ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: ALEXANDRA “ALLIE” BRABENEC

Alexandra “Allie” Brabenec Marathon High School, Senior Weightliftin

Alexandra “Allie” Brabenec
Marathon High School, Senior
Weightlifting

“Allie has a great attitude, and her presence in the weight room is something people stop to watch.”

– HEAD COACH JESSIE SCHUBERT

The only thing small about Marathon’s two-time state qualifier is her size. Alexandra Brabenec has been making gains each year and already has two wins under her belt in the 101-pound weight class early this season. Brabenec is expected to make a third appearance this February representing Marathon at the FHSAA State Championship meet in Lakeland, and if her current lifts are any indication, she has a solid chance of medaling. Brabenec, described by her coach as quick, powerful and dynamic, is currently benching 110 pounds with a clean & jerk of 115 pounds. For her year-round dedication to her sport, solid work ethic and steady improvement, Allie Brabenec is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Tracy McDonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.