January 29, 2019
BY: Florida Orthopaedic Institute
Sickles High School Athletes Awarded ‘Athlete of the Week’ Honors
Tampa, Fl. – Jan. 29, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Sybil Pun and Jed Durda from Sickles High School as the ‘Athletes of the Week’ for the week ending February 1, 2019.
Pun was chosen by the Girls’ Soccer head coach, George Arroyo, for her passion and guidance, noting that her influence leaves a last impression on those around her.
“Sybil’s positive influence, work ethic and love for the game has made her the player and student that she is today,” Arroyo said. “I believe that Sybil will be an asset to any college she attends. I also know that she will make an impact in college, but above all, her influence will bring a tremendous amount of joy to anyone she meets. She is a team leader by example and not by words. She is very hard on herself, but gentle in the way she speaks to her teammates, coaches, parents and anyone she comes in contact with.”
Pun has found that practice, does in fact, make perfect and that perseverance is the key to her success.
“I have already started reaching for my goals,” Pun said. “By practicing every day, doing the same moves over and over and asking my coach to teach me new techniques, I’ve begun my training into being someone my team can depend on to take them all the way.”
Golf head coach, Joey DiPompo, selected James, aka Jed, Durda to be an athlete of the week due to his character and commitment to others.
“Jed shows tremendous leadership not only on the golf course, but in the classroom,” said DiPompo. “He excels in academics, extracurricular activities and also balances working a job and volunteering on a weekly basis. Jed leads by example and really takes in underclassmen and shows them the right way to do things. He is one of the best players I have coached, both on the golf course and academically.”
Planning ahead and having role models to learn from are two methods that Durda uses to accomplish his goals.
“I was motivated to work hard at golf and better my scores by envisioning the feeling of winning,” Durda said. “I am also fascinated by the best athletes and golfers in the world and want to reach their level one day. As for academics, I have always been good in the classroom and just want to continue my previous successes and further develop my efficient study habits.”
Durda and Pun both believe in taking an active part in setting yourself up for success and becoming someone that can be depended upon in the face of certain struggles.
“The most important thing I have learned is that perseverance is the most important trait a person can have,” Durda said. “Never giving up shows one’s commitment and only builds confidence to keep going.”
Pun followed, “Be the hardest worker out there. When you work hard and show the coach that you really want it, you become someone the coach can depend on which helps secure your future.”
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, makes 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.
To view last week’s 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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