Red Gold News

At just 14 years old, Rusbel Gonzalez is already making a name for himself — not just for his quick footwork on the basketball court, but for his focus and ambition off it.

Though smaller in stature than many of his teammates and opponents, Gonzalez navigates the court with speed, precision and quiet determination. His commitment to basketball began early, fueled by the encouragement of his family.

“Oh, my parents, they always help me out,” Gonzalez said. Their support has kept his passion for the sport alive.

But Gonzalez isn’t only focused on scoring points. He’s determined to succeed both as an athlete and a student.

“The student comes before the athlete,” he said. “You can’t just play sports without doing good in school.”

That balance between sports and academics has taught Gonzalez discipline and time management, lessons that extend beyond the gym. He’s also faced challenges unique to his athletic journey — particularly his height.

“Yes, I have,” he said when asked if he’s encountered obstacles. “My height.”

Rather than letting that become a setback, Gonzalez adapted.

“I practiced more and just got quicker,” he said.

Like many athletes, Gonzalez has learned how to deal with outside noise and negativity.

“I just handle it by ignoring them,” he said. “I don’t really listen to people that criticize.”

Outside of basketball, Gonzalez has a passion for reading — a hobby not often associated with athletes his age.

“A fun fact about me?” he said with a grin. “That I read. I like to read.”

For Gonzalez, sports have taught him the importance of effort — something he applies in all areas of his life.

“Putting effort into things that you want to achieve,” he said, is one of the most important lessons he’s learned.

While basketball plays a major role in his life now, Gonzalez has long-term goals that reach far beyond the court.

“I see myself finishing high school and my associate’s degree,” he said, confident about the next five years.

His ambitions stretch even further.

“Become a lawyer and get into a good law school,” he said.

When asked what legacy he hopes to leave behind, Gonzalez’s vision is clear.

“I hope to give them a good reputation of people that actually really made it,” he said, referring to his school and team.

With his work ethic, focus and resilience, Gonzalez is already showing what it means to lead by example — whether he’s chasing a fast break or his future in law.

Juggling academics and athletics is no easy feat, but for sophomore Dezerae Martinez, it’s part of daily life. A Jimmy Carter Early College High School student, Martinez is committed to excelling in both the classroom and the field.

“I’ve played sports ever since I was in 7th grade. I started with cheer but didn’t like it, so I attempted sports and fell in love with them,” Martinez said. “I tried them all but stuck to basketball, softball, and soccer.”

Martinez, who plays center outfield in softball, says her love for the game fuels her academic efforts.

“I have to pass my classes to play sports,” she said. “It’s not easy because I have to keep up and study harder, but for sports, I do it.”

During sports seasons, her schedule is packed with practices every weekday except Friday. Games often fall on Saturdays, and Sunday is her only day off. Even then, her schoolwork still demands attention.

“I do my schoolwork after games and practice, but sometimes it’s hard to keep up,” she said.

To prepare for a game, Martinez follows a routine that includes a morning protein shake and a 30-minute run before warming up with her team.

“For softball, I play center outfield,” she said. “It’s the best because I get to throw fast and high balls from the outfield.”

Looking ahead, Martinez hopes to take her athletic career to the collegiate level.

“I plan to continue playing sports in college. I hope to play for Texas A&M softball; my other option would be to play for UTRGV softball,” she said.

And if the opportunity to go pro ever comes, her choice is clear.

“If I could play a sport professionally, it would be softball because it helps my well-being and offers a therapeutic break from everyday pressures,” she said. “I am filled with a huge feeling of joy and satisfaction.”

Sophomore students from Jimmy Carter Early College High School took a break from the classroom with a field trip to Laredo on Feb. 28, where they visited Texas A&M International University and spent time at Main Event.

For many students, the highlight of the trip was exploring the college campus.

“My favorite part of the trip would have to be visiting the school because I had never visited that school before and it is an option I am considering for college,” said Camila Garcia.

Garcia said the tour guides were helpful in answering her questions and showing her where classes would be held if she decided to attend.

Abigail Tavarez also said she enjoyed the field trip and appreciated the time away from school responsibilities.

“I enjoyed the field trip because I like having a break from school, and it helps me relieve stress from school and assignments,” Tavarez said.

Although Tavarez said the university does not offer her intended field of study, she still had a positive impression of the campus.

“The campus was very pretty and the environment was very welcoming, and the people at the campus were very nice and friendly, but they don’t offer what I am interested in studying, so it isn’t an option for me,” she said.

After the university tour, students spent the afternoon at Main Event, where they relaxed and played games with classmates.

“I had a lot of fun with my friends, and having that time and experience with them was something that I enjoyed a lot,” Tavarez said.

Students expressed their gratitude to the trip organizers and said they appreciated the opportunity to explore future college options while bonding with friends.