Tampa, Fl – November 4, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Emma Reynolds from Bloomingdale High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week beginning November 4, 2019.
Reynolds was nominated by swim coach Eva Applebee for her dedication to her team as she creates an atmosphere in which everyone can belong.
“Emma has been a dedicated Swim Team member during all her four years in high school,” Applebee said. “A quiet young lady, Emma always leads by example. She has outstanding work ethic. She helps and supports her teammates. She swims in any event we put her in and never complains. Emma also designed our team shirt last year, which we all wore proudly. I am very honored to nominate Emma Reynolds for this recognition.”
Exuding selflessness and commitment to fostering an environment in which everyone can feel included, Reynolds dedicates her time to building relationships with her teammates.
“I want to create a sense of community amongst my swim team where everyone feels as though they matter and belong,” Reynolds said. “By providing encouragement and demonstrating kindness and acceptance, I want each team member to have a place where they are accepted and can develop friendships and positive relationships.”
When it comes to swimming, the word ‘sport’ is one of the last things thought of for someone like Reynolds. Swimming is a lifestyle where likeminded people can come together and bond. It is a tool that helps with organization and reinforces the principles of hard work. Swimming is a mindset.
“Swimming has helped me to develop life-long friendships, a good work ethic and time management skills,” Reynolds said. “It has taught me how to be a good friend, teammate and team player. I want to share my experiences with my teammates in hopes that they, too, will find positive friendships and success while participating in a sport that has given me so much.”
A team cannot function without everyone being included, involved and engaged. As a natural leader, Reynolds stresses the importance of encouragement and team acceptance.
“My goal can be accomplished by making my teammates, regardless of their experience or level of performance, feel accepted,” Reynolds said. “By encouraging my teammates to always do their best, letting them know that they are needed and appreciated, modeling good sportsmanship and cultivating an environment of teamwork, it is my hope that my teammates feel a sense of belonging and leadership.”
With plans of attending the University of South Florida to become a pediatric physical therapist, Reynolds wants to make a lasting impression on the athletes that come after her upon graduation.
“Choose kindness,” she finished. “Make each person you come into contact with feel important, needed and special. Work with a sense of purpose and integrity. Always try your best no matter what you are doing. You never know how it will affect your future.”
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.
