A former player at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Lou Bernardi is the proud Assistant Baseball Coach and Sports Specialist for the Merchant Marine Academy. Having pitched for four years at the Division I level, Lou compiled over 160 innings in over 60 appearances throughout his career. Lou is a board member of the Italian American Baseball Foundation, as well as the Founder and President of Valor Sports, an organization connecting communities and their families by using athletics as the platform. Lou has received numerous accommodations, awards and citations for his community involvement. A 2011 graduate of NYIT with a degree in criminal justice, Lou is a lifelong resident of New Hyde Park, N.Y., where he currently lives. Lou speaks about his playing career, his community activism, and how he helps mold tomorrow’s leaders on and off the field.