Championship, earning a prestigious All-Armed Forces Team selection. As the first female Coast Guard golfer in history to qualify for the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) World Military Golf Championship, she was selected to represent the United States on the world stage in Zimbabwe, marking a groundbreaking achievement for Coast Guard athletics. In addition to her military success, CPO Pirruccello claimed victories at the Connecticut State Golf Association and Connecticut Women’s Golf Association Tournament of Champions, besting 75 of the state's top female golfers. Her stellar performances included multiple wins at the Thames Valley Golf Tournament, where she triumphed over competitive fields of more than 40 participants. Further solidifying her status as an elite competitor, she qualified to represent the State of Connecticut in the Team Endicott Cup Regional Match Play Tournament, where Team Connecticut emerged victorious against top women golfers from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. A role model both on and off the course, CPO Pirruccello volunteered over 60 hours instructing middle and high school golfers, sharing her knowledge and passion for the sport while mentoring the next generation of athletes. Her dedication to fostering growth in young golfers underscores her leadership and selfless service. CPO Pirruccello’s unparalleled achievements, leadership, and commitment to excellence embody the highest standards of the Coast Guard.

4. The Coast Guard Elite Male Athlete of the Year is LTJG Thomas Slattery, Intelligence Coordination Center.

5. LTJG Slattery distinguished himself in the sport of running. His dedication, perseverance, and exceptional performance on the national stage have set him apart as a premier athlete representing the service. LTJG Slattery qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials after being ranked 30th in the United States. In his pursuit to qualify for the Olympic Games, he placed 125th overall, overcoming grueling conditions that led to a 25% dropout rate among the nation’s top marathoners. His resilience and grit were on full display in front of thousands of spectators, demonstrating the endurance and determination emblematic of the Coast Guard. In addition to his marathon success, LTJG Slattery excelled in cross country, earning Team Captain of the All-Navy Cross Country Team and leading as the team’s top performer. He secured a 5th-place finish at the U.S. Armed Forces Cross Country Championships and competed against professional athletes at the USA Track and Field Cross Country Championships 10k, finishing 27th overall. His commitment to excellence was further highlighted by victories such as winning the Office of Naval Intelligence Turkey Trot 5k, underscoring his dominance across various race formats. LTJG Slattery has shown a strong commitment to community service, using his leadership and athletic experience to make a meaningful impact. He led a successful fundraising effort, raising $5,000 for a nonprofit scholarship fund in honor of his late high school teammate. He mentored student-athletes in balancing academics with high-level training. As the Unit Partnership in Education Coordinator, he guided volunteers in educating over 400 middle school students on financial literacy. Additionally, he supported future service members, counseled recruits, and volunteered to package holiday meals for underserved families. LTJG Slattery’s unwavering commitment to excellence, both in athletics and service, exemplifies the highest standards of the Coast Guard.

6. The runner-up Elite Female and Male Athletes are LTJG Maeve Roach, Cyber Command, for her achievements in triathlon, and PO3 Dakota Ayala, Sector North Carolina, for his achievements in basketball.

7. These athletes have distinguished themselves in their respective sports and are outstanding role models on the job and in their communities.

8. I would like to thank all the commands that submitted nominations for the Elite Athletes of the Year Award.

9. The EAOY selection board consisted of the following members:
Matt Perciak, Community Services Command
William Hogge, Training Center Yorktown
LCDR Ian King, Centralized Service Desk
CWO3 Kenneth Collins, Community Services Command
CWO3 Kelly Johnston, Air Station Elizabeth City

10. CAPT A. R. Jones, Acting Commander, Personnel Service Center (CG-PSC), sends.

11. Internet release authorized.