Athlete of the Month: Grace Strelow
Rachel Rank
To begin this year off with a strong start, Grace Strelow, a senior, is November’s athlete of the month. With this only being her second full year playing rugby, she is now a team captain and high scorer. She plays a crucial role as an inside center in the back line and weaves in and out through defenders. On top of that, she is also one of the very few to have had a hat trick during a rugby match. Having field awareness and natural skills, she can construct genius plays with her teammates to set up success and get the crowd roaring.
Hamilton Rugby is more than lucky to have a natural-born athlete like Grace Strelow, a former soccer player and track star. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, and joining the Hamilton School District at a young age, she has shown her love for sports, even if it was by attending a Packers or Brewers game. She also enjoys blasting music in the car with her friends and hanging out with her dog, Charlie. You may also get the privilege to see Grace during Ski Club because skiing is also one of her many hobbies.
Although rugby takes up a lot of her time, school and clubs are a major part of Grace's life. She manages to be in the French club and the National Honors Society, as well. She is very studious and faces challenges by pushing herself to her absolute full potential. From the spoken words of Mr. Tennessen, “Grace would fit in well with any club because she is a kind individual with an impressive work ethic and sense of responsibility. These same qualities allow her to thrive in the classroom. Moreover, Grace is tall, and that is a huge plus as well.”
Grace Strelow sets the standard high for any high school athlete. She is supportive, full of character, and demonstrates great leadership. Caitlyn Dieman, a sophomore on the varsity rugby team, expressed, “She’s a great teammate and role model.” She also added, “She is very helpful and patient with the younger players.” Watching the rugby games, she can be seen cheering for the underclassmen and always being the first person to run and celebrate after they score a try.
Additionally, after an interview with her varsity rugby coach, Mac, it was shared that she is hardworking and willing to overcome any challenge. Her coach remembered, “Her first season, after maybe her second 7’s tournament, that’s when we noticed her desire to achieve a lot in rugby.” Strelow has fully demonstrated what it means to be a member of a team.
One of her good friends and teammates, senior Meghan Rank, explained, “Even though at first we were not as close, she has always brightened up the room.” By getting the opportunity to talk to her teammates individually, the team appreciates how Grace dresses up for every themed practice and hosts team dinners for team bonding.
To build muscle and endurance, Grace is also taking Fitness Fusion. Her teacher, Mrs. Block explained, “She is a natural-born athlete who never looks the easy way out. She not only challenges herself to lift heavy weights, but she also makes sure she lifts correctly with the right technique.”
On top of that, her lifting partner, senior Julia Bruch, stated, “Grace is a great classmate and friend to have. I like that she cheers me on and pushes me to do my best.”
She is certainly above and beyond the typical athlete and very important to her team. Every team deserves a charismatic, sincere teammate like Grace Strelow.
Pictures by Jake Dieman
