Harvey H. Stoler '69 Memorial Award

The Harvey H. Stoler Memorial Award was established by his teammates and friends in recognition of Harvey's many contributions to UConn Lacrosse and the game of lacrosse, and to the many people he touched throughout his life. Harvey was among the early pioneers who worked tirelessly to bring the sport of lacrosse to the UConn campus beginning as a club team, which was officially designated by the administration as a varsity sport in 1966. Through his prowess on the field and leadership skills, the club team transitioned into a budding varsity team that posted a winning record in its second year of existence. Harvey went on to captain the 1968 team, and he later coached the 1969 freshman team. Harvey was named to the 1960s All-Decade Team by his teammates. Besides being an outstanding lacrosse attackman, Harvey was a leader and a friend who promoted the highest standards of sportsmanship and respect for, and love of, the game of lacrosse.

His teammates and friends responded to Harvey's untimely death in 2015 by establishing the Harvey H. Stoler Memorial Award to be awarded annually to the UConn lacrosse player who demonstrates outstanding lacrosse and academic achievement, provides leadership, and who promotes friendship, sportsmanship and respect for the game.

UConn Foundation Link

Award Recipients

2024 - Jon Nichele
Jon's name is now etched into the prestigious list of recipients of the Harvey H. Stoler Award, a recognition that honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to both their communities and the game of Lacrosse. Nichele’s path to this honor reflects his lifelong commitment to excellence—both on and off the lacrosse field.

      Nichele’s journey in lacrosse began at the age of four, where he first picked up a stick under the watchful eyes of his older brothers, JC and Sean Flaherty. Growing up in a family that had deep ties to the sport, including his brother JC’s tenure as the coach at the Coast Guard Academy, Jon was surrounded by lacrosse at every turn. His love for the game grew naturally, fostered by the support of his parents, Maurizio and Ellen Nichele, and his sister Victoria.

      He spent his early years playing for Ticks Youth Lacrosse and later honed his skills at Lyme-Old Lyme High School. His development continued at The Gunnery, where he became the Captain of the Varsity lacrosse team. As an Attackman under coach Mike Marich, Nichele’s leadership skills began to shine, earning him recognition as one of the most promising players in his class. His impact extended beyond the field as he was also selected as one of eight prefects to represent the student body during his senior year.

      Jon’s talent wasn’t confined to just athletics. An accomplished drum set player since the age of four, Nichele was a force in the Gunnery’s Jazz and Rock bands, recognized for his musical excellence. His ability to balance his passion for music with his athletic commitments speaks to his exceptional time management and drive.

      In addition to his personal achievements, Nichele made an immediate impact as a mentor and coach. During the pandemic, he founded the 5x5 Academy, a private coaching group for aspiring lacrosse players in the shoreline Connecticut area. His commitment to the game and its next generation was further evidenced by his coaching role with Ticks Youth Lacrosse, where he provided guidance to young players seeking to improve their skills.

      Jon’s leadership skills have extended well beyond lacrosse. At UConn, where he played for four years on the Men’s Lacrosse team, he made his mark as a dedicated student-athlete. His leadership was evident during his sophomore year, when he served as the Alumni Director for UConn Men’s Lacrosse. Beyond athletics, he has shown exemplary dedication in his academic and extracurricular pursuits.

      As a Finance major and Real Estate minor at the University of Connecticut School of Business, Nichele has earned the honor of being named to the Dean’s List six times, highlighting his academic excellence. His leadership extended to the business world as well. He has been an active member of the UConn Student Managed Fund and the Real Estate Private Equity Fund. His current role, where he helps lead the Private Capital Fund, sees him investing across public equities, real estate projects, and private market opportunities on behalf of the UConn Endowment Fund.

      Moreover, Nichele is currently developing a Career Development Program for the UConn Men’s Lacrosse team. The initiative pairs older alumni with younger players to guide their career growth, offering mentorship through resume curation and networking opportunities.

      The Harvey H. Stoler Award, which Nichele has now received, is not only a recognition of his athletic abilities but also of his character, leadership, and commitment to others. Whether on the lacrosse field, in the classroom, or in his community, Jon Nichele exemplifies the qualities that the Stoler Award honors.

As Nichele continues to grow and excel in every endeavor, his story serves as an inspiration to others—a reminder that success is not only about individual achievement but also about lifting others and giving back to the communities that shape us. The Harvey H. Stoler Award is a fitting tribute to a young man who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, both on and off the field, and who is undoubtedly poised for even greater things in the future.

 2023 - Matt Stevenson

2022 - Cole Accardi

2019 - Tommy Sokoloff
The UConn Men’s Lacrosse coaching staff is proud to recognize senior long stick midfielder Tommy Sokoloff as the recipient of the 2019 Harvey H. Stoler ’69 Memorial Award. Coach Marc Paolini said,“Tommy was a great example for the younger players on the team. He attended practice every day,worked hard and strived to improve at all times. Throughout his four years, he became a mainstay of the team and a vital part of the team chemistry.” His career was capped with the UConn Lacrosse team’s #15 national ranking and competing in the MCLA 2019 National Championship in Salt Lake City.
 
Growing up in Cheshire, CT, Tommy has been playing lacrosse since the 5 th grade. He was a member of the Cheshire High School lacrosse team for three years while also playing on summer lacrosse travel teams that competed regionally. When he joined the UConn Lacrosse team, he reunited with former Cheshire High lacrosse teammates. Tommy also played ice hockey while growing up and in high school. He was recognized with ice hockey’s Hobey Baker High School Character Award based on the principle that "Character Builds Excellence"; Tommy competed his education with a degree in finance from the UConn Business School.
 
During his time with UConn Lacrosse, among Tommy’s fondest memories were the trip to Salt Lake for this year’s nationals, even though the results were not as hoped. He also ranks the trip to Orlando during his freshman year when the team defeated then #3-ranked Virginia Tech, helping elevate UConn Lacrosse’s national stature.
 
For Tommy, his UConn Lacrosse memories were always based more on his relationships with his teammates than the actual game outcomes, even though he is extremely proud of the growth of the program and its rising national standing. He enjoyed hanging out with teammates, the inside jokes that evolved, and developing friendships that he expects will last well into the future. Tommy was also very proud of the pre-season conditioning he and his friends undertook in order to excel on the first day of practice for the team’s upcoming season. He was proud to receive the Stoler Award to cap his career at UConn Lacrosse.


2018 - James Champman
The UConn Men’s Lacrosse coaching staff is proud to recognize senior goalie
James Chapman as the recipient of the 2018 Harvey H. Stoler ’69 Memorial
Award. Coach Marc Paolini commented that “James was the only senior in a
group that included three freshman goalies and quickly became a vocal
leader. Constantly helpful and supportive, James would assist and
encourage the team defense during games. Each day at practice, his
experience and leadership would help the defense improve as a whole.” His
leadership was important in helping the team compile an 8-4 record.
 
James grew up in Orange, CT and has played goalie since 3rd grade. He
helped lead his Amity Regional High School team to the Class L State
Semifinals. He was named a US Lacrosse Academic All-American his senior
year. James’s Amity coach and cousin, Brandon Pepe, also played goalie for
UConn, which made the opportunity to continue his lacrosse career as a
Husky even more meaningful. James achieved an MCLA Top 10 ranking in
save percentage in 2016, and again in 2018.

James graduated summa cum laude from the University of Connecticut with a
Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 2018. He completed the Honors
Scholar Program in Chemical Engineering, with a minor in Molecular and Cell
Biology. He is attending Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to
pursue a career in medicine.

One of James’s fondest memories from UConn Lacrosse was winning the
PCLL championship in 2015 and competing in the MCLA National
Championships in California. “Being part of such a tight-knit group of
student-athletes and making program history are some of the biggest
highlights from my college experience,” he said. That team history included
victories over Top-10 programs such as Virginia Tech and Liberty, winning a
conference championship, and proudly representing UConn at the national
tournament.

James is especially proud of how UConn Lacrosse progressed in its national
ranking each year he played. He always looks forward to the annual alumni
lacrosse game and reconnecting with teammates and sharing great
memories. As James put it, “The UConn Lacrosse Family is very special and I
am grateful for my time with the team and to receive this award.”


2017 - Chris Faherty
The UConn Men’s Lacrosse coaching staff is proud to recognize senior defensive midfielder and team captain Chris Faherty as the recipient of the 2017 Harvey H. Stoler Award. “Chris was our emotional leader this season” stated Head Coach Marc Paolini. “Chris is an intelligent and intense defensive midfielder and was a leader among the defensive group”.

Affectionately known as “Turtle”, by his teammates, Chris is an accounting major from Hamden, CT, who said what he will remember most about his four years of playing UConn Men’s Lacrosse is “being a part of the 2015 team sophomore year that won the PCLL title for the first time in UConn history and advancing to the MCLA National Tournament in Southern California”.

Team president, Brett LeClair said “Chris always displays a lot of grit, hustle and leads with his work ethic. He did all the “dirty work” for us by getting ground balls and never wanted to be overly flashy, just the type of guy that puts his head down and works hard every single day”. Brett also said “Chris was a tremendous captain who set the standard for what kind of work ethic it takes to be great both on an off the field”.

Junior captain Alex Gallaer said about Chris “Nobody has ever been more excited on a lacrosse field than Chris when he scored against USF last year. He went absolutely nuts, he scored on an end-to-end goal, and it was awesome to see. I'll never forget him apologizing to the offense during his celebration because he knew they had a good fast break opportunity if Chris didn't take it himself”. Chris’ biggest piece of advice to all his UConn teammates is “to stay involved with and supportive of UConn Men’s Lacrosse even after graduation”. Chris added “the friendships you make and the stories and laughter will last a lifetime”.

2016 - Ronnie Tamburo
The UConn Men’s Lacrosse coaching staff is proud to recognize senior goalkeeper Ronnie Tamburo as the recipient of the 2016 Harvey H. Stoler Award. “We win with people” Head Coach Marc Paolini said. “What better example of sacrifice and commitment to the team than a back-up goalie who happens to be a senior. Ronnie shows us every day what being a part of a team is”. Originally from Stamford, CT, Ronnie said what he will miss most after his senior season will be hanging out with teammates, team dinners, team events and bus rides to away games.

Affectionately known as Megladon Ron, his teammates say he is a big dude with an even bigger heart. Fellow senior and team president, Jack Tessorio said “Ronnie helped to keep team moral high at all times this season. He brings leadership, passion, and experience to the team. Even for someone who may not play a lot he is a leader on the bench. At practice he is one of the most high energy guys. He offers advice that is a culmination of his years on the team”. Junior captain Christopher Reilly adds “Ronnie is a huge help off the field. Ronnie gives many players to rides to practice in his 2003 canary yellow Land Rover discovery and even on nights when there is no practice he offers to drive teammates in order to keep them safe. When I roomed with Ronnie during our trip to Texas last year many players came to him for lacrosse stick help”.

Missing an entire season due to a thumb injury gave Ronnie a greater appreciation of the opportunity to play lacrosse at UConn. “It was difficult being away from the support structure. When I came back it was like joining a new team. It is tough being away from all of your closest friends” he said. “Having been passed over for the starting job in goal, Ronnie did not complain. “He took our level of preparation a step higher by helping out first year goalie Dominick Serio” said coach Paolini. Ronnie’s biggest piece of advice to all his UConn teammates is “enjoy your time with the team because it goes by fast. You are going to make some lasting memories that will stick with you for the rest of your life”. Ronnie has earned himself an internship with the strength and condition department of UConn football after graduation. Now that is a smart hire.