Staff of the Week: Stephen Altieri
By Ella Brady
Most likely found wearing a t-shirt and neon-orange swim shorts, Stephen Altieri brings a sense of kindness and responsibility to his work as a lifeguard at the Roger Nekton Pool. As he helps to coach Exeter’s diving and swim teams, in addition to keeping the pools safe, there’s no doubt that Altieri is making a considerable splash at the Academy.
Altieri shared the work he does in the swimming community. “My role here at Phillips Exeter is being part of a great team! Our lifeguarding staff is here to ensure the safety of everyone in this community while they use the pool. We educate patrons on water safety, teach swimming to those in our community of any age, and will also assist swimmers to become more efficient swimmers,” he said.
Many of Altieri’s coworkers applauded him with the passion he puts into his work. “Steve is always willing to go the extra mile to help out,” said Diving Coach Julie Van Wright. “He’s a fantastic coach. He is eager to do everything he can to support the team.”
Swim coach Nicole Benson agreed. “Steve is always willing to help. When the diving team needed a coach to help with diving, Steve volunteered. When water polo needed help with coaching, Steve was there to be of assistance. He really has the non sibi spirit,” Benson said. “Steve has been a stable Exeter presence ever since I walked onto the pool deck in 2009.”
“I was new to the Exeter community last year, and Steve did a really nice job helping me learn all of the ins and outs of coaching diving at PEA,” Water Polo Coach Melissa Pacific recalled. “He has a wealth of knowledge and coaching ideas that he is always happy to share.”
An essential aspect of Altieri’s work as a lifeguard is his priority for swimmers’ safety. Aquatics Manager Kate D'Ambrosio said, “When Steve is on deck, he always keeps safety as a priority and I always have peace of mind when [he] is on deck.” Benson added, “He has provided excellent safety care as a lifeguard and also teaches many of our students lifeguarding not only as a lifelong skill but as a pathway to a first time job, for many.”
Altieri isn’t afraid of getting out of his lifeguard’s chair: Van Wright recalled a time when Altieri even dove into the water to help teach his athletes. “Steve was progressing through a series of drills to help [a student] get more comfortable with the concept, and, rather than simply talk her through it, he decided to just do it himself and did a reverse dive right off the deck into the pool,” Van Wright said.
According to Altieri, there is a passion that drives him to the pool deck everyday. “I am 100% dedicated to the students at the school. I really enjoy working with the students and faculty kiddos and seeing them grow and develop in their skills through training, classes, and working with them,” he said. “I enjoy the challenge of getting the kids to perform to the best of their abilities. The students are the best part of it all.”
In his free time, Altieri enjoys being outside and participating in activities like hiking and snowboarding. He also always enjoys spending time with family and friends. Altieri also engages in an interesting activity: “Eating pizza as much as the Ninja Turtles.”
Altieri wanted to leave Exeter students with a message. “Thank you to everyone for everything you do here at Phillips Exeter. Even when times become tough, together we will stay the course.”
