Tampa, Fl. – August 16, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Madi Espy from George M. Steinbrenner High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week ending August 16, 2019.
Espy was nominated by Steinbrenner Volleyball Head Coach, Sabrina Christofilis, for her determined commitment and inspiring talent on and off the court.
“She’s the type of teammate who fills those around her with energy and confidence,” Christofilis said. “Aside from being a great indoor player, Madi has spent the past month out in California playing in several major beach tournaments, including Junior Olympics (which she triple-qualified for) and the Florida High Performance team.”
Christofilis went on to praise Espy for her extroverted attitude towards her teammates as she takes on a supporting role.
“Madi is always rocking a smile and often one of the first to extend a high five or words of encouragement to a teammate,” she said. “It’s not an understatement when I say that everyone loves Espy. The combination of her skill and care for others make her a great representation of our program and this award.”
Espy fell in love with volleyball at an early age, sparking a passion for the sport that only grows stronger with each session on the court.
“My love for the game began when I was 10 years old watching my sister and cousin compete at a high level,” Espy said. “I then began to play and instantly found gratification in participating in team sports.”
Seeking to qualify for the district championship this season, Espy and her team plan to learn from past outcomes and conquer any obstacle that stands in their way.
“While we are still bothered by last season’s results, we are using what we learned from it to motivate and better ourselves for this upcoming season,” Espy said. “With this team’s level of talent and amount of perseverance, we can achieve the highest of our goals. Maintaining team spirit and having people believe in us just as much as we believe in ourselves will help us see success in the future.”
Espy finished with advice that she thinks every athlete should keep in the back of their mind when playing.
“You need to keep a short term memory, whether that play was the best play of your life or the worst thing you have ever done. You need to get your mind off of it and focus on the next play. In other words: Forget about 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, 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.
