Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Katie O'Driscoll

Sophomore Katie O'Driscoll found an opportunity on the Oswego co-op golf team with the graduation of 5 seniors from last year's squad. As someone fairly new to the game, Katie is determined to work as hard as possible to not only be the best golfer she can, but also the best teammate, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Growing up, Katie, her brother Tommy, and her dad would go up to Phillips Park to play a three-hole golf course. This served as an opportunity to bond as a family and Katie immediately took an interest in the sport. "Playing there as a youngster and going to the driving range with her dad and brother was an opportunity for the family to spend time together while having fun," says Katie's mom, Erica O'Driscoll.

As a member of the JV squad last season as a freshman, Katie's willingness to work hard showed her coaches she was up to the challenge of playing varsity this season. "Last season, Katie finished in the top 5 at the JV conference tournament, and with 5 graduated seniors, she was someone Coach Tubman and I thought would fit nicely into a varsity role this year," says head coach, Brian Chandler.

Katie earned her first varsity conference point vs. Yorkville earlier this season, and continues to work hard on refining her game. However, it is Katie's positive attitude that shines through most as a golfer. "Katie's best attributes as a golfer are her positive attitude and willingness to try new things," says Chandler. He goes on to add, "She's been very coachable and is always looking to improve."

Katie's mother Erica echoes those sentiments, saying, "Katie is a very kind and supportive teammate. Golf can be difficult-one a day a great game, the next day a struggle. It is important to encourage others, especially those who are having a rough day."

A willingness to work hard and be positive is something Katie does throughout her life, not just on the golf course. Only a sophomore, Katie is already leaning towards working in the medical field, saying, "I like helping people an am interested in the science behind medicine."

Katie plans on volunteering at Rush-Copley hospital this summer to get her foot in the door and see what field she is most interested in working. As of now, she is heavily interested in either the field of Oncology or Bio-engineering.

Kristen Koch, Katie's freshman Biology teacher, believes Katie has the disposition and skills to be successful in either field. "Katie is very well organized and diligent with her work as a student." Kristen goes on to add, "I see her being successful in the medical field, possibly working with research, maybe being a bio-engineer, or in other medical fields that incorporate working with people. She is very good at communicating with others, and is knowledgeable in the field of science."

Despite commitments to school, sports, and serving as a referee for youth soccer, Katie has managed to earn a 4.5 G.P.A. and enrolling in a variety of rigorous and challenging courses. Going against the typical teenage norm, Katie says she, "really loves school because I feel so connected. Everyone helps everyone, and there are great opportunities here at OE."

Katie's focus for the upcoming season remains on having fun and enjoying the game, as she says it is something, "I can do use later in life and play for a very long time." Despite losing 5 seniors, the team is hopeful they can steadily improve and remain positive towards one another all season.

Only a sophomore, Katie has already witnessed how much her school has to offer and advises future Wolves by saying, "Don't be scared to get to know people in classes. You just have to put yourself out there, and try to join clubs and sports, because you will meet some great people who will end up being your close friends." With almost 3 years left at OE, Katie is already on the fast track to becoming the example of what is asked from an OE student-athlete, and no doubt has a very bright future in front of her.