Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Kailey Porrey

Gymnastics can be a bit of an enigma in regards to being a team sport. Each team member competes alone, and the mistakes made can be attributed to specific individuals when they miss a spot. However, if you ask junior Kailey Porrey and the rest of her teammates, the reason for their success is because of the reliance and support of their teammates. Kailey takes great pride in working hard and being a great teammate, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

After competing in gymnastics for a team outside of OE, Kailey decided to join the Oswego Co-Op at the beginning of her sophomore year. "Kailey trained for years with several of her current Oswego Co-Op teammates," says Donna Porrey, Kailey's mom. She goes on to add, "Kailey saw their continued love for gymnastics and the fun they had as members of the team. From cheering each other on, dancing along the floor during teammate's routines, celebrating new skills together, and the caring, supportive coaches, all of those factors contributed to her decision of joining the Oswego co-op."

Kailey credits the great team environment as a reason for her joining, and head coach Bailey DiGrazia believes Kailey has only added to the group dynamic, saying, "Kailey encourages and supports her teammates whenever she can," says Bailey. She goes on to add, "Kailey cheers for them during practices and meets, stays positive when things aren't going our way, and is someone the girls turn to as a good friend when they need someone to talk to."

Besides being a model teammate, Kailey brings an excellent set of skills to the gymnastics team, specifically in the bars and beams. "Kailey is an extremely hard working gymnast who has a great deal of strength and endurance to get through her routines and make improvements throughout the season," says Bailey. She continues by saying, "Kailey competes on the varsity level and has helped the team reach many of its season goals throughout the year."

Competing on bars, Kailey helped the team achieve its highest team score of 134.65 this season. Kailey's personal best in the event is an 8.55, and her hope for this season is to once again qualify for sectionals as an individual and possibly the state meet. The team is hopeful they can win their third straight regional championship and send as many individuals as possible to the state competition, besting the two sent from last year's squad.

As a junior, Kailey is taking on more of leadership role, both as a teammate, student, and person. "Kailey has always been very quiet," says Donna. She continues by saying, "Being a part of the OE community, and specifically, the Co-Op gymnastics team has provided her so many opportunities to work with others, grow as a person, and meet new people."

Kailey uses her talents as an opportunity to give back to others at Oswego East. Amy Whitlock, Kailey's French teacher, says, "This year, she spends her lunch period tutoring struggling French students for community service, and I can always rely on her to help my 5th period with any questions they have when I am out of the building."

Helping others is something Kailey is hoping to possibly parlay into a future career, as she is highly interested in a field of work that involves working with kids in some capacity. "Kailey has always enjoyed working with children. She is calm, caring, kind, and creative. When she's not at school or the gym, she's coaching recreational gymnastics with children. She loves this time to get to know them and help them build their skills in the sport that has given her so much," says Donna.

With a G.P.A. over 4.0. and enrolling in multiple rigorous AP and honors courses at East, Kailey will have a variety of opportunities when it comes time to choosing a college destination. Kailey is interested in looking at schools that provide a gymnastics club team, but is keeping her options open.

For now, Kailey has her sights set on being the best teammate she can and improving herself each day. Kailey credits part of her success for her willingness to involve herself in the OE community, and offers similar advice to future Wolves by saying, "Be willing to choose classes that will engage you, and don't be afraid to get involved in the school and activities." Credit Kailey for taking advantage of what Oswego East has to offer to engage herself in the community, and her coaches, teammates, and teachers have no doubt she will continue give her all to be the best student, person, and gymnast possible.