Toms River East Football Player Nominated For Heart Of A Giant

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River High School East football player is among the nominees for the third week of voting for the 2018 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award.

Fabriola Andre, a defensive back for the Raiders, helps her mother support Fabriola and her younger sister, Mya, by working a job and keeps up with her studies, as the family pushes forward since Fabriola's father left when she was 12.

"This is her second year competing in a game that has always been predominantly male," her nomination said. "Fabriola inspires teachers, students, and young children to achieve their goals and dreams."

"Fabriola is a tremendous representation of our school and community and makes me proud to call her one of my players," East coach Kyle Sanberg said. "Fabriola Andre has the Heart of a Giant."

"When I first walked into that lockerroom, no one laughed, or judged me," Andre wrote in her description. "They all welcomed me with open arms and taught me everything I need to know."

"The thing I enjoy the most about playing football is being more than just a team with my teammates. We are Family! I also love that feeling of flying down the field and feeling that amazing energy and passion while running towards the endzone," she said.

Her football family also has helped her battle depression.

"It was hard dealing that, I began to distance myself from people. My grades started to slip. But one thing that I never doubted was football," she saidl. "Every time I had a bad day, I’d get up and run to the park down the street and kick and toss the ball either with myself or with a very good friend of mine. When I told my coach about my mental health, he was nothing but supportive and so was my team. Football has gotten me through so much, and this is just one of the things."

(You can vote for Fabriola Andre here.)

The 2018 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award is presented by Hospital for Special Surgery and NY Giants, and each week 10 high school football players from the tri-state area are chosen; they have been nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

Voting for these nominees will be open for 25 days with final vote tally determining who will be named the group's finalist. One grand prize winner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant and will be honored on the field during a New York Giants' home game. All six finalists will receive $1,500 for their high school's football program, with the winner's school getting an additional $3,500.

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Photo provided by the Heart of a Giant program