Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Sara Blasi

Coaches in every sport are constantly looking for individuals who exhibit leadership qualities to help them and their team in a variety of ways. Hard-working, the ability to communicate, placing importance on camaraderie and collegiality amongst teammates, and leading through example are core qualities that transcend all sports in regards to leadership. For Coach Alex Raber, senior Sara Blasi meant that and much more to her team during this peculiar season, which is why she is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Sara’s journey to dance began at an early age. “I started to dance around 8 years old, and fell in love with it,” says Sara. She adds, “It goes beyond a sport, it is an art that provides me an opportunity to constantly grow and get better.”

Sara’s parents, Chris and Lucy Blasi believe teaching others helped Sara develop the passion and leadership qualities she has today. As early as the 4th grade, Sara was already helping younger dancers at the Oswegoland Park District. “Sara found the love of dance through her weekly classes,” says Chris and Lucy. They go on to add, “she loves to help students and see their improvement and result.”

Head coach Alex Raber placed Sara on the JV team as a freshman but knew Sara was a standout and would be up for the promotion to the varsity team. “As a freshman, you could just tell there were innate qualities that made Sara special, and when she was promoted to varsity, she exceeded expectations. I have been able to watch her blossom into the fearless and kind leader she is today,” says Alex.

Typically dance season is almost a year-long commitment, with roughly two months between competitive season and tryouts for next year, then summer workouts. This season posed an immense challenge, as the pandemic gave the team roughly 4 weeks to attend every competition, conference, sectionals, and state tournament. Posing an even rougher challenge for every team in the state was that the competitions were virtual, meaning each routine had to be video recorded and sent in for judging and evaluation.

“Every competition, I would have to be at school until roughly 1 or 2 A.M. because of the upload time it took for our competitive videos,” says Alex. On top of choreography, organizing google meet hangouts, costumes, and team-building activities, Sara stood by her coach’s side during those long nights. “Sara would stay after recording practices while I uploaded the videos for our competitions, all while we brainstormed ideas on how to improve the routine for our next practice and talking about her dreams of being a dance coach.”

Sara and her teammate’s efforts during this strange season were rewarded when they qualified for state. Sara’s passion for helping others and going above and beyond what is expected of an athlete, and even that of a captain, has set her up well for her future of being an elementary school teacher and future dance coach.

Debbie Burgess, Sara’s teacher in her classes on early childhood education, has absolutely no doubt Sara will excel as a future educator. “Sara stood out for her classroom behaviors,” says Debbie. She goes on to add, “Sara has always been hardworking, dedicated, enthusiastic, and intelligent. The children Sara worked with all felt extremely comfortable talking and interacting with the children. She exuded enthusiasm for whatever her position was in the classroom and participated as an activity leader, photographer, observer, or communication leader. As far as being an elementary teacher, Sara will be one of the best. Amongst her strongest qualities are excellent classroom management skills, a strong sense of empathy, an ability to assess student needs, and the patience to teach concepts by differentiating among the student and meeting them at the level they are at.”

As a senior carrying a 4.0 G.P.A., Sara has decided to attend Elmurst University, majoring in elementary education with a minor in dance education. Sara is hoping to teach elementary education and coach dance. “I enjoyed the positive environment at Elmhurst and, after meeting with lots of advisors, students, and faculty members, I just really loved the energy and how they modeled the culture of the school I wanted.”

Despite leaving a gaping hole in the dance team in regards to talent and leadership, there is little doubt Sara’s impact on the culture of the dance team will be left for years to come. As someone who has made the most of her experience at OE, Sara advises future Wolves to, “live every single moment like it is your last at Oswego East because those four years will go by incredibly fast.” The staff and school wish the best of luck to Sara in what will undoubtedly be a future filled with leaving a lasting impact on those around her.