Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Alexis Salinas

Sophomore Alexis Salinas is as tough as they come. Competing on the varsity as a freshman last season, injuries forced her, and her teammates, to step up and mature very quickly. As an individual qualifier for sectionals last season, Alexis has her goals set even higher goals this season, which is why she is this week’s Oswego East student athlete of the week.

Having competed in gymnastics since pre-school, Alexis is well versed in going up against the very best. 1st year head coach Bailey Mast has been fortunate to inherit a competitor as fierce as Alexis, and one that cares as much about her teammates as she does herself. “Alex is not only a strong gymnast and competitor, but she is a great role model in the gym,” says Bailey. She goes on to add, “[Alex] always has a smile on her face and puts forth full effort.”

Last season, Alexis was able to qualify for sectionals in the vault, beams, bars, floor exercise, and the all-around. Her focus this year is more team-orientated, saying, “We really want to qualify for sectionals as a team.” Her hope as an individual is to qualify for every event this season (she only missed out on beam last year), and hopefully reach the state tournament in either the beam or floor exercise.

The Oswego co-op team took fourth at the Hinsdale South Hornet Invite and DeKalb Invite, and posted their highest score as a team of 134.6 in a home meet, beating both Geneva nd U-46. As they continue to improve, Alexis will be counted on to improve as an individual, and use her personality to help lead. “Alex is definitely a leader,” says Bailey. She goes on to add, “She leads by example and has the ability to help her teammates when they are going through difficult situations in and out of the gym.”

Despite being a fierce competitor, Alexis is also an excellent student, and more importantly, a wonderful person. Her mother, Regina Salinas, says, “I’m most proud of the person she’s becoming. She’s still growing and finding her way, but she has a good heart and she’s always willing to help others.” Coach Mast understands just how important Alexis’ personality is to the team’s success, saying, “[Alex’s] positive attitude radiates through the gym and brings up the spirits of all others around her.”

Although only a sophomore, Alexis is interested in studying the medical field, and is preparing by enrolling in a demanding schedule, which includes all honors or AP level courses. Her honors Chemistry teacher, Andrew Brogan, believes she would succeed in medicine, saying, “[Alexis] takes a strong interest in learning science. She is not pleased with receiving average grades, and giver her best and works to get better every day.”

For now, Alexis is hoping she can continue to refine her skills and be a leader for her teammates. For any future Wolves who are looking to make a similar impact in their first two years of high school, Alexis offers up advice, saying, “Don’t procrastinate and make sure you get everything done. It never seems to stop so you just have to keep going.” When you are as busy as Alexis, procrastination is not an option. Coach Mast and Alexis teammates have no intention of stopping, and we wish them the best of luck on the rest of the year.