Star Athlete Zoey Persevered Through Obstacles, Shines On And Off The Field

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Michele Gasparovic, former coach of nominee Zoey of West Deptford.

Star student athlete’s name

Zoey

Star student athlete’s home state

NJ

Star student athlete’s Patch town

West Deptford

How do you know the star student athlete?

former coach

What sport does the star student athlete play?

field hockey

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Zoey loves to give back to her community and sport when ever she can. She works with young athletes to grow their game by volunteering to help in her town's youth league as well as working one on one with young girls looking to grow their game. In addition, she participates in her team's community service efforts including town clean up efforts and making sandwiches for the local homeless outreach programs. On the field Zoey competes with grace and dignity, supporting all of her teammates in their efforts and leading her team by example. She does it all with a smile on her face, even when faced with adversity. After spending a long stay in the hospital for medical complications as a young athlete, she missed lots of class and field time. However these obstacles were never used as an excuse or setback. She went back into the classroom and back to the field to prove that she could rise above any challenge that stood in her way. Today, she has excels in the classroom and on the field hockey field.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

She will not let anything stand in her way.

Keep up the great work, Zoey!

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