Glenview’s Alwan named Oakton female student-athlete of the month
(Sept. 18, 2018) Oakton Community College sophomore Alena (A.J.) Alwan (Glenview/Glenbrook South High School) has been selected the college’s female student-athlete of the month for September. The student-athlete of the month is presented nine months during the year to one male and one female student-athlete who display excellence in the areas of academics, athletics and campus involvement or service.
Alwan is the captain of the Oakton Owls volleyball team and boasts a 3.92 GPA, serving as the co-president of the Math Club. She also is a student in Oakton’s Honors Program and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
“Receiving this honor makes me smile,” Alwan says. “It just shows that hard work pays off and is noticed. I’ve always strived to be an overachiever. My mom always says to me that if I’m not working on something then there’s something wrong.”
As a setter, Alwan directs her teammates to be the best they can be. And that seems to be working as Oakton already has already surpassed its win total from the entire 2017 season.
Owls head coach Miguel Calvillo says that Alwan plays an integral role on the team: “A.J. never leaves the floor as captain, and she does an outstanding job managing the team and multitasking. She serves as the quarterback for the squad and is a tremendous athlete. I couldn’t ask for a better player or leader for our team.”
That success starts at home.
“Volleyball was always a big thing in my household,” Alwan explains. “I learned a lot playing with my two brothers. I just love the competitiveness of the game. Being a setter and captain goes along with my personality. I’m very vocal and enjoy running the plays and putting all the pieces together on the court.”
Always sporting a smile or grin on her face, Alwan says that positivity is a large part of what drives her.
“I have a lot of enthusiasm on the court, and I try to make sure my teammates remain upbeat no matter the situation,” she says. “I always show up with a positive attitude and try spread it to others, and that applies off the court. What’s the point of doing something if you’re not having fun?”
Alwan also is a mentor in Oakton’s Emerging Leader Program while also enrolling in demanding classes such as organic chemistry and anatomy and physiology. She has recipe for keeping herself successful in the classroom and on the court.
“I keep a journal and prioritize all my assignments,” she says. “I don’t watch television, and playing volleyball is great relaxation for me.”