The Kent Reporter athletes of the week for the week of Feb. 28 are from Kentridge; Orlando Ventura (Sr.) basketball, Samantha Gimpes (Jr.) wrestling.

What do you value in your sport or about your team?

Ventura: We play well and try to win every game to go to state.

Gimpes: What I value most about wrestling is the mental and physical challenges of it, and that we’re not just a team, we are a family!

What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?

Ventura: Playing forever and I will keep on practice everyday.

Gimpes: Wrestling has taught me time management, discipline and learning how to persevere through mental challenges. It all starts in the mind. Wrestling has also taught me that it’s OK to struggle, and that it’s OK to have fun even when things get hard.

What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?

Ventura: Playing with my friends and winning.

Gimpes: I watch motivational videos and remember that there are people looking up to me, especially the girls on our team because I am the team captain. I also think of the rewarding food I’ll have after practice or my matches. What helps me stay motivated is remembering who I was last season, and seeing how far I have grown and making the younger version of me proud of who I have become every da

Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?

Ventura: Subway

Gimpes: Yes, it is my overnight oats! Just a basic overnight oats recipe. I mix it with cocoa powder and peanut butter, then the next day I top it with more yogurt, slices of bananas and strawberries, dark chocolate chips, pinches of salt and cinnamon

What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?

Ventura: That they can do it and that I believe in them.

Gimpes: This is going to sound cliche’ but DO NOT GIVE UP! It is worth it, and things can only get better if you just keep on going, exploring outside of your comfort zone. Also know that you are not alone, ask teammates & friends for help!

From the sidelines:

Ventura: Orlando has been a huge piece to our success this season. He is consistently working hard, and trying his best to improve his game, while also positively impacting the play of his teammates. Orlando gave everything that he had at the SOWA district tournament and played the KR way. He is a consistent leader on the court, and a great example of the Kentridge Way.

Gimpes: Samantha has worked hard over the past 2 years earning a spot to compete at the State Tournament despite this only being her second year in the sport. She is attentive, easy to coach and leads by example in the wrestling room. Samantha has earned the respect of her coaches and teammates with her winning attitude and winning record on the mat!