Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Ana Barroso

Oswego IL

04 March, 2022

10:35 AM

Description

The pandemic was a life-altering experience for everyone of all ages. While it brought about much hardship, for some Americans, they used this time to alter habits and change their lifestyles for the better. Running allowed senior Ana Barroso both an outlet to the isolation of the pandemic and an opportunity to improve her skills and grow her passion for the sport. Ana is not only one of the fastest distance runners on the track team, but she also provides well-needed leadership and stands out as a stellar student, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week. Ana has found her calling as a distance runner, but this was not always the case. "Growing up, I played travel soccer and joined the track team in middle school because it was the only sport offered at the time," says Ana. During her freshman year, Ana ran cross country in the fall and played soccer in the spring. However, Ana decided to devote her time to distance running the summer after her freshman year. During Ana's sophomore year, she decided to give up soccer and joined the track team. However, due to the pandemic, the season never materialized. As with everyone around the world, Ana found herself isolated at home at the time. However, running became her outlet. "I enjoy running by myself as you have to be the one to hold yourself accountable," says Ana. Head cross country coach and distance coach on the track team, Lisa Cook, understands just what this time meant to Ana, saying, "She is incredibly hardworking and disciplined." Lisa goes on to say, "I'm confident she ran more miles than anyone else in the area during quarantine and remote learning. She was so focused, and her discipline set the tone for our team." That discipline is something that has allowed Ana to flourish as a runner. Her father, Humberto Barroso, believes Ana's ability to hold herself accountable is what has allowed her to blossom as a student-athlete. "Ana is very disciplined in everything she does, and sports is no exception," says Humberto. He goes on to add, "She strives every day to give her best, both in training and competitions. Her perseverance and love of sport have kept her atop her sport these past four years." Ana's hard work has helped her etch her name into the leaderboards for both the cross country and track teams. She is a 2x All-Conference athlete in cross country, was part of the cross-country team that qualified for state in 2020, and she ranks #9 all-time at OE at Detweiller park with a time of 18:26. She ranks 6th all-time for the indoor track team in the indoor mile, a feat she accomplished last weekend at the HF indoor invitational, a meet in which the team took 1st place as well. She also ranks 8th all-time in the outdoor 800, 5th all-time in the outdoor mile, and 8th all-time in the outdoor 2 mile. Last season she qualified for state as a member of the 4x800 team and in the mile event. Not only is Ana a leader one of the top runners on the team, but she also serves as a quiet servant-leader. "Ana's off-season was fantastic, and she is one of the senior leaders on the team," says head track coach Connor Downs. He goes on to add, "Ana is soft-spoken, but a lead by example type of student-athlete. You can tell she is very confident, and her work in the weight room has gotten her much stronger. It shows in practice and the few competitions we've had up to this point." Ana's successes as a runner would be enough to warrant this award, but her success in the classroom is what sets her apart from her classmates. Senior year for most students usually sees early dismissals, late arrivals, and several electives. Ana has challenged herself by enrolling in 5 advanced placement classes, an Honors Anatomy and Physiology class, and an excel physical education class. With AP Chemistry being a dual period, Ana has to find time in her schedule to eat lunch, as each of her eight periods she is enrolled in a class. Enrolling in difficult and rigorous courses is not just for show, as Ana has earned a 4.5-grade point average. While Ana has is still unsure about where she will be attending college, she does intend to major in Biology and eventually become a radiologist. "One of the reasons why Ana wants to be a doctor is to be able to help those in need," says Humberto. He goes on to say, "I do not doubt that she will be successful in everything she sets her mind to because each project she starts does so with great passion, dedication, and responsibility." Robyn Mellas, Ana's Honors Anatomy and Physiology and Honors Chemistry teacher have witnessed exactly why there is no doubt Ana will be able to achieve her goals, saying, "I think she would be successful in anything she chooses to do because she puts the time and effort required to be successful." She adds, "Ana knows what she has to do and gets it done, even if it is challenging. She is quiet in class, but she has a lot of determination and is a caring person." Ana hopes the team can repeat as conference champions this season and has set a personal goal to improve her time in the 1600 meters and qualify for state as an individual again. With only 3 months left until graduation, Ana can look back at her high school experience and offer advice to future Wolves, saying, "Try as many things as you can, such as different sports and clubs, because it will help you stay focused and narrow down what you are passionate about doing." Ana's willingness to dive headfirst into every endeavor is what has made her so successful as both a student and athlete with no doubt she will continue to find even more success in the future.