Each month the Competitive Edge Athletic Performance Center selects an Athlete of the Month. The athlete for January is baseball player Cooper Ryan.
Ryan spends his time at Competitive Edge in Woodbridge working in the batting cages, doing agility exercises, and participating in camps. He is the pitcher for the 13U Competitive Edge Baseball team. In addition to pitching, he plays third base.
“Cooper is never satisfied and works on his weaknesses daily,” Coach Chad Westgate said. “Cooper is also a great teammate and works hard. One of the best qualities Cooper has is his ability to focus and listen. He listens and respects his coaches, never complains, and has a positive attitude.”
Q: How long have you been training at Competitive Edge?
A: I started speed and agility training about four years ago when Competitive Edge first opened. Since then I have continued fitness training and was selected for 12U and 13U Competitive Edge Travel Baseball Teams.
Q: What makes Competitive Edge unique?
A: The majority of the coaches at Competitive Edge are friendly and truly care about the athletes and their progress. One example is Coach Monte. He always remembers my name and shakes my hand each time I see him.
Q: What is your favorite type of workout and why?
A: My favorite workout is weight training because it is competitive, and I don’t have to run. I also like all the baseball training.
Q: What has been your greatest athletic success?
A: I was invited to play baseball in a Cooperstown, N.Y. tournament. Our team finished thirteenth out of over one hundred nationwide teams competing. The Brotherhood, competition, and experience were the best parts.
Q: What has been the most difficult part of being a student-athlete?
A: The most difficult part has been maintaining my focus on school. I love baseball, but family and school are my top priorities.
Q: How did you initially react when you learned that you were Athlete of the Month?
A: I was surprised that I got chosen because there are a lot of excellent athletes at Competitive Edge. I’m thankful for the selection and humbled to even have been considered.
Q: What does being the Competitive Edge Athlete of the Month mean to you?
A: It shows that Competitive Edge cares about my academic and athletic development.
Q: What motivates you to get out of bed and compete?
A: I like to learn new skills and workouts that will help me get better at baseball. I also enjoy the competitiveness and friendships that I get in baseball.
Q: What is the most beneficial part of being an athlete?
A: It has taught me important life skills such as teamwork and to always be humble.
Q: What are your goals in the next year?
A: My goals are to make my school team and keep good grades.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: I would like to thank my Competitive Edge 13U baseball coaches Chad Westgate and Magnus Ellerts for always pushing me to give 100 percent on and off the field. I would also like to thank Competitive Edge for all their sports programs.
