December 6, 2018
BY: Press Release
Carrollwood Day School Student-Athletes Recognized for Exceptional Leadership and Commitment both On and Off the Field
Kyle Benedict and Alexa Gross were nominated by the Carrollwood Day School Head Football Coach and the school’s Athletic Director to be recognized by Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s (FOI) Athlete of the Week program. The program honors student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and team playing qualities on and off the field.
Both students have won the Athlete of the Week award for the week ending December 7, 2018.
Benedict is a senior football receiver who led his team to the regional semi-finals. His personal goals include being the best receiver to ever play at his school. Mark Jones, Head Coach for Varsity Football had high praise for Benedict.
“Kyle is an extremely hard worker and dedicated to his team and being a team player,” said Jones. “Kyle is reliable and always makes the big plays when needed. He also is the player that waits his turn to help his teammates shine and find the success they desire on the field. He is an impact player on this team. He also works just as hard in the classroom. He currently has 2035 receiving career yards for Carrollwood Day School as a wide receiver.”
“I would tell a player to make a goal and do what it takes to achieve it. It will take hard work, being the first to practice and the last one to leave but it is possible to achieve your goals if you set your mind to it,” Benedict advised.
Gross is a cross-country athlete whose primary goal for track and field is to break 5:45 in her mile. On a personal level, her goal is to solidify her collaboration and time-management skills. Baker Mabry, Athletic Director, recognized her hard work and leadership.
“Alexa finished 6th at the district meet and led her team to their first ever regional meet. She is a great leader who is constantly encouraging her teammates,” Mabry stated.
“The best tip I’ve ever received came from my swim coach. He always told me I didn’t have to be the strongest or most talented or most gifted in the pool, but I could be the most competitive. This statement serves as a personal mantra for me before every race. Comparing ourselves to others seems to be a universal habit, but this advice steers me away from it,” says Gross.
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, make 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.
For an archive of 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, 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 10 office locations in Bloomingdale, Brandon, Brooksville, 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.
###
