Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Emily Sargeant

A quiet determination is one way to describe sophomore gymnast Emily Sargeant. Although new to the Oswego co-op team this season, gymnastics has been a part of Emily's life since she was only two years old. Since arriving at Oswego East, Emily has found a great deal of success in both the classroom and athletics, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Gymnastics is a sport that requires attention to the finest details, with even the smallest slip-ups being the difference between placing and falling out of contention. The grind and opportunity to improve is something Emily loves about the sport, saying, "There's always room to improve by learning new skills."

Improvement is what head coach Bailey DiGrazia has seen from Emily since joining the team this season, saying, "Emily came in as a sophomore this year and she has shown tremendous growth in her skills and how she handles the pressure of competition." She goes on to add, "On vault, Emily continued to put in the work and by the end of the season, she completed a half on, half off at conference. On bars, she was able to get back her giants and even started working a free-hip handstand. Her beam and floor have been consistently strong."

Over the course of this season, Emily has been able to produce consistent scores on the floor and beam. At the regional competition, Emily placed 5th on bars and fourth on beam, allowing her to qualify to sectionals automatically. She also qualified to sectionals on her floor routine with a score of 8.325. Although Emily fell short of qualifying for state, Emily can cheer on teammates Kaitlyn Penzone (beam) and Kelsie Freundt (beam) this weekend.

Rest assured, Emily has the determination and work ethic to put in the practice necessary to earn a berth to the state tournament over the next two years. "Emily is a very hard worker," says Bailey. She goes on to add, "She will continue to work and work on a skill until she gets it just right. Even if a skill isn't going her way that day, she comes in the next day with a fresh mindset and is able to achieve her goals." Emily's mother, Sharon Sargeant, is most proud of Emily's effort in everything she does, saying, and “Emily's best qualities as an athlete are that she is a hard worker who will give it her all. She will become the best that she possibly can at anything she tries."

Academically, Emily stands above her competition. As only a sophomore Emily has already earned a 4.6 G.P.A. (good enough to put her in the top 10 for her entire class), a 30 on the ACT, and challenges herself with multiple advanced placement and honors courses. Learning new concepts and skills has been something that, "has always come natural to me," says Emily.

Admittedly, Emily says studying was something she never really had to do in junior high because everything came so natural. However, since entering high school and more difficult courses, Emily states she has to put in the work to stay ahead of the curve. Thankfully, hard work is something Emily is not shy of, and learning how to manage her time may be the most important skill she has learned over her first year and half of high school. "Emily has grown as a student at Oswego East by learning time management," says Sharon. She goes on to add, "Having 3 honor classes and 2 AP classes, she has been able to be a student-athlete and maintain a 4.6 G.P.A. by utilizing every minute of the day. She works hard in class to get homework done and uses any spare time to get homework completed. At home, she makes studying a priority before other activities."

Although more reserved than outgoing, Emily is quick to lend a hand to her teammates and classmates. "Emily seems to be friends with everyone on the team," says Bailey. She goes on to add, "She worked very hard in practice, learned many new skills, and was a supportive teammate." Her Honors Spanish 3 teacher, Fatima Lopez, very much enjoys having Emily and her strong work ethic in class, saying, "She always has a smile on her face and gets along with everyone in class. Even though she is not the most outspoken student, she is not afraid to ask questions, or help other students understand a new concept."

Even though college is still two and a half years away, Emily has her sights set on doing something in the medical field, combining her interests in how things work and helping others. "Emily is compassionate and therefore will have a great bedside manner," says Sharon. She adds, "Emily has a younger sister who is special needs, and the care and compassion she shows for Taylor are something that cannot be learned. It is in her and shows to anyone who sees them together."

A strong work ethic, a competitive drive, and an enduring spirit to help others around her will help Emily achieve her goals, both in athletics, the classroom, and life. Future Wolves who strive to reach the top of their class would be wise to heed Emily's advice of doing well at Oswego East, saying, "Never get behind in your work, and always try to communicate with your teachers and coaches." Over the past year and a half, Emily has already made a name for herself at Oswego East, both in the classroom and in athletics, and will only add to her legacy and achieve her goals over the next two and a half years.