A Son’s Journey to Bring Pride to His Mother Through Sports and Life
Rising Star Balances Challenges in Life and Sport
Kaden Tennyson, a high school senior at Riverside Notre Dame, juggles multiple responsibilities, including a job at an ice cream shop and his athletic commitments as a shot putter and discus thrower. His work primarily helps cover transportation costs and veterinary bills for his injured dog.
Recently, while nursing a strained tendon in his right ankle at home, Tennyson received a call from his ice cream shop manager seeking extra help. Despite his injury, he felt compelled to assist. “It was insanely busy,” he recounted, standing at an imposing 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 300 pounds. “I took an Advil and served birthday cake, brownie, chocolate fudge.”
Tennyson’s commitment to his job reflects the value he places on work experience. “It’s my first job as a teenager,” he noted, emphasizing its importance. However, his athletic journey took a turn as he opted not to compete in the Southern Section track championships after previously clinching the league title. “Every throw, it hurt badly,” he shared, explaining his choice to prioritize his long-term health over immediate competition.
In high school, Tennyson has enjoyed considerable success. Not only is he a two-time Skyline League champion, but his best performances include a shot put of 51 feet 10 inches and a discus throw of 145 feet 7 inches. Academically, he has been admitted to 19 colleges and recognized as a top scholar-athlete by the Riverside Hall of Fame. He is also a two-time recipient of the Principal’s Honor Roll.
However, these achievements are overshadowed by the struggles faced at home, where Tennyson’s mother, Janet, has battled cancer on two occasions. The emotional and financial toll of her illness has been significant. “As a mother, it’s been humbling to watch the kind of young man he has become through adversity,” Janet wrote in a letter honoring her son.
Kaden described the experience as exhausting, revealing, “We didn’t spend a lot of time together. She was mainly asleep. I wanted to be strong at home and not cry to make her sad. My friends helped a lot.” Financial challenges have also impacted his high school experiences, including the loss of opportunities for activities like attending prom with his girlfriend.
Looking ahead, Tennyson remains optimistic. “One of my dreams is to raise my own successful family,” he expressed. “In order to do that, you need to be successful yourself.” With a commendable 3.8 GPA, he plans to study business and continue his athletic career at UC Irvine.
As his mother recovers, Tennyson is set to participate in graduation on June 5. “Kaden’s journey reflects resilience, family, perseverance, and the reality that the effects of a serious illness don’t end when treatment does,” Janet stated.
With a resilient spirit and a penchant for ice cream, Tennyson approaches life’s challenges with a smile. When asked if he gets to sample the shop’s offerings, he replied, “Sometimes.” For Tennyson, that small joy adds a sweet note to his remarkable journey.
