The Kent Reporter athletes of the week for the week of May 16 are from Kentridge; Richard Calkins (Sr.) judo, Judy Chen (Sr.) tennis.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Chen: In tennis I value the mental challenge and the individual accountability as it pushes me to grow stronger each match. I also appreciate the support from my teammates; even though tennis is often played solo, we lift each other up like a true team.
Calkins: I value the spirit and competition I get from my teammates, whether it’s Wrestling or Judo I love to compete and having a team of like-minded individuals who are also there for the competition just makes it all the more fun.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Chen: Tennis has taught me how to stay composed during high-pressure situations and to bounce back after setbacks. Those lessons apply to school, relationships and any future challenges I’ll face.
Calkins: I’ve learned how important it is to not get caught up on if’s or but’s and wins or losses because regardless of what happens there is always room for improvement.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Chen: When I am not motivated I think about the progress I have already made and the goals I want to reach, improving my skills or helping my team win a match.
Calkins: When I feel unmotivated I watch videos of my sport or other sports to trick myself into getting excited.
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Chen: I don’t have a favorite meal but I do like to treat myself after a win with usually something sweet. It’s a small reward that keeps me motivated and makes me play harder during each match.
Calkins: My favorite pre-game meal is usually a banana, granola bar, and water.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Chen: I’d tell them every player has off days, even the pros and it doesn’t define their ability. The key is to keep showing up, have fun and know that their team is behind them no matter what.
Calkins: My biggest piece of advice is to keep an open mind, trust the process, and participate. Those three values will carry you throughout anything in sports and in life!
From the sidelines:
Chen: Judy deserves to be honored as Athlete of the Week because she brings a level of focus and mental toughness that elevates the entire team. Her composure under pressure consistently helps secure key wins during matches and inspires confidence in her teammates.
Calkins: TJ is our captain and has went undefeated in league play this year. He is also on the wrestling team for his 2nd year in which he made it to the state. He is super dedicated to anything he does. He told me that he was also in the school play Hairspray. I didn’t believe him so I went to go watch on opening day and he was surprisingly very good and entertaining to watch. He bounces back with Drama practice as well as getting his reps in for Judo too. Last week on 4/26 Saturday we had our all-city Wilson cup as well as the pre-opening of the Hairspray show in which he was running back and forth putting on make-up and taking it off and represented KR Judo team as he continued to be undefeated. We have state championship next week. I hoping that he continues and finishes his senior year on the high note.
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