Having the title of student athlete can be challenging for any student as it requires them to balance doing well academically with the physical and mental demands of succeeding in athletics. This higher standard is difficult to maintain among all grades, but especially underclassmen as they have to learn to adapt to both lifestyles simultaneously. Here’s a look at three freshman athletes who took to the challenge, their personal experiences within their sports, and their reflection as they lean into sophomore year.
Freshman Joaquin Cervantes
(Yen Edwards Benton )
Freshman and varsity baseball player Joaquin Cervantes, coming from Hollencrest Middle School, started to prove himself early on, according to Varsity Baseball Coach Justin Torres, through his consistent contribution to the team and notable effort while playing.
“For me a big thing is attitude and effort, Joaquin gives his both in those every day,” Torres said.
Maintaining a positive attitude while competing at a high level was a challenge Cervantes took on with the help of his upperclassmen teammates who showed him guidance.
“One upperclassman I thank the most is Marcus Mayweather. He was there for me when I was struggling and he helped me overcome obstacles and made me a better person,” Cervantes said.
Along with playing baseball, Cervantes also plays freshman football. Being a multi-sport athlete, Cervantes makes it a point to take care of his body and health in between each sport.
“Playing a lot more games in the short span of time. Constantly playing 2-3 a week with practices filling the rest of the days my body gets tired, so preparation mentally and physically for games and practices has been big for me, stretching and making sure my body feels good that day to prevent injuries and other setbacks,” Cervantes said.
Cervantes has shared that he plans to continue playing baseball throughout high school.
Freshman Anthony Quintana
Freshman football player and junior varsity (JV) wrestler Anthony Quintana, coming from Hollencrest middle school, chose to join both teams to challenge himself entering high school. Being in a brand new environment, he adapted to find camaraderie within both teams.
“I overcame the difficulties I faced this season by working harder than I normally would, my teammates also helped to guide me through tougher situations I didn’t know how to face,” Quintana said.
He described that his experience within sports helped him develop a positive mindset and empowered him to give his fullest efforts on and off the field. One thing he plans to keep in mind is “ to always make time for yourself, since all the school work and sports take up so much time you forget to have time to yourself” Quintana said.
“Joining sports made me want to change my mindset, so I’m not just doing the minimum, but doing the work to the best of my abilities,” Quintana said.
Freshman Delmy Lazo
Freshman and varsity soccer player Delmy Lazo was injured at the beginning of her soccer season by re-tearing her hip labrum. Despite this, she continued being active on the team by tending to her injury and practicing through rehabilitation. Once healed she became a starter towards the end of her season.
“It’s hard to go through injury and after you put in so much work, you just need to come back stronger, ” Lazo said.
Lazo spoke up about the pressures of being a younger athlete on a varsity team.
“Sometimes, it’s a little hard to prove yourself since everyone thinks that you’re and they probably think that you probably can’t bring a lot to the table, but you just kind of need to prove yourself and make your name stand out,” Lazo said.
Although Delmy is not active in the sport,she plans to return… “I’m taking a break at the moment for mental health, but I really want to come back,” Delmy said.
