Posted inEducation

The Legacy of Dedication

Maria A. by Maria A.

Baseball isn’t just a sport for Alfredo Hernandez; it’s a family legacy, a passion, and a way of life. He steps onto the field with a sense of purpose, carrying the weight of tradition and his ambitions.

“What drew me to baseball is that it’s a big thing within my family, and trying to keep the legacy that my relatives have playing that sport, that’s what keeps my passion going,” Hernandez said.

Beyond his love for the game, Hernandez understands the mental preparation needed to compete at a high level. Every match demands intense focus and discipline.

“My mindset would probably be to focus and to lock in,” he said, describing his approach before a big game.

His commitment to baseball extends beyond the field, influencing his daily life and character.

“Baseball has shaped my approach to life by giving me valuable lessons and discipline for the future,” he said.

Yet life as a student-athlete isn’t always easy. Juggling school, training, and competition comes with challenges many don’t see.

“One thing I wish more people understood about student-athletes is the struggle they go through and being misunderstood when it comes to being judged for their struggles,” he said.

Despite the struggles, Hernandez has never considered walking away from the sport he loves.

“I don’t think I’ve ever considered quitting because I’m very passionate about the sport,” he said.

Failure is an inevitable part of the game, but Hernandez has learned to adapt and push forward.

“In baseball, there’s always failure—like that’s all the sport’s about. In every game and practice, your failures are inevitable. And like, every baseball player has to adapt,” he said.

Handling criticism and self-doubt is another challenge, but Hernandez stays focused on his goals.

“To handle moments of self-doubt or criticism, I would have to stay confident and not listen to any bad comments that can lower my confidence,” he said.

His identity as an athlete extends into his relationships, shaping how he interacts with those around him.

“Being an athlete influences your relationships with almost everybody you talk to. It’s a big part of your life,” he said.

The lessons he has learned from baseball also apply to everyday life.

“Something I’ve learned from sports that applies to everyday life would be to respect others and especially your elders,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hernandez has big dreams for his future in baseball.

“In five years, I see myself playing college ball somewhere, somewhere in a D1 college,” he said.

But his aspirations go beyond personal success—he wants to leave a lasting impact on his school and team.

“I hope to leave a big impact on my school, like for people to know that I went there, and for me to be a legacy there,” he said.

If he could advise his younger self, it would be about the importance of hard work.

“The advice I would give to my younger self would be to start working more, putting in the work so that later it wouldn’t affect me,” he said.

He draws inspiration from professional baseball player Jose Altuve, who has defied expectations.

“I look up to Jose Altuve. He’s a professional player. He’s like five foot five, and he’s one of the best players in the league. He’s a huge inspiration,” Hernandez said.

For Hernandez, baseball is more than a game; it’s a journey of discipline, growth and ambition. With every swing, every catch and every game, he moves one step closer to turning his dreams into reality.

Posted inEducation

Laid-Back but Locked-In: The Track Life of Jorge Hernandez

Daniela M. by Daniela M.

For junior Jorge Hernandez, track and field wasn’t exactly a dream—he was essentially pushed into trying it.

“My coaches just forced me to do it because they wanted me to get faster,” he said. “I didn’t want to run, so I did pole vault. So I’m just… not running. And that’s what I like about it.”

As a student-athlete and newly minted pole vaulter, Hernandez’s experience reflects personal growth, quiet perseverance and an overall relaxed perspective on sports and life.

He describes himself as “outgoing, funny, and nonchalant,” traits that don’t fit the standard stereotype of a competitor.

His laid-back attitude may seem deceptive at first, but it masks a strong determination demonstrated with every jump.

At a recent district varsity meet, Hernandez hit a personal best twice.

“That was a memorable moment for me,” he said. “Two PRs in one day? I was proud.”

Despite his success, Hernandez said he has had moments when he considered quitting.

“At first I kind of sucked,” he said. “But I just kept trying because my coach kept pushing me. He never gave up on me, and that’s what motivated me.”

That support helped Hernandez transform into a more confident person, on and off the field.

“Track changed my personality,” he said. “I’m more confident now. I’ve learned not to care what people think, just to be myself and have fun.”

His mindset before competition is simple.

“Not to mess up and embarrass my coach,” he joked.

That sentiment shows the bond he has built with his coach and the support he has received from others who believed in him when he didn’t believe in himself.

Outside of sports, Hernandez leads a typical adolescent life, spending time on his PlayStation, eating, and reflecting on life and his athletic performances.

“Sometimes I think about what I could’ve done better in sports,” he said. “But I’ve learned that you just get back up if you fall.”

The demands of being an athlete have affected his social life.

“I don’t usually have time to go out with friends or family,” he said. “Either I’m practicing, or I’m asleep from being tired after practice.”

While the dedication comes with sacrifices, Hernandez is already looking ahead.

He doesn’t plan to pursue athletics beyond high school, but he is confident that the discipline and work ethic he developed will stay with him.

“In five years, I see myself working in a welding company with my dad and owning my own house,” he said.

He also has a more unconventional dream.

“I want to have a farm and own three goats, two cows, and four fluffy chickens,” he said with a smile.

For now, Hernandez is focused on making his mark in his own way and making the most of the sport.

“I just want to be someone my team can look up to,” he said. “A leader.”

And if he could advise his younger self?

“I wish I started pole vaulting at five years old.”

Hernandez has gone from a reluctant runner to a confident competitor, demonstrating that success doesn’t always require following a traditional path. Sometimes, it’s best to do what simply feels right.

With hard work, a unique perspective and a sense of humor, Hernandez shows how sports can teach life lessons that last far beyond the finish line.