Skip to main content
Call Us

Lennard Longhorn Leads Team

By January 24, 2020August 30th, 2022Athlete of the Week
Athlete of the Week

Tampa, Fl. – January 24, 2020 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Halei Murrell from Lennard High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week ending January 24, 2020.

Murrell was nominated by her coach, Jerome McWhorter, for her relentless determination on the basketball court and in the classroom.

“Halei is a tough, hard worker on and off the court,” said McWhorter. “She leads by example and is what every coach can ask for in a kid. Her determination to be better each and every day is powerful.”

From a young age, Murrell knew that basketball was her calling. Now, at Lennard High School, Murrell is determined to take her talents to the next level in an effort to make it through the playoff seasons.

“My love for basketball grew when I started 3rd grade,” said Murrell. “I am currently in love with this sport so much. When we first started this year, I could see the potential in our team to make it to playoffs and probably further than that.”

Murrell takes pride in being able to bring her team together and overcome any obstacle while also tackling her academics. This task is not always easy, but she keeps a level head.

“Finishing this year with straight A’s is going to be a challenge,” said Murrell. “I just need to keep studying and having faith in God. The team and I still have a few games left and we are so close. We just have to finish it out strong and as a team.”

Constantly focused on improving, Murrell does not have time for interruptions. When she has something in her sights, you can be sure that she is completely locked on.

“If this is something you really want to do, then fully commit to it,” she said. “Distractions aren’t needed. They will just hinder you further from what you are trying to accomplish.”

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