The Kent Reporter athletes of the week for the week of May 9 are from Kentlake; Raiden Renggli (Sr.) soccer, Taylor Le (Fr.) track and field.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Le: In track, I value the fact that you can always improve. You can always set goals and that motivates me to go harder. I also value my team’s support. No one doubts you and they encourage you to do you greatest.
Renggli: I value all the friendships and memories I’ve created with my teammates as well as all the lessons I’ve learned from playing soccer.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Le: Stay determined. Sometimes, it can feel hard but staying persistent on achieving your goals will get you to where you want to be. Set realistic goals and little by little you’ll get there.
Renggli: I’ve learned the value of hard work and also learning to enjoy the good times and the bad. Soccer teaches you that nothing comes easy and you have to work hard every day!
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Le: Think of the end goal. Where do you want to be later on? I also like to think of my family/friends and how excited they’d be to see me succeed.
Renggli: My passion for the game of soccer helps me stay motivated, along with my coaches and my teammates that push me to be better.
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Le: The night before, I like eating good – steak, rice, and broccoli. Before the race, buttered bow tie pasta is the way to go.
Renggli: My favorite pre-game meal is a Subway sandwich.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Le: Right now it might be hard but I’m telling you, don’t stop and give up. Later on, you’ll look at this moment and think, “wow, I did that!” If you give up, you won’t even have that. Set a little goal if you have to and step by step you’ll be able to do it. I believe in you!
Renggli: I would tell them to not give up and to keep working toward their goals. I would also tell them to trust the process and keep going!
From the sidelines:
Le: Taylor has become a tough competitor this year. She enjoys an easy run chatting with friends but on hard days and races she means business. She races with her heart on her sleeve. She is up for a new challenge whether that be a new distance, a different jumping event or even singing the National Anthem before a race. Taylor is an asset to our team not only because of her competitive nature but her kind and welcoming spirit.
Renggli: Raiden deserves to be named Athlete of the Week for his leadership, performance, and commitment to excellence. As team captain, Raiden sets the standard with his intensity, focus, and team-first mentality. He currently leads the team with 8 goals, consistently stepping up in big moments to deliver when it matters most. His leadership has helped guide the team through a critical stretch of the season, and his on-field performance reflects the hard work he puts in every day. Raiden’s dedication to his craft has earned him the opportunity to continue his soccer career at George Fox University next year, a testament to his talent and character. He embodies what it means to be a Kentlake Falcon.
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