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Two Local High School Athletes Recognized for Exceptional Leadership and Commitment Both On and Off The Field

By November 16, 2018April 22nd, 2019Athlete of the Week
Florida Orthopaedic Institute

Tampa Bay Newswire

November 15, 2018
BY: Press Release

Two Local High School Athletes Recognized for Exceptional Leadership and Commitment Both On and Off The Field

Head Coaches for Cross Country and Soccer of Steinbrenner High School nominated their team captains to be recognized by Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s (FOI) Athlete of the Week program for demonstrating outstanding leadership and team playing qualities on and off the field.

FOI is proud to announce that Davis Bly and Madison McElhone have won the Athlete of the Week award for the week ending November 16, 2018.

Bly is a senior cross-country athlete whose athletic goal this year is to capture the State Cross Country Championship as a team. Personally, he aspires to improve his time. Allison Ennis-Szponar, Head Coach for the Boy’s Cross-Country Team had high praises for Bly.

“Davis, a senior captain is typically our top runner on the team. At the County meet, he was passed by a couple of teammates. After the race, he was more excited for his teammates who broke their personal records and the fact that his team won the championship, where most would be saddened over their own struggle. Davis boasts a 5.8 GPA, as well as logging over 100 community service hours running with dogs from the Humane Society. He is a member of National Beta Club and National Honor Society,” Ennis-Szponar said.

“Throughout my running career, I’ve learned to enjoy working hard to accomplish my goals. My advice would be to always strive to be the best, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Value teamwork and enjoy the journey,” Bly said.

McElhone is a senior soccer player whose athletic and personal goals this year are to lead her team through Districts and on to a successful State-run, as she works toward an individual college soccer opportunity. Shannon Scott, Head Coach for the Women’s Soccer Team recognized her hard work and great attitude.

“Madison is an extremely hardworking athlete. She is a four-year starter for the Warriors and a senior captain. When she’s on the field, there’s nobody that will outwork her. When she is on the bench, she’s the first person to support the girls on the field. She is an all-around athlete from the classroom to the field. Madison is a very humble yet hungry athlete who is always looking to better herself and the team,” Scott mentioned.

“Many view leadership in so many different ways. Some consider leadership as a title which allows them to boss around others. I consider leadership an honor and duty to help support and mentor others to a greater goal,” says McElhone. “I once read the definition of leadership is the ability to empower those around you to far exceed their goals to levels they perceived as unreasonable. I can only assume throughout life, there will always be opportunities for individuals’ accolades and awards, however, very few times are you afforded the opportunity to lead and provide a positive impact to a team or group in such a rewarding manner. My hope is to walk away at the conclusion of this season, looking back not only at wins or losses, but also with the confidence that I have helped inspire underclassmen with positive examples of leadership, that they may adopt in their years ahead, paying it forward. Having worked through these challenges and opportunities will have me ready to take on the challenges of a college soccer career.”

Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s Athlete of the Week campaign is designed to focus on student-athletes, recognizing them for their hard work and dedication both on and off the field. The Athlete of the Week award can be earned by displaying one of the following characteristics:

Team Player: Athletes who are nominated for excellence in team play are chosen by a coach who feels the athlete does his or her best to put direction into action, make a significant contribution to the team and continuously works to improve his or her skills, attitude and training.

Leadership: Athletes who earn the award in recognition of excellent leadership must exemplify strong relationship building skills, show excellent initiative and serve as role models for his or her peers.

For an archive of previous award winners, please follow this link.

Florida Orthopaedic Institute
Founded in 1989, Florida Orthopaedic Institute is Florida’s largest orthopedic group and provides expertise and treatment of orthopedic-related injuries and conditions, including adult reconstruction and arthritis, chiropractic services, foot and ankle, general orthopedics, hand and wrist, interventional spine, musculoskeletal oncology, orthopedic trauma, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, sports medicine, shoulder and elbow, spine and chiropractic services, among others. The organization treats patients throughout its surgery centers in North Tampa and Citrus Park, two orthopaedic urgent care centers in South Tampa and Brandon, and 10 office locations in Bloomingdale, Brandon, Brooksville, Citrus Park, North Tampa, Northdale, Palm Harbor, South Tampa, Sun City Center and Wesley Chapel. For more information, please visit: FloridaOrtho.com and ‘like’ us on Facebook: facebook.com/Florida.Orthopaedic.Institute.

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