The pool of nominees has now been narrowed from 64 to eight finalists, and Adamez will proudly represent the entire NFC North. In addition to attending Super Bowl LX, she will receive at least a $5,000 grant award for college; should Adamez be selected as the female national winner (announced during Super Bowl week), that grant will increase to $25,000.
“I just want to congratulate you on everything you’ve done thus far,” Rodriguez told Adamez. “Keep pushin’, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything. Follow your dreams and do the things that other people don’t.”
An emotional Adamez accepted an embrace from Rodriguez and then joined in a celebration with her teammates, coaches and Park High School Athletic Director Phil Kuemmel.
Adamez explained how when she’d initially been selected as the Vikings nominee, she viewed it as “a great opportunity” to not only celebrate her Latino heritage but also to lean into being a leader — “not just in flag football but all around.”
“When Levi walked in, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. … This is insane,’ ” Adamez reacted. “I’m so blessed. I’m, like, shaking. I’m so excited, I don’t even know what to say. Just thank you. Honestly, so many thank yous to everybody.”
Adamez, who is committed to play Division I softball at Southern Illinois University, expressed deep gratitude to her parents, Jill and Daniel Adamez, and her grandparents, Jesus and Maria Adamez.
“Me and my grandpa, we [have been close for so long], and I learned more [about my heritage] not just from him and my grandma but also his whole family, his sisters,” she said. “Grandpa has eight sisters, and they’re all gonna be so excited.
“My [family] poured their heart and soul into my passions,” Adamez later added. “They knew that I fell in love with softball, and they knew I fell in love with hockey. They poured in any money they could give me so I could go to a scout camp and get looked at and fulfill my dreams.”