The Kent Reporter athletes of the week for the week of Mar. 28 are from Kentridge; Jozi Thompson (So.) fastpitch, Ethan Sugimoto (So.) baseball.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Sugimoto: I value the camaraderie and bonds that come from being a team because I feel having a team that has a strong bond carries a team.
Thompson: I value my relationships that I have built because of softball. Those people have been a huge part in my growth as a person and as a player. I still have those amazing people in my life now.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Sugimoto: I’ve learned how to create bonds with people and connect with them.
Thompson: I have learned that you must work for what you get, and some people are going to have a natural talent that will take you years to achieve, but if you have the patience to work through the rough spots of achieving that goal you will reach it.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Sugimoto: When I’m not motivated to do something I set an alarm so I start it once the alarm goes off. The thing that keeps me motivated is myself and my peers.
Thompson: I want to play college softball. So, when I am not motivated, I think of what I must do to reach that goa
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Sugimoto: No, I don’t like eating before games
Thompson: I love a BBQ pulled pork sandwich.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Sugimoto: My advice would be take a breath and step back. Trust in yourself and you’ll be fine.
Thompson: If a teammate is struggling, I would tell them that they are amazing, and everyone has a bad day whether it’s at practice or if it’s during a game. I would try to bring their confidence back up and just be that positive person they can look to while struggling to know I’ll always be cheering them on
From the sidelines:
Sugimoto: Ethan demonstrates leadership everyday on and off the field. He pushes his teammates to be the best and consistently encourages them to push themselves to be better each day.
Thompson: Jozi is an academic scholar athlete. She is our starting pitcher and continues to dominate the league both offensively and defensively. She is driven, respectful of coaches, teammates, and umpires, and continuously strives to improve. Our team looks to her for her leadership and supportive qualities. She is a great example of what athlete-of-the-year resembles.
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