Achilles

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What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

What Ace loves most about football and track is the daily challenge to outwork and outgrow his past self. He’s in constant competition with himself and takes pride in seeing those around him improve too. Football is close to his heart—he grew up watching his older brothers play and always dreamed of following in their footsteps. His passion for track runs deep as well, with a family full of collegiate athletes and even an Olympian, fueling his drive to compete at the highest level.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

I give all grace and praise to God, but my mom has been my biggest inspiration. After every football practice, we’d race to the car. I’d lose at first, but over time I started catching up—maybe I got faster, maybe she slowed down (probably both). One day, I even ran backwards. 😂 Through it all, she taught me it’s okay not to win every time, as long as you never give up. Keep pushing forward—that's always been our motto.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

First and foremost, he is a standout student with a 4.0. There are so many stories behind the special moments. One was when Ace was in the ER with a broken femur—still in pain, but asking to watch his team’s game livestream. He was so proud to see them win! Another came after his return to sports, when he ran the slowest time of his high school track career. He was frustrated, but even more determined. That moment reminded him that setbacks are part of the journey—and he refused to quit.