A junior, Aleesa Jordan is a third-year member of the Lake Region varsity cross-country team and has stepped up as a leader on the team this season, earning herself a spot as captain. 

“Aleesa has volunteered her time to help teach the Laker middle school runners a dynamic warm-up routine, and is a dependable point of contact when it comes to spreading information among the team. Over the summer, she took it upon herself to run easy mileage on her own, and it has helped her immensely this season,” Lake Region XC Coach Laura Pulito said. 

Aleesa ran a lifetime PR (personal record) in the Lakers’ very first meet, and then beat her new PR by 58 seconds the following week, placing in the top five at both races. 

“She didn’t believe her time when we told it to her, but we weren’t surprised in the slightest!” Coach Pulito said. “Aleesa is a valuable role model when it comes to showing that hard work really does pay off, and we are very lucky to have her on the team!”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Aleesa is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Player of the Week: Aleesa Jordan

Town: Casco 

Year in School: Junior

Parent: Niel Jordan

Sports you play: Cross Country

Why did you choose cross-country? I chose this sport because my father did it when he was young. 

What do you enjoy most about cross-country?I love the challenge, as well as running. It’s one of my favorite things to do. 

How has competing in sports changed you as a person? It’s made me a bit more confident in my abilities and stronger willpower, which sounds strange, but a strong will is what makes people good runners. 

During this period of Covid-19, what has been the most difficult adjustment? I’m not a fan of running in masks at meets, but that’s not really a big deal. 

What is one of your most memorable sports moments? My most memorable sports moment is probably from this year, when I broke my PR by a minute. I’ve never been more happy than that moment. 

What is your most disappointing sports memory?That one time I ran 35 minutes at a Poland meet sophomore year. 

How has sports prepared you for your future? I believe it’s prepared me for situations that will put me in tough spots, helping me get out of them easier. 

Name a coach who has made a difference in your life and in what way? Coach Peterson was another reason I joined cross-country. The way he motivated us to stand by each other as a team and run our hardest is something I’ll never forget and I won’t be able to really thank him for. 

What are your future goals? A future goal of mine is to take first place at a home meet!