On September 25, Jessica Foschi-Gallo '98 cemented her place in Long Island high school sports history as she was inducted into the Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame for her illustrious swimming career.
On September 25, Jessica Foschi-Gallo '98 cemented her place in Long Island high school sports history as she was inducted into the Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame for her illustrious swimming career.
During her time at Friends, Foschi-Gallo became an iconic figure in Long Island swimming, winning three straight state championships in both the 200- and 500-yard freestyle from 1995-97 and capturing the national title in the 500-yard freestyle in 1996. She also set county and state records in both events. Her state record time of 4:46.97 in the 500-yard freestyle stood for 20 years and is still the Nassau County record. She was also named Nassau County Most Valuable Swimmer and earned high school All-American honors in three consecutive years.
"Without a doubt, she was the finest high school swimmer to come out of Nassau County in the last 50 years," said Dave Ferris, director of the Long Island Aquatic Club.
After graduating from Friends, Foschi-Gallo accepted a scholarship to Stanford University and continued to excel in the pool. A 14-time collegiate All-American, she captured the 2001 NCAA championship in the 500-yard freestyle and won seven PAC-10 Conference titles throughout her career.
"I have known Jessica and her family since she was born," said Al Quackenbush, Friends Academy Athletic Director. "Her swimming accomplishments are only surpassed by the person she is. She was a school leader who was held in the highest regard by her classmates, teachers and coaches."
