Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week

                Earning the nickname of “President,” from both your teammates and coaches means you either bear a striking resemblance to a major political figure, or in Jodie Makara’s case, those around you hold you in high regard.  Although only a junior, Jodie has managed to set herself apart from her teammates and classmates, which is why she is this week’s Oswego East student athlete of the week.

                Despite a mostly quiet demeanor in the classroom and on the field, Jodie’s tenaciousness and competitive spirit has earned her a great deal of respect from those around her.  First year head soccer coach Hayley Morganegg sees Jodie’s personal habits extending to how her teammates treat her.  “Jodie is very driven, which is displayed on the field, during practice and training, and in the classroom,” says Morganegg.  She goes on to say, “Jodie leads by example, and has set a precedent [for leadership] unlike anyone else.”

                Although the girls’ soccer team ended with a disappointing playoff loss to rival Oswego, there is much to hope for in the future with so many underclassmen gaining valuable varsity experience.  Jodie’s leadership will be counted on heavily to help the program reach its goals, but Jodie is more than willing to accept the challenges of helping the program improve.  “I am excited that our younger girls will be able to be a part of [the] team that Jodie is on,” says Morganegg.

                Jodie’s versatility on the field allows her to play multiple positions, which is why she is able to play midfield for her club team and defense for East.  Her 3 goals and 1 assist for the year speak volumes about Jodie’s willingness to do what is best for the team rather than worry about personal stats. 

                When Jodie is not working on her soccer game, she is working hard in the classroom.  As a junior, Jodie is taking 3 advanced placement courses, sports a 4.45 G.P.A. (good enough for a rank of 13th in the junior class), is in four separate national honor societies, and is a member of the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) program, which helps teach athletes about leadership.  Jodie is also a member of the swimming team, which helps keep her in shape when not playing soccer.  Jodie says she “loves being fit, knowing I’ll live longer.”

                Jodie has high aspirations for college, with the intent to attend the University of Chicago and major in chemistry.  “I love how [chemistry] combines the math with science and I have fun learning about intermolecular forces,” says Jodie.  Her plan includes following up her chemistry degree by doing research or working to become a sports medicine doctor. 

                Although the girls’ soccer goals were not reached this year, it is easy to see why there is optimism around the program.  Returning multiple underclassmen who gained significant varsity playing time, as well as a talented leader and player in Jodie, means the 2015 wolves will be a force to be reckoned with.  East is proud they will have a returning player and student in Jodie, and she advises those soon to be freshmen, “Don’t try and change yourself to fit in, be yourself and you’ll end up sticking out anyways.”  Jodie is proof of her own advice.