Abacoa & Alton Neighbors December 2020

D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 0 | Abacoa &Alton N E I G H B O R S 9 Andrew Weisz’s love for football began the moment he donned pads for the first time as a middle school student at The Benjamin School. That devotion to the sport has grown over the past seven years, and the Benjamin senior is now committed to play Division 1 football at Yale University next Fall. “I really didn’t know I was going to play football in college until my older brother, Martin Weisz, began to get recruited when he was a Junior. I was in the 8th grade at the time and this was the first time I had ever heard about offers or a Division 1 Scholarship, but that is when my recruiting journey began,” said Weisz. Weisz’s older brother, Martin, currently plays football at the University of Virginia. Weisz said the recruiting process, amidst a global pandemic, was certainly a unique one. “All visits were canceled ever since we began quarantine. Coaches were forced to use their technology skills to the best of their ability to recruit kids to their schools,” said Weiz. “It was a process no one had ever experienced before, but we got through it. I was calling and FaceTiming coaches during the entire process.” Weisz is one of many Benjamin student-athletes who have navigated the recruiting process throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past five years, an average of 25 percent of the senior class has gone on to play athletics at the collegiate level. Weisz said his journey as a student- athlete has included early risings, late practices, and “grinding for hours at the sport.” Weisz credits middle school football coach Coach Keller with inspiring his love for the game and building the foundation for his football career. “He made me into the player I am today. I love checking in on him and seeing him brightens my day every time. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had.” Athlete Spotlight Andrew Weisz of the Benjamin School Submitted by Marti Lotman | Photos by Christine Magee Photography ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT RESORT-STYLE COMMUNITY MULTIPLE RESTAURANTS PREMIUM AMENITIES Schedule your tour today and mention our Holiday Special to receive up to two months of free rent plus assistance with moving expenses*! 3000 Central Gardens Circle Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (561) 839-1855 www.HarborChase.com #AL 13037 HARBORCHASE OF PALM BEACH GARDENS ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE RESIDENCES *for a limited time.