Tampa, Fl. – January 17, 2020 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Gary E. Jones III from Sickles High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week ending January 17, 2020.
Jones was nominated by Marissa Beauchamp, Sickles Athletic Trainer, for his contributions and commitment to his team, academics and the extracurriculars he is involved with.
“Gary (Trey) Jones III has been excelling in basketball and in the classroom at Sickles High School for the past four years,” said Beauchamp. “Trey is very active in his community, church and with his teammates on the court. Trey is a hard worker by putting in the extra hours outside of practice to improve his game. He also excels in the classroom by utilizing his time management skills to balance practice, schoolwork and applying for academic scholarships.”
Standing at 7 feet tall and 230 pounds, Jones is a powerhouse on the court. He is constantly preparing himself mentally and physically to play at the next level and to lead his team to States. Jones is a force to be reckoned with however, he didn’t always feel that way.
“As a child, I was bullied constantly for being the big kid,” Jones said. “[I] realized towards the end of middle school that there were distinct advantages to being big. I soon embraced my size and used all those past years as motivation to make myself the best player I can be and try to play as long as possible. God has given me size as a gift and what I do with it is my gift back to Him!”
Training every day and playing to his fullest has not kept Jones from experiencing his share of injuries, but with the help of Marissa and Select Physical Therapy, he’s been able to get back to the game he loves.
“Coming into my senior season, I was rehabbing from a sprained MCL from AAU Ball,” Jones said. “It was frustrating because I knew senior season is a big one. Throughout fall ball and regular season, I have sprained both ankles and had to rehab back from them. Marissa, our trainer, has been amazing working with me before and after school to ensure I got back to full strength and I have yet to miss a game.”
Adversity has always been an obstacle that Jones has had to overcome, however, he meets these challenges head-on with eagerness and a positive attitude.
“Believe in you,” Jones said. “You are capable of so much more than your mind can comprehend. When people are hard on you, realize they see something you may not see. Lastly, love, listen and learn. Love the life you have been given. Listen to the wisdom imparted upon you and learn from the mistakes for that is where true strength lies.”
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.
