Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Hamza Shaikh

Senior Hamza Shaikh recently took back to the tennis courts for Oswego East after having last year’s season canceled due to the pandemic. Having gone from a sophomore to senior and an expected leader is a role that would be challenging for anyone, but Hamza has more than answered the call, which is why he is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

At around 8 years old Hamza jumped into the tennis world with both feet on the ground. “My dad played tennis in high school and was a big inspiration for me as I grew to love the sport,” says Hamza.

Hamza’s father, Arif Shaikh, understands just how important of role tennis has played in his son’s life, saying, ‘Tennis at Oswego East has helped Hamza become more of a leader on and off the court.” He goes on to add, “Younger players as OEHS and his academy (Eola Tennis Academy) look up to him as a role model.”

Mehtab, Hamza’s mother believes tennis at Oswego East has provided not only opportunities for leadership, but also personal growth, saying, “being able to manage extracurriculars, school work, and family time has been a great learning experience for Hamza.” She also adds, “His coaches and teammates push him to be a better version of himself each day.”

Hamza’s personal growth has also turned him into a force to be reckoned with on the court. His personal goals for this season include qualifying for the state tournament and hopefully help lead his team to a conference championship and qualifying for the state tournament as well.

The team aspect of the sport is something that drives Hamza to be the best he can and improve every day. “I am driven by seeing my friends work hard and them pushing me to do the same,” says Hamza.

Kristin Rude, Hamza’s head coach, has watched Hamza turn into a leader for her program, and understands just what makes him so special. “During the past four years, Hamza has developed tremendously as a tennis player,” says Kristin. She goes on to add, “Not only has he worked on improving the physical aspects of his game, but he has also grown mentally. Anyone watching Hamza play can see his keen ability to anticipate his opponent’s shot and execute a counter-strategy.”

Hamza has big dreams of playing tennis collegiately and has taken on a new challenge this year to prepare him for that role. “I have no doubt Hamza will be a successful college player,” says Kristin. She goes on to add, “He has always dominated at singles, and this season he is playing doubles to develop that aspect of his game for college.”

In the classroom, Hamza brings his bright and positive personality to the classroom, something that enhances class collegiality and interest. Stacy Sajder Adams, Hamza’s business teacher, says, Hamza is a humble, hard-working student who has a positive attitude and never complains,” says Stacy. She goes on to add, “Hamza is a silent leader who does not need to be loud. He is a humble student who works diligently and efficiently behind the scenes.”

Unsure of where he will be attending college, Hamza is hopeful to both play tennis and major in either business or communications. With only 4 weeks until graduation and a shortened season, Hamza has plenty on his plate he still wants to complete before leaving Oswego East and moving on to his next chapter. For future Wolves, Hamza advises them to, “have fun and don’t stress yourself out over too much.” Despite so many highlights happening in such a short period over the next month, there is no doubt Hamza will heed his own advice, taking everything in stride and making the most out of his last season.”