From Jag to cadet
Nikki Flocco (second from left) celebrated senior lacrosse night at Rock Canyon High School with her parents, Barbara and John, and her sister, Gabby. Nikki will be a cadet and a lacrosse player at The United States Coast Guard Academy.
It was at a Navy summer program for rising high school seniors that Nikki Flocco said she “absolutely fell in love with the military.” Despite returning from the program in a wheelchair from a sprained foot, Flocco decided to apply to nearly all of the military academies. Flocco was accepted into The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) and after prep school, will become a cadet. Flocco will play lacrosse for the USCGA next year. The USCGA has a highly selective admissions process and admits only about 300 cadets each year from thousands of applicants.
Flocco graduated from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) in May and is the first female student and the first athlete to attend the USCGA in RCHS’s 20-year history. At graduation, Flocco was draped with cords for her athletic, academic and community service achievements. Named Jag of the Year, Flocco was chosen as an outstanding student based on votes from the entire staff.
When in elementary school, Flocco attended a Colorado Mammoth game and thus began her passion for lacrosse. Flocco has played ever since, earning many honors. Recognized by CHSAA as an All-Conference, All-Academic first-team member, Flocco has also been named MaxPreps Player of the Game after causing a game-winning turnover in overtime. Flocco said she is most proud of being a Colorado All-State Honorable Mention her senior year. Her coach Alanna Gilbertson called Flocco “a coach’s dream,” adding that Flocco was not only dedicated to always giving her all but was “well-liked among her peers and a leader on and off the field.”
With more than 100 hours of community service, Flocco has volunteered with young lacrosse players, led freshman orientation at RCHS, was a peer leader for Sources of Strength to increase mental health awareness, and served food to residents at Legacy Village.
Flocco advises young people, “If you have a thought about pursuing something, even if you are nervous, just jump right in. The water might be a little cold at first, but don’t worry.”
Flocco, who grew up in the Hidden Pointe neighborhood, claims she could not have accomplished what she has without the support of her family. She also talked highly of her coaches, trainers and squad leaders who have given her encouragement and advice, often when she took the initiative and reached out to them.
“My long-term goal is to be a doctor,” Flocco stated. Right now, she is interested in anesthesiology or trauma surgery. “I really want to be on a medevac helicopter in Alaska someday,” Flocco shared.
Nikki Flocco on the lacrosse field, where she plays midfield, defense and attack.
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Nikki Flocco
