Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kellen Rector

Kellen Rector is a senior attacker on the Sarasota High boys lacrosse team. Rector is an offensive leader for the Sailors and scored 40 goals in 2022. 

When did you start playing lacrosse?

I was in either kindergarten or first grade. I borrowed a stick from my cousins to play with them and I fell in love with the game. 

What is the appeal to you?

I like the aggression, the emotion of lacrosse, as well as the flow of it. I still have as much fun playing it now as I did when I started. 

What is your best skill?

Well, I would like to say it is my shooting, but my shooting isn't always there. It's probably my ability to see the field. I used to play basketball, so I translated that skill (court vision) to lacrosse. I'm also good and moving around and using my body to my advantage. 

What have you been working to improve?

Probably my passing the most. I can still get better, but I have been working on that for a long time. 

What is your favorite memory?

I scored my 40th goal of the season in districts last year. That was a big milestone for me. It came from playing passionately and working hard. 

What are your goals for this season?

I'm just trying to make everyone better. We want everyone to step up so we can get to the next level as a team. I know we can do it. And for me personally, I'm just trying to enjoy the season. This is the last time I'm going to be playing lacrosse because I'm going to be studying culinary arts next year. 

What made you interested in culinary arts?

Food has always been a big part of our family. My mom (Stacy Rector) cooks all the time, and I was always in the kitchen with her and learned to love it. I'm taking culinary classes at Suncoast Technical College right now, so it's already half my day. I also work with chef Paul Mattison. It's my favorite thing to do. 

What is your favorite food?

This is tough. My grandmother (Carolyn Rector) always made this dish of steak, mashed potatoes, asparagus, corn pudding and garlic bread. I grew up eating that a lot, so it's special to me.  

What is your favorite TV show?

I love anime. "Naruto" is a big one for me. 

What are your hobbies?

Obviously, I love hanging out with my boys, going to the beach or gaming, stuff like that. I also play pickup basketball. 

Which superpower would you pick?

Probably super speed like The Flash, Barry Allen. I'd just use it to get through daily life. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Keep moving forward. I heard that in the movie "Meet the Robinsons" when I was a kid and it stuck with me. 

Finish this sentence: "Kellen Rector is … "

Motivational, determined and caring.