Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week - Alexa Jardenil

As this reporter can attest, there is not a day that goes by when Alexa Jardenil does not have a smile to brighten up the world. The energy Alexa brings to everything she does is both admirable and refreshing in a high school setting where tensions can sometimes run high. As a member of the women’s volleyball team, Alexa’s enthusiasm and spirit helped keep morale high during times of adversity, which is why she has earned the title of student athlete of the week.

As a junior playing on the varsity team, Alexa took all summer and a third of the season to emerge as a leader for her team. Her style of leadership is one that head coach Adam Thurlwell says includes “wearing different hats for our team and program,” which shows Alexa’s unselfishness. “[Alexa] tries to bring the team up when they’re down, cracks a joke to ease tension, but also says things that need be said, even if they’re uncomfortable,” says Thurlwell.

Alexa says that the most challenging part of volleyball is working through the “mental barriers,” but what she loves most is getting to “work with [her] teammate” to overcome the hardships they all face.

Working in a group setting is a strong suit for someone with a personality like Alexa. Her advanced placement (AP) physics teacher, Anthony Holub, describes her as having “a vibrant, dynamic personality in class. She brings energy to class daily and is always willing to participate. She works well both independently and in a collaborative setting.”

As far as her work on the volleyball court goes, Alexa registered 13 aces and 121 digs on the season in 45 total games. Thurlwell describes her as “one of the most mature student-athletes I’ve ever coached,” and Alexa reached her personal goal of cracking the starting line-up. Unfortunately, the wolves’ season was cut short after winning their first playoff game, but the future looks bright for this energetic junior.

Not only does Alexa succeed on the court, but she manages to carry a 3.46 G.P.A. and is currently taking two advanced placement courses (Physics and English 3), as well as honors anatomy and physiology and honors pre-calculus Alexa says her favorite class is physics because it “is interesting and applies to real life situations.”

Alexa is hoping to use her love of science to major in physical or occupational therapy when she goes to college. Holub believes she will be successful and says, “In both occupations, one has to be approachable, relate well to people, and have a commitment to detail as they seek to improve the health of their patients. [Alexa has] these talents and are on display in class on a regular basis.”

Thankfully for Oswego East, and this reporter, Alexa’s vibrant smile will continue to fill the halls and the court for another year. She serves as an example to future wolves, and advises them to “set goals for [themselves], stay hardworking and dedicated, have passion for what [they] do, and never give up.” Valuable advice for future and current wolves.