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Gaither Graduate Pursues Athletic Scholarships through Relentless Dedication and Determined Efforts

By June 21, 2019December 20th, 2021Athlete of the Week

 

Tampa, Fl. – June 21, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is pleased to announce Sydney Stoltzfoos from Gaither High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week ending June 21, 2019.

Stoltzfoos, a Gaither graduate, was nominated by her Track and Cross Country head coach, Bill Jenkins, for her tenacity and determination.

“Sydney has proven, this season, to be dedicated to her sport and her team by working hard and being an example of that hard work,” Jenkins said. “I was a collegiate scholarship runner and have coached state champions, and I can honestly say that I have never worked with a runner that is more dedicated to achieving a goal through hard work and discipline than Sydney.”

The drive for success does not stop there, as Stoltzfoos plans to attend university on a scholarship for athletics. As one of nine children, she wants to serve as a role model to her brothers and sisters.

“A full-ride scholarship will set me up to not only grow as an athlete and person,” Stoltzfoos said. “But it will also set me up to be financially stable when leaving college with a degree. I have never believed in debt and graduating debt free would be a big deal to me. I believe it would be a wonderful example to my younger siblings that when you set your mind to something you can accomplish it.”

As a multisport athlete, Stoltzfoos came across a dilemma many other athletes face when it comes to further pursuing athletics and academics.

“Getting to my goal of signing on full-ride meant sacrificing participation in soccer,” Stoltzfoos said. “This allowed me to stay injury free and healthy in order to improve my strength and running times.”

Not a stranger to the challenges that life poses, Stoltzfoos advises others not to give up on their endeavors and that the journey may be rough, but the destination is worth working toward.

“Just show up and do it,” Stoltzfoos said. “It is not always going to be fun and sometimes it will hurt really badly. But in the end, putting in the work is always worth 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 last week’s 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 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