Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Abby Allen

Sophomore Abby Allen decided to join the cheerleading team after dedicating most of her young athletic life to gymnastics. After suffering an injury 3 years ago that put a halt to her gymnastics career, Abby made a decision to refocus her efforts from gymnastics into something new, and after being urged on by other girl's on the team, cheerleading seemed like a natural transition. Abby's energy, skill, work ethic, and positive energy are why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

It is not usual for an athlete who joins a sport for the first time to be counted on as a major contributor in their first year. In Abby's case, her background in gymnastics and tumbling bring a major skill to the Wolves routine. "Abby's tumbling pass is as difficult as you can get for high school cheer and still be abiding by the rules," says head coach, Tiffany Scholle.

The level of difficult stunts allows the Wolves the opportunity to attain a higher overall score in competition. In conjunction with Abby, two of her teammates are attempting a full twist into another full twist, something Scholle says, "Will be the last running tumbling in the routine and will act as an exclamation point at the end of 18 simultaneous tumbling passes, all of which are within the level four range."

But it is not just Abby's skills as a tumbler that has made her a valuable addition to the Wolves lineup. "Abby has a fantastic work ethic, is extremely coachable, and is always looking at ways to hone her skills," says Scholle. She goes on to add, "Abby has a great way of making those around her feel positive about offering feedback through her genuine gratitude and she can parlay this into being a supportive motivator to her teammates as they work to improve as well."

Abby's mother, Karen Allen, understands just how hard her daughter has worked to put herself in this position, saying, "Abby sustained an injury 3 years ago that halted her competitive gymnastics career. When this injury occurred, she chose to not feel sorry for herself but instead used this as a way to get stronger. She focused her energy on trying to move into a new sport she was unfamiliar with, and the OE cheerleading team has been amazing in welcoming her onto the team!"

In addition to tumbling, Abby also works as a base and flyer for the Wolves. Her gymnastics career prepared her to excel in these roles, with Karen saying, "Gymnastics helped shape Abby into the person/athlete she is today by teaching her determination and respect." She goes on to add, "This allowed for a smooth transition into cheerleading as she applies her determination and consistency in learning a new sport so she can succeed."

After placing 3rd last season at the ICCA State Championships last season, the Wolves fell just short of qualifying for the IHSA State. The team has used this as the fuel for their motivation and have high hopes of not only qualifying for the IHSA State Championships this season by placing inside the top 10. Returning 11 seniors from the 16 that were on last season's team, the team has the experience and determination to reach their goal this season. "The mindset was established at the end of last season and continued as we added our additional teammates, which has allowed for us to have the best focus and progression I have seen as a coach," says Scholle.

Abby not only shines on the mat, but as a student she displays those same qualities of a strong work ethic and a positive attitude to succeed in the classroom. "Abby has been an excellent student who works very hard in the lab," says Scott Johnson, Abby's Honors Principles of Biomedical Science teacher says. He goes on to add, "She is a leader in her lab group and always looks to help others through their experiments. She will thrive in her future career as a medical professional."

Only a sophomore, Abby's is hopeful to attend a big university after high school, preferably in the warmer south, compete in cheerleading, and major in nursing or a related medical field. "Abby has such compassion and dedication for others that is shown in her everyday life," says Karen. She goes on to add, "Nursing seems to be a natural choice as she loves to help others."

With the competitive season just beginning for the Wolves, their attention to detail and ability to sync up their difficult routine will be the priority and focus of the team. Abby will no doubt play a large role in the team's success, and as a first-year member of the program who has fallen in love with the sport, she advises future Wolves to, "not be scared of trying new things and meeting new people. There are so many kind people at OE." Despite a difficult routine, the Wolves are showing no fear of putting their best foot forward as they begin their competitive season, and are hopeful it can culminate with the highest finish in school history.