The Kent Reporter athletes of the week for the week of Feb. 7 are from Kentwood; Luke LeChance (Jr.) swimming, Alena Ton (Jr.) basketball.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
LeChance: I enjoy all of the people I get to meet and build connections with.
Ton: I value the opportunity to grow within myself and to show who I am through the game of basketball. It’s an opportunity to grow a bond with those who also have love for the game
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
LeChance: Something I’ve Learned is how to be a better leader. Being swim team captain for the second year now I am really learning how to conduct myself in front of peers to create a good example as well as being able to step in and help whenever needed.
Ton: This is a game of mistakes. I have learned to appreciate the process and that all things come if you choose to work for it. Through both wins and losses, I have learned discipline, perseverance, and grown to be a leader. It’s really a mental battle, especially when things don’t go your way which is something I will carry throughout my life.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
LeChance: I usually just thug it out. Doesn’t matter If I don’t feel like it I still have to do it. Something that helps me stay motivated is looking forward to seeing my friends instead of dreading the task at hand.
Ton: When I don’t feel motivated, I like to remind myself that the sport I play is supposed to be fun and that I shouldn’t stress over it too much. Finding joy in the little things such as my teammates has helped me keep going.
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
LeChance: Usually I just eat whatever’s easily available before a meet.
Ton: My favorite pre-game meal is chipotle and lots of water.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
LeChance: No growth comes without struggle. If you aren’t struggling you aren’t getting better. That applies to someone’s mental strength and physical strength.
Ton: I would tell my teammates that their performance in a sport doesn’t determine their worth. Everyone has bad moments/days but you shouldn’t let that affect the person you have grown to be. It’s important to reflect and take time to better yourself.
From the sidelines:
LeChance: Luke is a multi-sport athlete who has developed into an outstanding leader. In addition to playing football and swimming for Kentwood, he also represents the athlete’s voice as a member of the Kent School District’s SALT – Student Athlete Leadership Team. Luke is an outstanding representative of the student-athlete. He works hard in class and at his sports. Luke is not afraid to take on difficult challenges and works hard everyday to improve his performance. Luke is a natural mentor always working to make sure that our younger and less experienced swimmers are welcomed into the team. He is a vital member of our post season team.
Ton: Alena is a model student-athlete who well represents Kentwood HS. She excels in the classroom (4.0 GPA) and on the court (team captain as a junior). Alena is always encouraging her teammates to better themselves on and off the court. We are proud to nominate her for the Kent Reporter’s Athlete of the Week!
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