The Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week for Oct. 3 are from Kent-Meridian High School; Kyle Yi (Sr.) tennis and Devyn VanBuren-Wilkerson (Jr.) Soccer.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Yi: Seeing people work and help each other improve.
VanBuren-Wilkerson: I value the competition and the friends I made on the team. I also value the love and support that I have for soccer.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Yi: Messing up is normal and all you can do is move onto the next point.
VanBuren-Wilkerson: To always stay humble and have great sportsmanship. Always lift others up even when competing.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Yi: Think about the post-game meal.
VanBuren-Wilkerson: To know that just because I am not motivated doesn’t mean that I left my mood control how I play for me and others.
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Yi: Nerd gummy clusters and a liquid IV.
VanBuren-Wilkerson: A lot of fruit, nothing too heavy.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Yi: Slow down, focus on what you know and can do.
VanBuren-Wilkerson: To always keep your head held high even when losing and always practice a lot. Always know that you are trying your best.
From the sidelines:
Yi: Kyle is one of our captains this year and his leadership has been outstanding. He helps make our team a family and encourages our new players to improve daily. He has a great work ethic and leads by example. I know I will always get 100% effort from Kyle. Besides being a great tennis player he is an even better person and role model for his teammates.
VanBuren-Wilkerson: Devyn exemplifies what true leadership looks like. She stays motivated in challenging moments and sets the tone for the rest of the team by always giving her best effort. She leads both on the field and in the ways she supports her teammates.
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