Leto, Sunlake Students Named FOI Athletes Of Week

LAND O' LAKES, FL -- Florida Orthopaedic Institute announced that Christian Suarez and Jeanine Sullivan, from A.P. Leto High School and Sunlake High School, respectively, were named the Athletes of the Week for the week ending May 3.

Suarez, a senior pitcher for the Leto Falcons, was nominated by Head Coach John Pizzio for displaying leadership qualities on and off the field.

“Christian led our team to the 2018 District and Regional Championships.” Pizzio said. “This season, he has led our team to currently leading our district in overall wins. He has a 6.7 GPA and will be graduating with both an AA Degree from HCC and his High School Diploma. Christian also works directly with PCA Positive Coaching Alliance in a county mentoring program.”

As he reaches the end of his senior season, Suarez hopes that he can lead his team to victory while bettering those around him.

“My goal is to win a state championship for my high school,” Suarez said. “I plan on doing this by continuing to work at being a good leader to my team. I want to bring the best out of each and every one of my teammates. A personal goal of mine is to graduate from Stetson with honors. In order to complete this, I will need to effectively balance school and baseball.”

A varsity soccer player for Sunlake High School, Sullivan was nominated by Coach Jami Finan, as she was recognized for her reliability and sportsmanship.

“Jeanine scored six goals in two games against Anclote and Zephyrhills,” Finan said. “She is one of the captains on our team and gives great feedback to her teammates on the field. Jeanine is a player we can depend on to be aggressive and get the job done on the field.”

Sullivan has her sights set on continuing to play soccer at the collegiate level and knows that she has to stay patient, but persistent.

“I’ve been talking to college coaches from around the U.S. that are interested in recruiting me,” Sullivan said. “I got a late start, but I know now to stay dedicated and to trust the process. To achieve my goals, all I need is to stay true to myself and choose the right habits like eating right, time management and putting in the work off the field.”

Sullivan wants to remind other athletes that perseverance is one of the most important factors to reaching your goals and that you should follow your instincts.

“Do not let others influence you,” she said. “Follow your heart because that will make you the happiest in the end. Never stop until the last whistle blows.”

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.

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 nine office locations in Bloomingdale, Brandon, Citrus Park, North Tampa, Northdale, Palm Harbor, South Tampa, Sun City Center and Wesley Chapel.