Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Lead by example. Good sportsmanship. Coachable. Unselfish effort. Be a role model. These are just a few of the attributes outstanding athletes can develop through participation in team sports.

Two eighth-grade students at Northbrook Middle School (NMS) in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) exemplify these traits and stand out to the school’s coaching staff: Israel Rivera and Evelyn Zapata.

Both are multi-sport competitors whose leadership and dedication to continuous improvement impress their coaches and peers.

Rivera has participated on the NMS football and track and field teams. He tried out for these teams based on encouragement from former coach Chris Frost and current coach Jorge Dominguez, unsure of what he was getting into.

“I didn't want to try it because I wasn't aware of the different track and field events,” Rivera said of his start in the sport. “But then Coach Dominguez told me to try it out and that ‘it will be so much fun.’”

Now, Rivera excels in the discus event in track and field.

“My favorite moment at NMS was when I went to district for discus and threw it 89 feet,” he said. “I turned around with a shocked face to see Coach Dominguez, and he was happy and proud of me.” A big congratulatory hug from his coach for this second-place finish at the district level was the icing on the cake for Rivera.

He eagerly awaits this school year’s track and field season to see how much he will improve. “Both of my coaches have helped me mature into a better person and athlete and to take my sport seriously,” Rivera said.

A Family of Athletes

Evelyn Zapata comes from a family of soccer players. With their encouragement, she has broadened her athletic skills at NMS by playing softball, basketball, and volleyball.

“I like participating in any activity that keeps me active and allows me to play as a team,” Zapata said.

She credits coaches Hope Grochmall, Leticia Hogeda, and Kenya Zahir with helping her become a team leader who unites her teammates for the common good.

“My favorite moment at NMS is seeing everyone progress on their own and bonding to make the team stronger,” Zapata said.

Core Characteristics On and Off the Field

“Coach Grochmall showed me that being adaptable is very important, rather than being stubborn and selfish,” Zapata said. “Coach Hogeda has taught me to be persistent and to try my best at everything.”

“Evelyn has always been a team player,” said NMS Athletic Director and coach Hope Grochmall. “She goes above and beyond, even when no one is looking.”

These traits are part of the Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate, developed by the SBISD community. The characteristics help guide district leaders, teachers, and coaches in supporting students’ success each day and preparing them for a bright future after graduation.

“I think joining and participating in athletics will prepare me for high school and beyond because they have helped me improve my core characteristics and shown me the realities of life,” Zapata said.

“This will help me because I can work on fixing my mistakes now, so I can become a better version of myself and help my team move forward. This is a great skill that will help me conquer many challenges in the future.”

Israel Rivera said he is developing the trait of being a resourceful problem-solver, another Core Characteristic.

“Sometimes the coaches or someone else might be teaching something that feels slightly uncomfortable or difficult, which makes me find a better way to do a drill or solve a math equation,” he said.

Speaking of academics, sports have also inspired Rivera to maintain good grades. “I've been academically prepared thanks to sports because if I'm failing, I can't play the sport I want, which might lead to going pro,” he said.

“Israel is a role model on and off the field,” Grochmall said. “He is always open to new challenges and willing to work hard at all times.”

NHS Bound!

Both Zapata and Rivera are slated to attend Northbrook High School next year. Zapata plans to participate on the high school’s softball team and hopes to play this sport at the college level.

For Rivera, he sees his athletic experiences at NMS as building blocks for a successful future at NHS. “Participating in athletics will prepare me for high school and beyond because the coaches help me become stronger, avoid negative influences, and be a leader,” he said.

“What I like most about participating in athletics at Northbrook Middle School is that they treat you like an athlete and push you to become a better person, preparing you for the next level,” Rivera said.

#SBISDProud