Medford, Ore. — A Saint Mary’s High School soccer player is being given the “Play it Forward” award for her community service.
In a special ceremony Monday senior Mary Beth Barnum was named Athlete of the Month through “Play it Forward,” a partnership between Nike and Providence.
Barnum is involved in Tops Soccer, an organization that pairs a coach with a kid who is mentally or physically disabled, encouraging them to get out and play.
“You realize what you take for granted in the sport if it’s something you’ve played all your life,” Barnum said. “You don’t realize how precious it really is and just seeing them find the love for the game and enjoy it has been awesome to watch.”
Both a high school and college athlete are recognized each month. In June, one of those students will be named Athlete of the Year. Last year University of Oregon’s Marcus Mariota took the title.
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