Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week

Senior Sade Akinfe is a rarity, and not just because of her dominance as a sprinter and in the long jump. The 2016 version of a teenager is so vastly different from the generations before, with so much emphasis put on individuality, and some getting caught in the trap of narcissism in a world filled with apps and social media. Sade is unique because of the way she approaches life, school, social situations, and sports. It’s her spirit, aura, humbleness, and sweetness that set her apart from others her age, which are a few reasons why she is this week’s Oswego East Student Athlete of the week.

Upon meeting Sade it becomes evident very early on one is dealing with a genuine person, who seems to care for the welfare of others, rather than how she is perceived. Her generosity is exhibited in many ways, through the giving of her time to help watch infants on Sunday’s at Calvary Church, or cheering on and picking up her teammates as a captain of the track team.

These are not characteristics one generally attributes to athletes, especially one as dominant and decorated as Sade. However, those closest to her see both sides on a regular basis, and are as enamored with her ability to compete as they are with her truly good nature. Head girls track coach, Lisa Cook, says of Sade, “Sade has been one of the most dedicated athletes we’ve ever had-both in and out of season.” Mrs. Cook goes on to add, “[Sade] takes competition seriously and wants to win, but she always has the team focus as well. She is a true program kid, and we could not be more proud of her.”

Being a hard worker with a bright personality would be enough for any coach, but it is Sade’s improvement since her freshmen year that really sets her apart. It is her long jump coach, Steve Ideran, who Sade credits as, “One of the best coaches I’ve ever had as an athlete, supportive, and definitely pushed me when I doubted myself.” Ideran has seen just how far Sade has come in four years at East, “[Sade’s] work ethic in the weight room and in the offseason are the model we want our younger girls to follow,” says Ideran. He goes on to say, “[Sade] added almost 4 feet to her long jump from freshmen to senior year [so far] and that is mostly attributable to her focus, work ethic and desire to get better.”

Sade’s improvement in the long jump is not just good enough to place her at the top of the conference, but most of the state as well. Sade is the current indoor and outdoor school record holder in the long jump, with an indoor jump of 18’11”, and an outdoor jump [to date] of 18’10.25”. She placed 2nd in the long jump last year at the IHSA State Track and Field Meet, and won this year’s unofficial indoor state championship. She is also an eight time All-Conference athlete, earning the honor numerous times in the long jump, 100, 4x100, and 4x200.

Her parents, Sonya and George, always knew Sade was a gifted athlete, but are extremely proud of her accomplishments over the past four years, both on the track and as a person. “Sade tried out [long jump] and was a natural wonder as she began to break records,” says her mother Sonya. She goes on to add, “But, there is another side to Sade that is very intelligent and compassionate.”

Sade uses the same work ethic, focus, and determination to excel in the classroom as well as the track. A member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll since her freshmen year, Sade has challenged herself by taking numerous Advanced Placement courses. She is currently ranked in the top 10% of her class, and recently was accepted and received a scholarship to an Ivy League School, Dartmouth College, which she will attend and run track in the fall. Sade is determined to become a doctor, majoring in pre-med, and would like to focus on infant care. Her Honors Anatomy and Physiology teacher, Robyn Mellas, believes Sade has the right combination of intelligence and compassion to be an exceptional physician. “[Sade] carries herself with such confidence that patients would know they were in good hands,” says Mellas. She goes on to say, “[Sade’s] warm and caring personality would put her patients at ease. To me, that is the combination you want in a physician, brains and heart.”

Sade’s combination of athletic skill, bright personality, and determination to achieve her goals have helped make the girl’s track team one of the premier programs in both the school and conference, culminating last year with a conference championship. Never settling for where they are, Sade and the girls track team are looking to add more hardware, as they strive for a repeat as conference champs, and Sade continues her push towards becoming a state champion. Asked what advice she would give to incoming freshmen, Sade replied, “Take advantage of every opportunity that East has to offer to better yourself, and make it a priority to set goals! Four years goes by too fast!” Oswego East could not be prouder to have Sade represent the school as a captain, and we will continue to support and cheer her and the girls track team as they set out on their quest to achieve another championship.