Photo Credit: Karen Eckhardt Photography
Athletes devote a lot of time and energy to become the best that they can at their sport. It takes more than just regular practices to continually improve. Veronica Castro says that to be her best, in sports and in life, it takes more than just physical work.
“It has taken lots of hard work and dedication,” she said. “Motivation is also important. I am most motivated by those who surround me. I always want to be the best version of myself to positively influence and motivate others. Most importantly I aspire to make my family and community proud.”
Castro is a junior at Cherokee High School, where she is a member of the basketball, softball, and track teams. The influence that she has surrounded herself with is a group that she is thankful to have in her corner.
“Some of my biggest influences and role models are my family members,” she said. “All my family is very supportive of me and they are always willing to attend and support me during games and events. I am very grateful for my loving family. My biggest role model is my mom. I admire her for her work ethic and her ability to never give up. She has taught me a lot of traits that I use now during athletics. I look up to her for her integrity and strength. It is her who truly influences my accomplishments.”
Cherokee girls basketball coach, Kirsten Pruett, says that not only is Veronica a solid basketball player, she is also a great example to the younger players.
“Veronica is our team leader,” Pruett said. “And she is our best all-around player. Our team goes as she goes.”
In the classroom, Castro has learned from a lot of different teachers. But out of them all, she has one teacher that has made their mark on her life.
“The teacher that has had the biggest impact on my life is Victoria Spencer,” she said. “Even though I have not had her as a teacher for very long she is always ready to show support in anything I participate in, and is always ready to listen when needed. I especially admire her for her encouragement and realness.”
