Star Student’s Athlete: Islip's Brendan Overcame Obstacles

ISLIP, NY — 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 Brendan Elling who nominated Brendan, of Islip.

Read on to learn about Brendan:

Star student athlete’s name

Brendan

Star student athlete’s home state

New York

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Islip

How do you know the star student athlete?

Son

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Basketball

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

I believe my son should be recognized because all his life he has played basketball. Basketball is his whole life. He played for 5 hours every day. He is the most determined person I know.

One year ago, while playing for his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team, a tragedy happened. When he was driving the ball to the rim, two defenders fouled and landed on top of him, causing to break his left leg.

That didn’t stop him from playing basketball, even with his broken leg he was practicing his handles in our garage. As soon as he got cleared to play basketball again, he was a whole another person.

Brendan wasn’t as good as he used to be, his coaches and I noticed that. He definitely knew that, so now he is practicing 6 hours every day.

Brendan is now 15 and still improving, trying to get his skills back. I just know he will be better than he was before, because of his mentality. I tell him every day, hard work pays off.

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

Brendan is a 6’1, 15-year-old 10 grader currently playing JV basketball and AAU basketball. Brendan is the most determined person I know. If he wants to accomplish something, he will.

Keep up the great work, Brendan!

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Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them here.