Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Cael Cummings

At first glance, junior Cael Cummings demeanor would have one believe he lacks the intensity and drive to be a competitive soccer player. On the contrary, it is Cael’s analytical mind and passion for the game that makes him such an invaluable defender and player for the Wolves, which is why he is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Playing the center-back position for the Wolves was almost destined from the time Cael started playing competitively when he was 8 years old. “Cael’s first coach at U8 said he believed Cael would be a great defender as he could see the game happening in front of him,” says Amy and Ryan, Cael’s parents.

The ability to see the game is incredibly important for Cael’s position, as head coach Steve Szymanski notes he is often the last line of defense before the goalie. “Cael is our best 1v1 defender, and our guys know that if Cael is the last man the other team has to beat Cael is likely going to win that battle.”

Not only did Cael provide stalwart defense for the Wolves this season, but he was asked to be one of the most physical players on the field. “Cael is tough and intelligent and never asks to come out of the game,” says Steve. He goes on to add, “Cael is often involved in hard tackles during the game but always gets right back to battle some more. Cael understands the game very well, and has a knack to always be in the right place and make the right decision.”

For such a gritty player, one would assume Cael has a demonstrative or outgoing personality and demeanor with his teammates and the opposition, but Cael is calculated in his decision-making. “Soccer has played such a major role in shaping Cael’s personality,” says Amy and Ryan. They go on to say, “When he first tried out for soccer as a 7-year-old, he shied away from 1v1 encounters and was told he did not have much passion. He is still patient and mild-mannered today, but he has fierce confidence in his abilities and beliefs on and off the field. Anyone who knows him would say he has integrity and grit.”

While the Wolves were unable to play this fall, Cael and his teammates were able to make the most of their abbreviated spring season. “Our goal this season was to win the SPC championship, and although we fell short, we placed in the top four and were pretty happy with the way we played as a team,” says Cael.

As well as competing for the soccer team, Cael plays for the school’s esports club, something he and a friend tried on a whim as a sophomore but found they enjoyed playing competitively with classmates.

Not only does Cael excel on the soccer field, but his 4.0 G.P.A. and willingness to enroll in rigorous advanced placement classes have set him up well for life after high school Jim Vera, Cael’s advanced placement U.S. History teacher, enjoys having Cael in class and the online learning environment, saying, “Cael is a really hard-working student that is very enthusiastic about history. He is one of the more engaged students in a remote setting and is always willing to share his work or opinions with classmates. He is really focused and has a great sense of humor.”

Cael has his sights set on playing soccer collegiately after he graduates next spring. Coach Szymanski understands that whatever school recruits Cael stands to get not only a great player but a great leader and person. “Cael is a player that makes every team he is on better,” says Steve.

Cael is interested in majoring in business or marketing but is hopeful to take his hobby of editing videos and turning it into a career after college. Wherever Cael attends college, plays soccer, and decides on a major, there is little doubt he is set up for success in the future. He advises future Wolves to, “try not to be insecure about anything, and chose to participate in things that interest you and don’t let any insecurities stop you.” With a quick turnaround from the spring season to the fall season, the Wolves will no doubt lean heavily on Cael this fall to help them attain their goals of an SPC championship and success at the state tournament.