Maintaining a stellar GPA while commanding the Pirates offensive and defensive lines for two years straight is something to behold. Varsity Boys Football Captain Israel Lopez is the definition of a leader. Driven by his goal of making it to Division I and commitment to his team, he is now awarded September’s Athlete of the Month.
Israel’s commitment and impact he brought to his team contributed to being Athlete of the Month. He wasn’t surprised that he won Athlete of the Month because he knows hard work pays off.
“I felt not like super crazy about it, but I felt like I deserved it,” Lopez said.
Being a two-year captain, Lopez knows he must be a leader for the football program.
“I was team captain last year as well as this year,” Lopez said.
Lopez knows what heights he must climb to become a leader.
“I just felt like I need to be more vocal to be a better leader,” said Lopez.
Lopez’s success didn’t always come from within but also from being pushed by his teammates.
“Just going hard and practicing, not taking it easy, no matter who it is just helps overall,” said Lopez.
Israel has always looked up to his dad and his older brother as his mentors.
“My dad and my brother played when I was younger,” said Lopez. “My brother played here and he plays in college, and then my dad just played semi-pro.”
Israel is looking to continue his career playing at the college level.
“I want to play Division I after I go junior college,” said Lopez.
