Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Jenna Swenson

Senior Jenna Swenson did not come to East to eventually captain the bowling team. Walking around Frosh Fest her freshman year, Jenna was looking for some way to get involved with the school when she and her friend settled in at the bowling booth and figured they would both give it a try. Jenna's willingness to try something new as a freshman set her down a path where she made lifelong friends, gained imperative leadership skills, and has done all she can to continue the legacy of a storied girl's bowling team, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

When Jenna joined the bowling team her freshman year, she was fortunate to join a program with a strong legacy and strong leadership from the upperclassmen. "After our first meet our freshman year, I had an opportunity to see how other bowlers treated meets and how serious they were about it," says Jenna. She goes on to say, "I decided that this was something I want to keep doing and make a commitment."

Jenna's eagerness to explore a new challenge by joining the bowling team is true to the character of who she is as a person. "The characteristics that best describe Jenna would be her determination and willingness to try different things," says Michele Swenson, Jenna's mom. She goes on to add, "When she sets her mind to something, she gives it her all. She is patient, kindhearted, and fun-loving."

Head coach Jeremy Hillman noticed Jenna's willingness to compete and lead when she was a freshman, saying, "Jenna has come a very long way since freshman year. She has had a goal to become a varsity bowler for our team, and she has not only accomplished her goal, but she is a captain of the varsity squad."

Jenna's growth and maturation as a person and bowler can be credited to her willingness to dive headfirst into everything East has to offer and continuously look for ways to improve herself. "Each year, Jenna has taken what she has learned and applied that to the next year, making her a stronger and more confident player," says Michele. She goes on to add, "As a senior, she can share that knowledge with her teammates. She has proven that with a lot of hard work, anything is possible."

During Jenna's freshman through junior year, Jenna had the opportunity to learn from a strong 2021 class. However, this year is drastically different, as she is one of two seniors on the team, which has added eight new bowlers, 7 of which are freshmen. Being a part of such a young team meant Jenna and her senior teammate Johanna needed to step up as team leaders, a position in which they have thrived.

"Jenna took it upon herself to help coach and teach these new bowlers how to bowl correctly," says Jeremy. He goes on to add, "Jenna immediately set up ways to communicate as a team and to make this season a success. She has a desire to compete, and her work ethic is contagious."

It is not just bowling techniques that Jenna helps her freshmen teammates with but works hard to make them feel comfortable and feel a part of the team. "Our 1st practice was an open bowl where I went around and asked everyone their name and favorite Marvel movie as an icebreaker," says Jenna. She goes on to add, "I just tried to include everyone, including putting everyone in a group chat, because I didn't want them to feel scared and be as comfortable as possible."

Jenna's outgoing personality and willingness to try new things, as well as strong academics (she has a 4.3 G.P.A.), has her leaning towards majoring in Communications in college. "I want to go to a school with a big campus that is out of state, with my dream school being the University of South Carolina," says Jenna. She adds, "I want to write in the future, but Communications opens up a lot of doors for me. I don't want to work alone and get my energy and enthusiasm from being around and working with other people."

Social Studies teacher Becky Walters knows Jenna will succeed in whatever path she takes, saying, "Jenna is a multi-talented young woman. She has been involved in not only sports but multiple clubs as well. As a potential communications major, she will excel because she loves to learn, write, and explore new things."

Jenna's goal for her team is for her younger teammates to gain experience on the lanes and build something that will continue long after she has graduated. "I want to make sure the freshman will have a good experience and continue to grow as bowlers so Hillman will have a strong team in the future." As an individual, Jenna is hopeful she will qualify for the state tournament, something she has experience in, having made it as a team her sophomore year. “Jenna finished last season with a 170 average, but with her work ethic our staff believes a 185-190 average is obtainable, which will result in her being one of the top bowlers in the SPC.”

Jenna understands it is not only about her success but how she helps others achieve their goals that make her an effective leader. Set to graduate in May, future Wolves would do well to heed Jenna's advice, saying, "You need to understand that things are going to happen and you need to learn from your experiences, but also leave any mistakes you made in the past. Try not to overthink things." Jenna's personality, combined with the leadership skills learned during her time as a Wolf, will see her achieve tremendous success in any future endeavors.