It’s no secret that students are big on sports at South Windsor High School. It’s also no secret that senior, Owen Cotton, has dominated in sports like soccer and volleyball both for our school and in his free time. Cotton is not only amazing on the field and the court, but he is also described by his peers as kind and optimistic. A hard working athlete and student, Cotton lets little get in his way.

Around the high school, Owen is recognized as somebody who is strong-willed and open-minded, passionate and unapologetic of his love for sports. In an interview with him, I had the opportunity to ask him questions, of which he responded thoughtfully to, in order to get to know him better.  

If you didn’t love playing sports so much, what do you think your passion would be?

Cotton: “I believe my passion would be helping people. In my life, the people who’ve supported me and brought me to where I need to behave taught me so much. I’ve learned how helping people makes me feel like the world is becoming a better place.”

How did you first get into sports?

Cotton: “I started playing soccer when I was 4 years old. Soccer became my passion and I started playing recreational soccer at age 5. After playing a couple of years, I started to play at a higher level each year. While I was playing during those years, people recognized me and my abilities.”

What are you planning to do in the future/college?

Cotton: “I will be going to Western New England University and I will be majoring in health studies. Also, my goal is to play college soccer when the time is right.”

What is something you would tell somebody younger who also has hearing difficulties?

Cotton: “I would say, ‘Don’t let your hearing impairment define you. You define it. And don’t be afraid to do things that you want to do. You will be good at something and will want to pursue it because it’s your passion.’”

How many hours a week do you spend playing sports/exercising?

Cotton: “20 hours.”

What is something you want people to know about you?

Cotton: “ I’m the kind of person who accepts everyone and I don’t have anything to hide. I care about everyone, even those who I may not know. I’m open-minded, honest, chill, and I think I’m a great person to be with. But in sports, I take competition very seriously because it’s what helped me survive through my weaknesses. I will do whatever it takes to be recognized because I feel that I should be given a chance to show people what I can do. I want to pursue it because it’s my life.”

What is the most important thing you’ve learned from your high school experience?

Cotton: “I’ve learned that as you get older, you have more responsibilities. You have to start maturing and step up in school. You have to do things like getting ready for a test, study, communicate with your teacher and get help when needed. Doing well in school will give you a lot of opportunities to be successful.”

Cotton has been recognized for some incredible things in the past. To name a few, he won a CREC scholarship on April 30th, 2019 that will grant him $1,500 for four years in college, 6 varsity letters as a result of contributions to our schools sport teams, the superintendent award back in 8th grade, has made honor roll all four years in high school, and he has won on the Central Connecticut Varsity team for soccer and volleyball.

Though Owen has clearly achieved so much up until now, it would be of no surprise if he were to continue doing great at Western New England University in the fall. Best of luck to the 2019 graduate!