Tampa, Fl. – July 19, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Abbie Wilbur from Newsome High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week ending July 19, 2019.
Varsity Cheerleading Coach Jennifer Giannone nominated Wilbur for her leadership style as she has contributed to the success of the team for her entire high school career.
“Abbie Wilbur is a dedicated athlete entering her senior year,” Giannone said. “She has helped propel Newsome Varsity Cheerleading to two 3rd places and one 2nd place at States since she has been on the team as a freshman. Her overall knowledge of the sport is outstanding and she also brings her best self to every practice, game and event.”
Coach Giannone commended Wilbur on her selflessness and her ability to put others before herself, establishing herself as a mentor.
“She is the first one to volunteer for any task,” Giannone said. “She takes teammates who are having trouble and works through their issues without shame or deflating their drive. Abbie leads by example and she holds her team to a high expectation.”
Wilbur recognizes those that came before her, guiding her through athletics, academics and high school as a whole, and she wants to pay it forward.
“I want to ensure they enjoy their high school years and the cheer team,” Wilbur said. “Ever since my freshman year, I’ve had amazing role models in the form of the seniors on my team, coaches and leaders in our student government. I want to continue guiding the new kids on the team just like the seniors before me.”
Entering the world of high school can be intimidating, especially for incoming freshman, and not all students may feel comfortable, as Wilbur noted.
“One of the problems I have hit is that some of the younger classmen are a little shy in the beginning and tend to let others take the lead.” Wilbur said. “I’m getting over this issue by talking to them individually so that they feel more comfortable around the upperclassmen. This has allowed us all to get closer as a team and creates an atmosphere where everyone can grow and enjoy their experiences.”
Wilbur finished with a piece of advice for anyone fearing failure or experiencing defeat.
“Just because you didn’t get something right the first time does not mean that you should not try again.”
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 9 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.
