For Jess Okoniewski, laughter is part of everyday life. “Something that always makes me laugh is my friends and my family,” she says with a smile.

As a cross country runner at Alden High School, Jess’s favorite memory isn’t from a race — it’s from practice. “Every practice before a meet, we play distance tag,” she says. The fun tradition keeps the team close and helps them relax before competing.

When asked how her friends would describe her, Jess hopes they’d say “funny.” The responses, though, are mixed. Some laughed and said “absolutely not,” while others called her “one of the most low-key, understated funny people” they know.

Outside of sports, Jess loves shopping, eating out, and “spending my own money.” Her favorite brand is Trendy Queen from Amazon because “their hoodies are so comfy and nice.”

And when it comes to football, she doesn’t hesitate — “Josh Allen,” she says, laughing. “He’s the hottest person alive.”

With her easy humor, love for her team, and fun energy, Jess Okoniewski brings laughter wherever she goes.