Score! The lacrosse ball makes it into the net, and the Wildcats just fall short to Kenowa Hills High School. Their game on April 17 marks roughly halfway through their season, and the next time to watch them play is Saturday, April 19, against Caledonia High School at home.
Senior Miles Grajewski plays both lacrosse and soccer. He has been on the varsity lacrosse team for four years and on the varsity soccer team for three years. Next year, he will continue playing lacrosse at Grand Valley State University (GVSU).
Being on two varsity sports teams comes with lots of perks. There is an opportunity for new friendships and getting to meet new people. Grajewski finds that being on sports teams builds lifelong friendships.
“[My friends] really expanded in high school,” Grajewski said. “I have two whole teams that I can go to, and it’s really nice to have relationships with people.”
With all the benefits of being on varsity teams, there is a balancing struggle between sports and schoolwork.
“Always put your schoolwork first, but try your hardest to keep up with sports,” Grajewski said. “ It’s more important that you get good grades, but it’s also cool to be good at sports, and to try your best.”
TJ Vanslooten is the head coach of the varsity soccer team. During the season, Grajewski has a big role on the team.
“Miles is usually on the field for most of the games unless we decide to give him a break,” Vanslooten said. “He’s a valuable player whose speed makes a big impact, and he’s capable of scoring lots of goals, which keeps him on the pitch often.”
Varsity sports come with a lot of training and dedication. It puts everything into perspective especially with an injury before the season. This set back causes players to put twice more effort in to being in top shape.
“This past season, Miles started out with a shoulder injury, so he had to work to get fit later than many of his teammates. Despite that, he still made a huge impact and was one of our most valuable players. Generally, he’s usually fit and ready to play, showing his dedication even with other commitments,” Vanslooten said.
Jakeob Wilson is the head varsity lacrosse coach, as well as a coach for youth lacrosse where he coached Grajewski for one year before varsity. During his time as coach, he has had the opportunity to watch Grajewski grow into a natural leader and competitor.
“His leadership, outgoing personality, and tenacity to get better every day have only pushed those around him to elevate their game,” Wilson said. “Younger players and opposing teams have a profound respect for him and his ability to impact not only the team but every game that he takes part in.”
While being a noticed leader, Grajewski also lets his competitive side shine through when it is needed the most.
“Miles is a natural-born competitor but has fun while doing it. He doesn’t look at competitive situations as a drag, but more as a challenge he is adamant on overcoming,” Wilson said. “ We have a saying, ‘big time players make big time plays,’ and Miles is a perfect example of buying into his role and kicking it into another gear when the team needs him most.”
Grajewski makes sure everyone feels like they had a part in the game. One of the best qualities of an athlete is to be able to raise the game of others aside from him as he hypes the team up.
“He demands greatness from those around him, but does it in a constructive approach when we fall short,” Wilson said. “ In moments of triumph, he doesn’t take all the credit but is first to dish it out to those deserving around him.”
Determination is a big part of showing good sportsmanship. Grajewski’s determination shows players and coaches how much he truly cares for each sport. He consistently trains to become his best self.
“I try to balance it out so if I get tired of one sport and a little burnt out, I work on the other one. It helps keep me locked in,” Grajewski said.
Grajewski offers tips for anyone looking for a little help balancing sports, school, and life outside the classroom.
“No matter how hard it gets, just keep going because you’ll eventually get to where you want to be if you put the work in,” Grajewski said.
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