February 8, 2019
BY: Florida Orthopaedic Institute
Bloomingdale Athletes Awarded ‘Athlete of the Week’ Honors by Florida Orthopaedic Institute
Tampa, FL – Feb. 8, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is pleased to announce Josh Harbord and Elise Vera from Bloomingdale High School as the ‘Athletes of the Week’ for the week ending February 8, 2019.
Harbord was chosen by the Swimming and Diving Coach, Eva Applebee, for exemplifying leadership and showing support to his teammates.
“Josh has been an incredible leader on our team,” Applebee said. “Josh worked hard not only at improving his skills, but he also supported his teammates throughout his swimming career by encouraging them, attending meets of fellow swimmers, working with them on their skills, listening to them and always offering positive feedback so that they, and the team, could succeed.”
Surrounded by a group of dependable athletes, Harbord finds fulfillment in the compassion and strength of his team.
“I joined the Bloomingdale swim team as a sophomore in 2016,” Harbord said. “I was introduced to a group of accepting and caring people who would become friends throughout high school. I have loved the amazing teamwork as well as the opportunities to grow physically and mentally. It has brought me much joy to encourage others and to be encouraged.”
Vera was nominated by the Girls’ Soccer Coach, Heather Iverson, for being proactive on the field and putting her best foot forward to help her team.
“Elise is leading our team from the center midfield position,” said Iverson. “Her work rate is unmatched. She marks the opposing team’s best player, starts the offense and is scoring timely goals. Most recently, she scored two big goals against King High School to put us in first place of the district.”
Vera, a new asset to Bloomingdale, is planning on success as she moves towards her future aspirations.
“I am motivated by my soccer teammates and coach because of all the training we put in during the week in preparation for games,” Vera said. “I have been playing soccer since I was five years old and this year I decided to try out for the Bloomingdale Lady Bulls Soccer Team. I am devoted to helping the team reach success throughout the season. After high school, my plan is to go to a division 1 college with a strong academic program and pursue soccer further.”
Vera and Harbord both advocate for staying true to oneself and not letting anything get in the way of hard work.
“Do not care what others think and focus on what you want to accomplish,” Vera said. “Always try to stay positive no matter the situation.”
Harbord continued, “Do your best. Once you’ve done that, lighten up. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be happy with your best effort.”
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, 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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