Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week: Alec Gesiakowski

This week's athlete of the week comes after a regional semifinal win for the East boys soccer team. Head varsity coach Stephen Szymanski felt senior Alec Gesiakowski was a great example of the E.A.S.T. ideals: excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition.

Gesiakowski has been playing soccer for 10 years with his most recent four being at East. He started his freshman year but quickly moved up to the varsity level for his sophomore through senior seasons.

Over the past three years Gesiakowski has played over 50 games at the varsity level making him stand out to Coach Szymanski as a great overall player and person.

“Alec is an excellent student athlete who comes to practice and games everyday with a great attitude and hard to beat work ethic,” Szymanski said.

Alec’s work ethic and overall experience is invaluable for the Wolves as they continue their playoff run. Spending a tremendous amount of time within the sport will surely change and shape an individual. This is something that is consistently noticed by people in all aspects of Alec's life, including his family. His parents Kenn and Karrie Gesiakowski recognize how much soccer has helped their son grow.

“Soccer has enhanced his fitness, strength, and endurance in order to be in 'soccer shape’,” his parents said. “Perhaps most significantly, it has instilled in him the value of teamwork and the dedication and commitment required individually.”

Gesiakowski also plays volleyball at East and is dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle year round. He spends time outside of his sports working out and running and even completed his first half marathon just a few weeks ago.

“Alec has a huge passion for Oswego East Athletics,” Szymanski said. “He spends a lot of time in the off season working on his conditioning and strength so that he can be the best player he can possibly be.”

While Gesiakowski works hard to be the best he can be, he also recognizes how important it is to show up and do his best to support his team.

“The others around me are what drive me to stay active,” Gesiakowski said. “I want to be the best I can not only for myself but for my teammates too.”

Alec’s passion and dedication for–not only soccer–but being a leader that inspires others to achieve their potential, is something that his coaches and teammates feel the impacts of.

“Alec constantly pushes his teammates to get better and to work hard to meet their full potential,” Szymanski said. “He is a great teammate who will be truly missed next year.”

Throughout his years at East, it is clear that Gesiakowski has had a significant impact on the coaches and teammates around him. However, it is worth noting that they have also helped shape him into the young man he is today.

“He has been fortunate to work with dedicated and inspiring coaches and teammates at OE in both Soccer and Volleyball,” his parents said. “We really appreciate his teammates and coaches' impact on him over the years and all the experiences they gave him.”

The Wolves face Naperville North in the regional championship on Oct. 25. This postseason run will be a memorable way for Gesiakowski to end his soccer career as he does not plan to play at the collegiate level. While Alec is still undecided on where he will attend college, he does plan to go into business, which is largely inspired by his mom.

“I kind of want to follow in my mom’s footsteps as she majored in business and she’s very successful right now.”

Written by Jordan Fikis and Mr. Anthony DiNardo, the editor and advisor for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.