December 19, 2018
BY: Press Release
Wesley Chapel High Student-Athletes Recognized for Exceptional Leadership and Commitment both On and Off the Field
Charles Fields and Savannah Lee were nominated by the Wesley Chapel High School Swim and Weightlifting Coach Heather Farnsworth for Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s (FOI) Athlete of the Week program. The program honors student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and team playing qualities on and off the field.
Both students have won the Athlete of the Week award for the week ending December 14, 2018.
Fields is swim student-athlete with a bright future. His ultimate goal is to swim in college and one day make the Olympic team. Fields started swimming at the age of seven as a hobby and quickly developed a keen interest. Farnsworth had high praise for Fields.
“Charles has placed first and second in his events for District swimming and will be advancing to Regionals and most likely State. Charles has also contributed to his relay team advancing to Regionals. Not only does Charles give 100 percent to each race he is in, but he is also a team leader. He encourages everyone to do their best, he cheers on his teammates during their races and brings overall joy to the team on a daily basis.”
“The best advice I can give is to work hard. Hard work beats talent any day,” Fields advised. “For me to reach my goals, I will need to stay focused on reaching smaller goals. Staying focused on the hard work and putting in the time needed will help me achieve them.”
Lee is a weightlifting student-athlete whose athletic goal for this weightlifting season is to place at Districts, Regionals and States. On a personal level, her goal is to continue to work hard to lift in college. Farnsworth recognized her hard work and her contributions to those around her.
“Savannah always gives 100 percent, whether at practice or during meets. She is always willing to help her teammates when needed. Savannah is a joy to be around and spreads that joy to those around her,” said Farnsworth. Even after experiencing an injury, she is confident that it will only make her stronger.
“I’ve come so far, from my first year of weightlifting,” says Lee. “It is such an experience and I will continue to work hard for my family, friends and coaches who believed in me when it was hard to continue. I recently sprained my wrist and thumb and there is still a possibility of a fracture. Hopefully this minor setback will have a major comeback in time for States.”
Lee added, “It’s all about being self-aware and not comparing yourself to the other talented athletes around you. Just focus on your own self-growth.”
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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