Oswego East Student Athletes of the Week-Crystal Hwang and Kaija Harlow

Sophomore Kaija Harlow and freshman Crystal Hwang have been waiting for this year since they were seven years old. It was at Phillips Park where the two first met as they both were enrolled in the same summer tennis camp. Their friendship would blossom from there, with tennis being the catalyst that brought these girls and their families closer. As the Oswego East number No. 2 doubles team, they are hoping their familiarity and friendship will help them attain success, which is why they are our Oswego East student athletes of the week.

The Harlow and Hwang names are not unfamiliar to the tennis team, with sisters Jaiere Harlow (2017) and Leena Hwang (2016) having starred for the Wolves the past few seasons. But the relationship between Kaija and Crystal has given them a competitive edge because they have an instinctual understanding of where each other will be on the court. Because they’ve known each other for a long time, they have a greater understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses which is vital in doubles tennis matches.

Kaija’s mother, Felicia Harlow, has watched as the two have spent countless summers together on and off the court. Felicia recalls Kaija’s anticipation of Crystal’s freshman season this year, saying, “Kaija was very excited and eagerly awaiting Crystal’s arrival to Oswego East this year because she wanted to share a court with Crystal once again.” In addition, Felicia says, “I believe they work so well together because they value each other's friendship and they are willing to work together for the success of the team.

Crystal’s mother, Jan Hwang, understands the impact their older sister’s had on Kaija and Crystal’s love of the sport, saying, “growing up and playing tennis, both used to come and watch their older sisters play for Oswego East on the same team, which gave them an idea of what it takes to be a good team.”

Their head coach, Peter Conrad, has watched as the two friends complement each other on the court, saying, “both girls play from their own strengths,” says coach Conrad. He goes on to say, “Kaija, a lefty, is the stronger baseline player who is very thoughtful in her approach, while Crystal is more aggressive and is the stronger net player.”

Besides complementary skills, the girls work tirelessly to ensure the success of the team as a whole. “Both girls are very dedicated to the sport, but also play selflessly,” says Conrad. He goes on to add, “They work hard to make sure they don’t let each other or the entire team down.”

Their work in the classroom reflects their same passion for improvement they display on the court. With both girls taking numerous Honors and Advanced Placement courses, their path to success off the court is attacked with the same fervor in the classroom.

Cari Carlton, Kaija’s Honors Chemistry teacher, sees Kaija put herself in a position to be successful in the classroom, but demonstrate those same leadership skills she uses on the court. “Kaija is intelligent, hardworking, a responsible student, and always give her best effort in class,” says Cari. She goes on to add, “[Kaija] is a leader in the classroom. She is always willing to help others and sets a good example for others to follow.”

Crystal’s tenacity in her studies mirrors her play on the court. Her Honors Intro to Engineering teacher, Michael Dutton, believes Crystal will be wildly successful in either of her possible career choices,engineering or business, saying, “[Crystal] thinks outside the box, is detail oriented, and hard-working. Her attention to the little details and quality of her work will no doubt make her a successful addition to any engineering or business team.” In addition, Michael adds, “she works very well with others, regardless of who the other person is. I can easily see why she would be nominated for student athlete of the week.”

With a current record of 12-2, including a 1st place finish at 2nd Doubles at the Lincoln-Way Invite and 2nd place at the Ottawa invite last Saturday. Kaija and Crystal will no doubt continue to see success come their way as they mature and improve.

Having spent only a month at East so far, Crystal offers hope to future Wolves, saying, “high school is not as difficult as it seems, and you can handle the workload.” Kaija, with one extra year at East, offers this advice to her fellow students by saying, “stay on top of your studies, and have good time management skills.” As the two young Wolves continue competing alongside one another, they will no doubt find ways to cement their own legacy in both the Oswego East tennis program and their families name.