Star Student Athlete In Alexandria Works With Special Olympics

ALEXANDRIA, VA — 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 Erin Thielman, who nominated Abigail of Old Town Alexandria. Abigail participates in a Special Olympics program with her brother, who has Down Syndrome, and has overcome her own medical issues to shine in team sports.

Star student athlete’s name

Abigail

Star student athlete’s home state

Virginia

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Old Town Alexandria

How do you know the star student athlete?

She’s my daughter

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Soccer and Track

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

Abigail has a zeal for team sports. She loves soccer for the sport's ability to work as a team for a common goal. She loves to fly like the wind in track. Abigail has a little brother with Down syndrome. She participates with him in the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. This makes her a Unified Athlete. She is teaching herself sign language to better communicate with her brother and our community. Abigail had to overcome some concerning medical issues this year. She not only fights against exercise induced asthma, but she also recovered from a bilateral hernia operation this past spring and a severely sprained ankle this fall. Nothing holds Abigail back. She always bounces back to help support her team, her community and her family. She is a rising star.

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

Nothing holds her back. She overcomes all obstacles. And she does it with a smile and a sense of humor.

Keep up the great work, Abigail!

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