For many, being a top-notch varsity athlete and managing a high GPA seems like a challenging task. However, that isn’t the case for Christopher High School’s Christa Arroyo who was named Athlete of the Year.
Arroyo played basketball and volleyball the Christopher High Cougars for all 4 years as well as run track in her freshman and sophomore season.
As her high school career went she embraced the leadership roll.
“When you transition to being a junior and senior, you’re the upper classmen. You’re become the role model for those who are just coming into high school,” Arroyo said.
She made an impact wherever she went and played to the best of her abilities at all times.
“She is a top-notch competitor, She is always playing hard and giving it her all, not afraid to dive for balls on the court,” said Christopher High athletic director Ryan Dequin.
She especially excelled at Volleyball where she has been on varsity for the entirety of her high school career. She made many friends along the way and created lifetime bonds among teammates.
“I met Christa going into my freshman year of high school. We both attended the CHS summer volleyball open gyms and we both made varsity that year. We realized that we were both Filipina and connected instantly, insisting that we were somehow related,” said Christopher High graduate and teammate Marielle Gomez.
Arroyo not only worked hard on the court but also in the classroom. She made honor roll almost every semester and managed her time extremely well. With volleyball and basketball practice everyday after school she needed a way to train her body and her mind well.
Immediately after practice she would go straight to doing her homework. She took advantage of any extra time she had by getting schoolwork done during lunch breaks.
“We shared a bunch of laughs while playing volleyball together, but she was quick to say when the team wasn’t playing our best, or needed to focus during a warm-up,” Gomez said.
She is a determined individual who is not afraid to speak her mind when her team isn’t playing well. She is able to balance her emotions while still being able to focus and maintain a clear vision.
She enjoyed her time as a Cougar and she thanks the factuality and staff for being there when she needed and being a great supporting cast.
“You have teachers who support you academically but also help with life decisions and back you up. If you are down they are always there. I have some teachers where I go in during lunch and they support you in every way you can, sometimes you need a reliever,” Arroyo said.
Arroyo will miss many things about her high school career, such as the adrenaline rush she gets when she competes on the court. She is excited to start her collegiate career and acknowledges the speed and feel of her sports will be different.
“(I will) definitely the competition on the court, it’s not going to be the same. You’re usually with your friends you played with your whole life. It’s going to be a weird transition for me,” Arroyo said.
Arroyo will go to Gavilan community College where she will play both volleyball and basketball. Her determination and raw talent will be missed Christopher High School and her friends and faculty ar confident she will succeed at the next level.
“She is that leader that represents Christopher High School both on and off the court, with a great attitude,” Dequin said. “She is always respectful, always kind and looking to make the best out of her school.”
