Delia Akyea: Running Toward an Amazing Girls Track Season

East is hitting the ground running with spring sports, and this week is recognizing Girls Track for Athlete of the Week. Senior Delia Akyea has been recognized by her coach Steven Ideran, as a strong example of the E.A.S.T values: Excellence, Academics, Spirit, and Tradition.

Akyea has been a track athlete since her sophomore year of high school. What started as a way to stay fit turned into a burning passion that she has excelled at for two years.

Head Girls’ Track Coach Steven Ideran views Akyea as an amazing example for younger athletes. She has placed at meets numerous times, printing her paw in wolves' track and field history.

“Her sophomore year, she was a part of an SPC Championship team, the 4th in program history, and an IHSA Sectional Championship team, the 2nd in program history. As a junior, she qualified for the IHSA State meet in Triple Jump,” Ideran said.

Ideran is not the only one looking forward to seeing Akyea’s growth this season; her father, Jonathan Akyea, knows this season will be a memorable one. Akyea’s father sees his daughter as disciplined, a team player, resilient, and competitive, which are all factors in her success.

“Delia maintains a rigorous training schedule and always strives to improve her performances. She works well with her teammates, always encouraging and supporting them,” Aykea said. “Delia handles setbacks with grace and uses them as motivation to work harder. She has a strong drive to win and consistently pushes herself to achieve her best.”

As she went through these four years on the track roster, she has stayed consistent with her schedule and stays self-disciplined. Her integrity has brought her to the accomplishments she's made in athletics and academics.

“Her work ethic and commitment in the offseason has her set up well for a great senior season and make her an outstanding role model for her younger teammates,” Ideran Said. “Delia is also an excellent student and is also involved in a number of different clubs and honor societies at OE.”

Akyea’s father feels she is a very responsible student and excels in many different ways such as being diligent, curious, and organized. These traits make her an excellent student

“Delia approaches her studies with dedication and consistently puts in the effort to excel. She has a natural curiosity that drives her to explore new subjects and ask insightful questions. Delia manages her time effectively, balancing her academic responsibilities with other activities,” Akyea said.

Her father and coaches are very glad that she has spent her time in high school committed to track, and feel she has grown immensely. Sports have been a building block for many high school students, and Akyea is no exception.

“Sports in general help students of all ages in areas such as time management, collaboration, support, and the notion that we’re all in this together, so let’s stay together,” Akyea’s father said.