Tampa, Fl. – December 27, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Alyssa McDonald from Bloomingdale High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week ending December 27, 2019.
McDonald was nominated by her soccer coach, Nikki Porter, for her game-winning efforts on the field and her involvement within her team and in the community.
“Alyssa exemplifies all qualities of a true competitor,” said Porter. “She is a big asset to the Bloomingdale Lady Bulls’ Soccer team. Alyssa leads by example on the field of play, displays a great knowledge for the game of soccer and competes to her highest potential throughout each match. In a district game, Alyssa scored the game-winning goal to help the Lady Bulls come out on top with an important win. Not only does Alyssa excel on the field, but she also demonstrates these characteristics off the field. Alyssa gives her all in the classroom maintaining a GPA of 4.8 and she has also collected 107 hours of community service.”
A dual-sport athlete, the multi-talented McDonald proudly gives herself a substantial workload. She feels an obligation to show others that success is earned with the proper mindset.
“Ever since freshman year, I have been an accomplished student-athlete because of soccer, flag football, steering, NHS and Beta,” said McDonald. “I have always been motivated to do my best and to help others be the best they can be. I want to show everyone that we have the talent and desire to win every game and that if we aren’t winning, we will never give up.”
The best team is a team that functions as a cohesive unit. McDonald makes it her mission to ensure that each athlete is operating on the same level.
“As a senior and team captain, I have a responsibility to my teammates, coaches, and school to be an example and leader,” said McDonald. “I have to be a voice for the team as well as be the first to get on my teammates when we’re not getting it done. As a team, I know that we can do much more than we could ever do as individuals. My role is to make sure we never lose sight of that.”
The skill of a team is greater than the skills of each individual athlete. For a team to grow, each athlete needs to make a commitment to providing their talents to support one another.
“You have to help your teammates to be better than yourself to make the team succeed,” said McDonald. “Be yourself and set the example. Everyone knows when you’re faking it.”
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 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, and spine services among others. The organization treats patients throughout its surgery centers in North Tampa and Citrus Park, two orthopedic 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.
