2021 O’Dea Graduate Stephan Santistevan Reflects on His High School Journey.

When Stephan came into O’Dea he knew one big thing about O’Dea, being superior in all sports. Stephan wanted to be involved but he didn’t know what he would do. He joined the freshman football team, and it was his first year playing football. He enjoyed his time playing and wanted to be more involved after enjoying a sport he had never tried out.

“Don’t be afraid to try something new even though it may seem intimidating, you’ll meet new friends and might pick up a new hobby,” said Santistevan.

Later, during his freshman year, he tried out Track as his first sporing sport. He enjoyed his time running so much that he decided to do it again his sophomore year including another sport he and never tried out, cross country.

Santistevan in his sophomore year would start to break out and find his true sport which is cross country. He would go on to run cross country from his sophomore year to his senior year. Unfortunately, he would have to leave track because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During his junior year Santistevan was able to shine in cross country and run a personal record at the hardest course in the Metro League running a 19:40. While running Santistevan was able to pick up some habits when it came to hard work and motivation.

“O’Dea changed me by making me a more disciplined person both academically and athletically and it has taught me to always strive with 100% effort in anything I do.”

Since becoming a successful student-athlete Santistevan is now attending Seattle University and majoring in business analytics.