Unsung Hero: Alexa Gill, Monroe

MONROE, CT — Today we inaugurate a new periodic series on Monroe Patch, highlighting young student-athletes who are considered "unsung heroes." They are not necessarily the big star, but rather one who works hard, is a good student, is a positive influence and strives for the betterment of his or her school and/or community.

Name: Alexa Gill
School: STEM/Jockey Hollow Middle School, grade 6
Sport: basketball
Nominated by: Morgan Mancini

"Alexa Gill is an 11-year-old who just finished an amazing season playing basketball on a travel team for the first time. Coming off years of competitive Irish dance at the regional level, Alexa was ready for a change. She had an interest in basketball and was eager to develop her skills on the court. She dedicated herself to the sport, practicing multiple times a week with her team and even more at home. All the while, she was working tirelessly in her first year in middle school. Alexa takes her school work very seriously; holding an A average in all of her classes is the most important thing to her. This year, she took that determination and focus from the classroom and channeled that to the basketball court. Alexa’s skills developed over time and she had several opportunities to hit the court during the very competitive season. Her determination never wavered. She cheered for her teammates from the bench and played her heart out when she was in the game. All of these qualities that make her the amazing child that she is are also matched by the fact that she is a type one diabetic. Her needs are not those of your average sixth grader. She handles her disease with maturity and grace in the classroom, on the court, and in everything she does. However, she never uses her disease an an excuse and ultimately uses it to showcase that she is unique, strong, and brave. Alexa is an extraordinary girl and she continues to impress everyone she knows with her passions. Her dedication to school, her sport, and spreading kindness wherever she goes is why she is an unsung hero."

To nominate a deserving student-athlete, email a brief description of their sports and community endeavors and a non-copyrighted photo (horizontal preferred) to tim.jensen@patch.com.