'A Gifted Tennis Player': North Fork Star Student Athlete

NORTH FORK, 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 Claire Kennedy who nominated Daniel Rila of the North Fork.

Star student athlete’s name

Daniel

Star student athlete’s home state

New York

Star student athlete’s Patch town

The North Fork

How do you know the star student athlete?

Daniel is my friend Liliana’s son.

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Tennis

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

Daniel is one of those rare individuals we all strive to be like. Anything Daniel does, he succeeds and way above and beyond the norm. He is not only a gifted tennis player (been playing since he was 3 — he is currently 14) but anything he picks up to do he will do it and very well at that. He is an honor roll student, too, and a very gifted pianist. He played in Carnegie Hall at age 13. I don’t doubt for a second this friendly and gifted young man will go to high places in his life both through tennis and his brilliance on the piano.

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

He is not only gifted athletically but academically and musically.

Keep up the great work, Daniel!

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Know an outstanding student athlete? Nominate them as a Patch Star Student Athlete.