Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Ethan Klosterman

People often try and evaluate athletes by how a stat sheet looks after a game. Goals scored, assists, and individual accolades can be used as a simple barometer for measuring individual success. However, if you ask any coach, the success of a student-athlete is measured by much more than how an athlete fills up a stat sheet, such as leadership, work ethic, how a player carries themselves during competition, and integrity, which is what makes senior Ethan Klosterman our Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Ethan began playing soccer around the age of 5 and has fallen so in love with the sport he competes year-round between his high school and club team. "I enjoy being able to do something I love and trying to be a leader for others," says Ethan.

Leadership has been a big part of Ethan's soccer life, helping his young and talented brother Kellen learn to play the game the right way. "We would play on the same team in the past, as my brother is very talented and would always play up with the older kids," says Ethan. He goes on to add, "We have a lot of respect for one another and I have had the opportunity as the older brother to help him work on his game."

Jenn Klosterman, Ethan's mother, and her husband have been overjoyed having the opportunity to watch them play together. "Watching Ethan and Kellen play together has been amazing for us as parents," says Jenn. Jenn gives a great deal of credit to Ethan being a leader and role model, saying, "Much to [Ethan's] credit, Ethan recognizes Kellen's skills and is incredibly proud of him. Ethan also works hard to push Kellen to get better."

As a senior captain for the Wolves, Ethan is asked to do a great deal for his team both on and off the field. "Ethan plays many different positions for us, and has been asked to step up and play different roles, doing so without hesitation," says Steve Szymanski, head coach for the Wolves. Steve goes on to add, "He is the son of a coach and he understands how to play the game and how to help others understand their position."

It is through leadership and being a model of what is right that makes Ethan stick out amongst his peers. "He is a great kid, with a great work ethic, and an overall desire to get better and be not only a great player but a great person," says Steve. He goes on by saying, "Ethan is the epitome of what a great teammate is, and is committed to Oswego East soccer. He would do anything to help his team, teammates, and the program."

With 7 sophomores on this year's varsity team, Ethan's bond with Kellen will help make a big impact in leading the young Wolves squad to what they hope is their first regional championship in school history. Individually, Ethan is consummately a team-first player, setting his goals on being the best captain he can for the year.

It is not only the field where Ethan shines but also the classroom. With a 4.2 G.P.A., an SAT score of 1400, and an ACT score of 33, Ethan will have an abundance of choices when he decides on what school to attend. He is hopeful soccer is in his future at a mid-sized Division III school and has his sights set on majoring in Architecture.

Sean Kelleher, Ethan's Psychology teacher, and former JV soccer coach believe the same characteristics that make him successful on the field are what will carry him to success off of it. "Ethan has a good work ethic and was inquisitive in the classroom," says Sean. He goes on to add, "Ethan has a solid foundation in his work ethic that shows he will be successful in whatever field he chooses."

Committing to a year-long soccer schedule has forced Ethan to learn how to utilize his time and understand the sacrifices that come with being part of a team. "Ethan has missed out on some fun opportunities, but I can't recall him ever getting sullen about it," says Jenn. "He's pretty matter of fact and knows that during the season soccer has priority over everything but church, family, and school."

Soccer has provided Ethan the opportunity throughout his life to working on leadership skills, time management, and compete in something he is passionate about. As he reflects on his first three years and has only one year of high school left, Ethan tells future Wolves that, "High school goes fast, so take all the advice and tutelage you can get and try to enjoy the lessons from it. Everyone at OE is trying to help you." While next season the Wolves will miss Ethan's leadership, they understand just how helpful and integral he will be in trying to lead his team to a program first regional championship this season.