The Student Athlete of the Week segment is powered by NECA-IBEW and Akron Children’s Hospital.
This week’s athletes are from Ellet High School.
Brynn Fearer was a captain of the 2024 Ellet Lady Orange soccer team. She earned many accolades during her senior season including Honorable Mention in the GASSCA district. She led the girls soccer team in assists and scored many goals as well. In her final regular season game, she had two goals and two assists against Firestone
Brynn is very busy in school and does extremely well in the classroom. She maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and was inducted into the National Honors Society. She enjoys cooking and baking in her free time. She has been accepted to University of Akron on a full academic scholarship and is interested in Science and Art driven areas.
From her soccer coach, Justin Dimengo:
“Brynn was a huge addition to the soccer program. I was excited when she joined the team during her sophomore year after I spent many months recruiting her to play during her freshman year. Brynn was an amazing leader for us as she understood the importance of team bonding. She was constantly looking for ways to bring the team together on and off the field. She helped our team have a lot of success by her play as both a forward and midfielder. Her outstanding leadership style and character will be missed. It was a joy coaching her.”
Q. Why do you like playing soccer at Ellet?
A. I originally started playing soccer for Ellet my sophomore year, after a year of Coach Dimengo pressing me to join. I quickly realized I loved the game and l loved this group of girls and coaches I was working and playing with every day. They have done nothing but encourage me to do better and get better each season.”
Q. How are you able to balance the difficult task of being a student-athlete as you’re successful in both the classroom and in soccer?
A. “I’m exhausted! But really, high school is a short four years and to prioritize my education and studies, while also focusing on the team dynamic and responsibilities is tough. I also work so thankfully, my parents and family are supportive enough to allow me to work a little less during soccer season to give me a little more time to juggle the things that are most important to me. I really do have to manage my time well so that I can get everything done as needed but still have time for family and friends there too.”
Ethan Slusser was a starting center for the Ellet Orangemen varsity football team, where he played weeks 1 and 2 as a left tackle then moved to center in week 3. He currently has a 3.5 gpa and has made the Presidents List for Stark State. On top of football, he is also in the marching band and jazz band. Ethan is joining the bowling team for his senior year. Soon he will be working for the City of Akron through an internship program with Ellet High School. In addition, he has been involved in Boy Scouts where he has achieved the star rank. He enjoys volunteering for his church’s food bank, a toy drive through scouts, and has helped with various Eagle Scout projects. He would like to thank his mom, Olivia, his dad Tom, and his step-dad Lee for making him the person he is today.
From his football coach, John Daraio:
“Ethan is a phenomenal person, player, teammate, and student. He brought a composure and consistency to our team and specifically our offensive line that was always needed and appreciated. He is the type of person you know is going to have success in anything he decides to do in life. I’m grateful to have coached Ethan the last two seasons.”
Q. Why do you like playing football at Ellet?
A. “I enjoyed playing football for Ellet because of the environment. My teachers always asked how football was going. My coaches, Daraio, Winland, and Avery made coming to practice worth it. They always made it feel like we were family instead of me just being someone who played under them. My friends always made coming to practice fun. When I had my concussion everyone was always asking if I was okay and checking in on me, they made me realize how lucky I was to have them and consider them family.”
Q. How are you able to balance the difficult task of being a student-athlete as you’re successful in both the classroom and football?
A. “Balancing school and football wasn’t easy. You have to find the balance between your school life, sports life, and personal life. Get your work done while at school and don’t slack off, while I was at football I would always make sure I got better every day and I would always work hard. Most importantly, always make sure you have time for yourself.”
