SuburbanOneSports.com recognizes a male and female featured athlete each week. The awards, sponsored by Univest, are given to seniors of good character who are students in good standing that have made significant contributions to their teams. Selections are based on nominations received from coaches, athletic directors and administrators.
Univest’s SuburbanOneSports.com Featured Female Athlete (Week of Nov. 23, 2011)
Stevi Parker lives by the personal motto ‘Leave no doubt.’ Over the past four years, the gifted senior has helped elevated Pennridge’s soccer program to new heights. “She’s the most competitive player we have,” coach Jorge Rodriguez said. “If we don’t win the way she would say is the right way, she’ll be frustrated. That’s what keeps her motivated to improve and why each year she gets better and better.” A four-year starter, Parker was a key member of two district title squads in the last four years, including this fall’s district title team that advanced to the state championship game. “I don’t think we’ve had a better player in the area besides Stevi,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve been hearing about Stevi since she was in seventh grade when I took over at Pennridge, and she was every bit what the hype was about. There’s been no one more crucial to this program than Stevi Parker.”
Parker has been a two-year captain. “If I thought she could handle it, she would have been a captain as a sophomore,” Rodriguez said. “She’s a born leader and an extremely responsible player. She does it off the field more than anything. She’s constantly talking to the girls. She’s the most technical player we’ve ever seen in the program. She’s a gifted athlete and has the biggest heart I’ve seen. You hardly ever see players of her caliber. It’s been a joy to coach her, and it’s sad to see her go. I don’t think she’s a player you can replace.”
An excellent student as well, Parker boasts a 4.5 GPA and takes honors courses as well as a pair of AP classes. The recipient of a full soccer scholarship, Parker will be taking her talents to the University of South Carolina.
To view Parker’s complete profile, please click on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/featured-athletes/female/stevi-parker
Univest’s SuburbanOneSports.com Featured Male Athlete (Week of Nov. 2, 2011)
TJ Smink is a captain and leader of a North Penn football squad that captured the Continental Conference title and is just one win away from a district title. “He’s a very good drive blocker, and he’s athletic for his size,” coach Dick Beck said of his 275-pound lineman. “But I like his leadership qualities.” The Knights’ head coach went on to recount how Smink has taken his backup – junior Connor Lawn – under his wing. “When TJ is not taking reps and Connor is, TJ will be coaching Connor through the entire practice,” Beck said. “He’s not only a good leader, but he’s a good kid. He has a great disposition, and he’s a hard worker. He’s one of those guys you love having on your team.”
Smink – who grew up playing baseball and lived with the dream of playing collegiate baseball - has come back strong after suffering a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He had surgery last February and received the green light to return to action the first week of August, just in type for preseason football camp. He was forced to site out his junior baseball season and used the time away to reflect on his future. “When my arm gave out during pitching, it gave me a real scare and made me take a real good look at what was happening,” he said. “That was pretty much when I decided to stick with football.” The senior offensive lineman has set the bar high for aspiring linemen – an award at his former middle school honoring the best offensive lineman has been set up in his name.
An excellent student as well, Smink boasts a 3.2 unweighted GPA and is ranked in the top 25 percent of his class of 1,001. “Academics comes first, sports second,” he said. Smink - an active member of North Penn’s Key Club - plans to continue his football career at the collegiate level. He is looking at several of the PSAC schools. He is uncertain of a major. “I’m thinking of physical therapy, athletic training, but I’m also thinking of sports marking,” Smink said. “I just want to do something in the athletic field. I love sports.”
To view Smink’s complete profile, please click on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/featured-athletes/male/tj-smink
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