Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Allison Adams

Oswego East sophomore Allison Adams has always risen to any challenges or obstacles that have stood in her way on the soccer field, the classroom, or life. As the general of the Wolves' defensive four, much is demanded of her in regards to communication, vision, and skill, all of which she has continued to improve upon, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

As a center-back, Allison has the responsibility of communicating with her 3 defensive teammates about positioning and strategy. To be successful, it is vital all four works in tandem and Allison's improvement in this area have helped the four defenseman gel as a unit. Head coach Juan Leal says, "[Allison] has gotten a lot better when it comes to communication, dictating how the defense moves, and has taken on the responsibility with open arms," says Leal. He goes on to add, "She has also improved her leg strength and accuracy."

Being the leader of the defensive unit does not always fill up the conventional stat book, but what Allison brings to her teammates is far more valuable than goals scored. The team takes advantage of Allison’s leg strength by having her take free kicks from 40 yards and beyond, as well as serving as one of the team's corner kick takers.

Allison's communication skills have helped the defensive backfield gel, which is evident by the defense averaging 6 offside penalties per game. This statistic encompasses skill and communication, as explained by assistant coach Sean Kelleher. "[Offside penalties] shows great communication between all four [defenseman], intelligence on reading the offensive line of the opposing team and knowing "when to step," which are some of the hardest things to get high school back fours to understand or achieve."

Although the Wolves have 8 seniors rostered, the team is made up of 4 freshman and 4 sophomores on the varsity. Allison's leadership is vital to helping her young teammates catch up to the speed of the varsity. Leal, "expects a tremendous amount of growth from the teammates around [Allison]." Leaders need to serve as a role model for their teammates, something Allison takes great pride in demonstrating on a daily basis. "[Allison] has been the most consistent player every single day and practice, she NEVER takes a play off," says Leal.

Allison's parents, Deb and Greg Adams, are most proud of their daughter for, "always being responsible, reliable, and self-motivated." That intrinsic desire to improve extends beyond the soccer field and into the classroom.

Unsure of a major or intended college, Allison is doing all she can to give herself as many opportunities at finding a school where her academic and athletic goals coincide. Allison's 4.48 G.P.A. will no doubt provide her with numerous college choices, and finding a fit for soccer is a priority as well.

Enrolling in numerous advanced placement and honors classes, in conjunction with playing soccer for both OE and her club team, requires Allison to prioritize her time and have a high level of organization in order to achieve her current level of success. "Allison's greatest strengths are she is very self-driven and is able to set goals and work hard at achieving them," says Deb and Greg.

Phil Butera, Allison's Honors Algebra 2 teacher, believes Allison exemplifies what success means, saying, "She is one of the top 10 students I have taught in 15 years of education." He goes on to add, "Allison's greatest strength is that she is fearless. She is not afraid of asking or answering questions. She puts a premium on her own education, and is will to make mistakes and learn from them, which is a trait which will make her successful later in life."

Allison's skills and leadership on the soccer field, as well as her intellect and ferocity in the classroom, assure she has an opportunity for a very bright future in everything she strives to achieve. Allison's advises future Wolves' thinking about athletics to always, "give your best effort in practice and games, and challenging teammates in practice will be mutually beneficial." The Lady Wolves are coming off their first winning season in program history, and this young team is hoping to use that momentum as a catapult for better and brighter things in the future.