Frederick’s Massey sister selected as Section 6 recipients of NFHS Spirit of Sport Award
INDIANAPOLIS — Brittlyn, Madalyn and Mikyla Massey, three sisters who are student-athletes at Frederick High School, have been selected as the 2017 Section 6 recipients of the “National High School Spirit of Sport Award” by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
The National High School Spirit of Sport Award was created by the NFHS to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics.
The three Massey sisters – junior twins Brittlyn and Madalyn and sophomore Mikyla – play softball for Frederick High School. Brittlyn is an all-league selection.
While their lives on the softball field have been positive, it’s off the field where they’ve gone through some very tumultuous times and specifically with regard to domestic violence. And interestingly, it’s been on the softball field where they’ve found a safe haven and solace.
In 2010, their mother Tammy was the victim of a domestic violence incident with her estranged husband from which she escaped unharmed. Domestic abuse has impacted the Massey family in different ways, but they have also learned how to cope with it.
Brittlyn, Madalyn and Mikayla discovered their safe place on the softball field. In a very real sense, they have used softball as therapy, and they have healed themselves through participation in the sport. It is on the softball field where you will most often see the three Massey sisters with big smiles.
About the Award
The NFHS divides the nation into eight geographical sections. The states in Section 6 are Colorado, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Nominations for this award were generated through NFHS member state associations and reviewed by the NFHS Spirit of Sport Award Selection Committee composed of state association staff members.
While the national winner will be recognized June 29 at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island, the section winners will be recognized within their respective states and will receive awards before the end of the current school year.
