Tampa, Fl. – December 6, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Jaden Santos-Lopez from East Bay High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week ending December 6, 2019.
Santos-Lopez was nominated by Head Cheerleading Coach Tracy Howard, for his dual-role in both cheerleading and football. As Howard describes, being a student-athlete is tough, but Santos-Lopez manages to make the most of it.
“Jaden is a dedicated player to our varsity football team as a senior, starting on both offense and defense,” said Howard. “He is also a member of our varsity competitive cheerleading team. Participating in both sports is extremely demanding, but Jaden commits himself to both teams and maintains a weighted GPA of over 4.0 He keeps a positive attitude and brings a fun atmosphere as a leader to all of his teammates!”
Santos-Lopez, a natural competitor, never stops training and putting in the effort if there is work to be done. With hopes of continuing his athletic endeavors into college, he knows that his incredible work ethic will have to endure.
“I want to make an all-conference and all-district team,” said Santos-Lopez. “It’s something I’ve had set since freshman year. I want to compete at everything I do including going to play at the next level.”
As East Bay High School went 2-8 this season, Santos-Lopez sees it as a learning opportunity. Success comes in many different forms. Although success might not be found at the end of a season, doesn’t mean that it can’t be found in training or academics.
“Our football season didn’t go the way we wanted,” he said. “We kept spirits high and tried to go 1-0 each week. Right now, I’m making sure that I’m taking care of things on the field as well as in the classroom. I make sure that I’m doing my part as a leader.”
As his senior seasons come to an end, Santos-Lopez believes that everyone is destined for success as long as you absorb all that you are taught and can act on it.
“Take all the coaching and advice that you can and play your role,” Santos-Lopez said. “Trust the process and your time will come. When it does, take advantage of 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.
