The Swope Rodante Vanguard Award Selection Board is pleased to share that Wharton High School Senior, Casey Grotz, was selected as the December Student Athlete of the Month. The mission of The Swope, Rondate Vanguard Award is to celebrate outstanding high school student athletes and coaches throughout Hillsborough County. Angela Rodante presented Casey with the award as well as a $1,000 check to be donated to the school’s Athletic Department.
As a member of Wharton High School’s soccer team, Casey was nominated by her soccer coach Denis Vukorep. Coach Vukorep describes Casey as an “outstanding person, student and athlete”. Casey also faced a foot injury at the end of her Junior, and after rehab came back and broke her foot again in August 2015. Due to Casey’s determination and dedication to her team she pushed through her rehab as quickly as possible and returned to play in the final two soccer games of her high school career. Throughout her high school sports career, Casey has been a two time All Conference Athlete and was given a scholarship to the University of North Florida to play soccer.
Additionally, Casey has been very involved in her community by volunteering at the Lowry Park Zoo, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and the Public Library. She has also maintained a remarkable GPA throughout high school and plans to attend the University of North Florida majoring in Biomedical Science.
REQUIREMENTS FOR NOMINATED STUDENTS
- The student athlete’s name and year (juniors and seniors only);
- Current overall GPA (GPA of 3.0 or above);
- Sport and athletic achievements; Community involvement;
- Any hardships overcome by the student athlete;
- and Plans for continuing education.
