Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Cameron Riggi

Transitioning to a new head coach comes with a change of culture of a program. When doing so, the program’s seniors must buy into the new ideas, philosophies, and expectations. Fortunately for first-year head coach Jake Ochoa, he has seniors like Cameron Riggi to lean on to help lead the program. Cameron’s leadership and play are a big reason why the program has gotten off to a 3-0 start, which is why he is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Sports has always been something Cameron has enjoyed competing in, especially with friends and family. “Cameron has always been interested in sports and played volleyball, soccer, golf, and pickleball,” says Lynn Riggi, Cameron’s mom. She says, ¨His brother and Cameron have always been active in sports with kids in the neighborhood, and he strives to do his best whenever he competes.

Cameron started playing tennis in the 5th grade, following in the footsteps of his parents, who were both tennis players in high school, with his father, Joseph, even qualifying for state. My parents were an enormous influence in getting me started in tennis, but as I learned the game and started competing, I learned to love it on my own,¨ says Cameron.

Jake Ochoa and his brother took control of the program this past fall intending to ensure the program was filled with positive messages and a growth mindset for their players. ¨My brother (Tim) and I strive to have a culture that is encouraging and goal-oriented,¨ says Jake. He says, ¨We look to find little wins wherever we can.¨

In preparation for his final high school season, Cameron focused on improving his game to win sectionals and going downstate. “Cameron has been taking classes at the Vaughn Center since he was eight years old,” says Lynn. She goes on to say, ¨Since it is his senior year he has been working extremely hard at tennis. He has taken some private lessons with one of his coaches at the Vaughn Center this year to help advance his efforts.¨

Cameron has improved his own game and has been vital to helping new coach Jake Ochoa implement his new culture. “Cameron leads by example,” says Jake. He goes on to say, “Cameron’s presence is powerful and he always shows up ready to work. No moment is too big and the other players can feel that.”

Cameron has gotten off to a hot start this season in singles play with a 2-0 record, helping the team start the season 3-0. “Cameron has a powerful serve and great groundstrokes,” says Tim. He says, “However, the best quality he has is the calmness he has on the court. The team has a title belt that is given to the hardest working player of the practice or match, and Cameron won that the first week of the season.”

With his sights set on earning an opportunity to play downstate, Cameron is keeping everything in perspective before moving to college in the fall. “Being my senior year, I’m just focused on having fun and doing the absolute best I can every time I go out on the court.”

While undecided about college, Cameron is leaning towards attending Aurora University and majoring in biology with a pre-med track, eventually going to medical school and becoming a primary care physician. “I like helping people, and if my family or friends ever have medical problems, I want to be in a position to help,” says Cameron.

Stephanie Scapino taught Cameron in English during his junior year and believes Cameron has the necessary traits and skills to succeed as a doctor. “Cameron is a diligent student and always contributes positively in class,” says Stephanie. She says, “He has a great sense of humor and brings positivity and energy to all situations. I can always count on Cameron to have a smile on his face and a great outlook on whatever the day might bring. I do not doubt that Cam will make an excellent physician—he is bright, kind-hearted, inquisitive, and thoughtful. He genuinely cares about others and has the intelligence to succeed in whatever endeavors he chooses to tackle.”

With only a few short weeks left of his senior year, Cameron will continue providing strong play and leadership for the Wolves in hopes they can capture a conference championship as a team and earn Cameron an individual spot downstate. Cameron can reflect on an almost finished high school career and provide advice to future Wolves by saying, “Make sure you put in your best effort your freshman year and start with a strong G.P.A. It will reduce any stress you have because you won’t have to worry about bringing it up your junior and senior year.” The Wolves, and Cameron, are off to a hot start themselves, and as the weather begins to heat up, they are hoping their racquets can do the same as they jump into conference play.