Justin Palacios had nearly pitched a no-hitter. In a recent tournament game against Laverne, the Hooker High School sophomore dominated from the mound, leading his team to a shutout win. “One kid got a hit, but it was still a shutout,” Palacios said. “We played really well.”
Palacios is not just a standout in baseball. He competes in four sports—football, basketball, track and baseball—juggling practices, competition, and schoolwork with determination and focus. “It’s kind of hard, but I make it work,” he said.
On the baseball field, he plays pitcher, catcher and shortstop. On the football field, he’s a running back and safety. He also runs the 4×100 relay, the 100-meter dash and competes in long jump during track season. In basketball, he plays as a guard.
His athletic journey started at age six, playing basketball with his older brother. Since then, he has developed a love for all sports. “It keeps me busy, and I love it,” he said.
This year, he is especially motivated. After missing last season due to a hamstring injury, returning to the baseball diamond has been meaningful. “It felt pretty good,” Palacios said. “I was excited to be back and to play with my friends again.”
To improve his performance, Palacios trains beyond regular practices. “My dad built me an indoor batting cage in our garage,” he said. “Sometimes I go out there and hit. It helps a lot.”
Support from family plays a big role in his success. “They motivate me to get better and stronger every day,” he said. His father, who he calls his role model, is especially influential. “He’s a hard-working man. He’s always pushed me to be my best.”
Looking ahead, Palacios hopes to continue playing all four sports through high school and earn the opportunity to play baseball or football in college—whichever comes first.
