Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Kissy Zaportiza

For senior Kissy Zaportiza, you could say bowling is a family affair. After moving to the United States from the Philippines at the age of 7, Kissy and her siblings would often remark they were looking for activities to do. Kissy’s Uncle Tom would take her and her siblings to bowl each week, and soon Kissy fell in love with the sport. Kissy’s passion and excellence for the sport are a couple of reasons why she is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Bowling provided an outlet for fun for Kissy and her siblings when they first arrived in America. “Kissy’s Uncle Tom signed them up for a Saturday league,” says Emilyn Zaportiza, Kissy’s mother. She goes on to add, “At first, I could tell how much she was not really into it, but over time, she grew to love the sport. Our family used to go bowling as a bonding experience before the pandemic and it gave her great memories. Her Aunt Lyn and cousin Memie were also great bowlers.”

Family bonding made Kissy’s decision to join the bowling team an easy one as a freshman at OE. That feeling extends to her teammates, with Kissy saying, “I think the most important part of bowling is having a good relationship with your teammates. Every year I look forward to the season, and I have made my best friends as a member of the bowling team. It is always the highlight of my day.”

As a captain, Kissy is charged with not only leading by example but also helping keep team members in line. “Kissy’s best qualities as a person are that she is very understanding in any situation, with her siblings, difficult moments, etc.,” says Emilyn. She goes on to add, “I can see that she will always motivate her teammates no matter how well or poor they are playing. Even if she is not doing well, she takes in the positive energy given by her teammates to motivate her.”

Darrin Tackitt, head girl’s coach, understands how Kissy’s positive attitude impacts her teammates. “Kissy is a tough competitor and our captain,” says Darrin. He goes on to add, “Kissy has a younger sister on the team, Johanna, and I think a lot of the girls look at her as a de facto big sister. She’s always there for them to ask advice about what move to make on the lanes and how to deal with making changes. She has stepped up to the challenge of being a captain and done a terrific job.”

Kissy has managed to also be one of two anchors and is a leader amongst the team with a 175 average. More than being a great bowler and leader, Kissy is a gifted student who has her sights set on helping others through her future major. Kissy will be following in her brother Givone’s footsteps by attending Liceo de Cagayan University in the Philippines and majoring in physical therapy.

“Kissy has always followed her brother’s footsteps,” says Emilyn. She goes on to add, “She looks up to him, despite being total opposites and occasional head-butting. She loves to help people get better, whether taking care of her grandmother and other family members or being there for her friends when they need her.”

Heather Zaehler, Kissy’s English teacher, believes what she has seen from Kissy during this hybrid/remote school-year, has what it takes to be successful in the field. “Kissy is a pleasure to have in class, is incredibly hard-working, and is always focused. She is constantly active in our class discussions, is kind, respectful, and overall a positive person. She encourages others and works well with everyone. She is truly a team player.”

Bowling allowed Kissy and her family to bond over sports, and Kissy’s interest in bowling has helped her form bonds and friendships she otherwise would not have had. She advises future OE Wolves to do the same, saying, “Join as many after-school activities as you can as a way to build pride in belonging to OE. You will make friendships that make high school worthwhile.” Bowling has turned out to be more than worthwhile for Kissy and her family and friends, and we wish the team the best of luck in this adjusted season.