Allison DeSanti Weibel still remembers the quote on the wall at the Queensbury pool.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
“In many ways, my coaches made sure those words were permanently etched into who I am,” she said. “They taught me that excellence isn’t about single achievements, but habits, commitment and efforts we bring to what we do every day.”
Among the most decorated swimmers in Queensbury history, DeSanti Weibel '03 established herself as an accomplished competitor at the sectional, state and national levels during her six-year varsity career. She was a five-time state qualifier and four-time team MVP.
“Through high school and college, the pool was one of the places where I felt most at home,” she said while accepting her plaque. “Swimming gave me belonging and purpose. It taught me that progress comes from showing up over and over again, even when you’re tired, even when you don’t want to, and especially when no one is watching. Those lessons have stayed with me long after my competitive swimming career ended.”
DeSanti Weibel was one of 17 athletes and coaches inducted into the Queensbury Union Free School District Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 17 at The Queensbury Hotel. Joining her in the 2026 induction class were: Zachary Beadle, Matthew Ellement, Christopher Frielinghaus, Lisa German Giordano, Elizabeth Gordon Lopatniuk, William Groff, Stephen P. Jabaut, Phillip Klaiber, Seton McAndrews, Emily McCabe McCarthy, Patrick Moynihan, Robert Moynihan, Thomas Rosecrans, Katherine Sundberg Authier and Kara Zappone Vélez. Inductee Erin Sprague was unable to attend.
“When you look at this year’s Hall of Fame class, the accomplishments are truly remarkable,” said John Martin, Queensbury’s director of health, physical education and athletics. “All-Americans, state champions, school record-holders, individuals whose achievements have stood now for decades, which tells you just how talented these Spartans were.”
Superintendent of Schools Kyle Gannon said the Hall of Fame ceremony proves that success on a high school athletics team builds the foundation for success throughout life.
“Athletes learn how to overcome challenges, handle adversity, work toward a goal even when someone is trying to stop you,” Gannon said. “Ultimately, success in high school athletics is not just about becoming a better athlete. It’s about becoming a better person.”
Sports information analyst Tim Jones, who served as master of ceremonies for the evening, told the inductees: “Your legacy within Queensbury’s athletic history and the community will be revered for years to come.”
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