Unlike his musical doppelganger, sophomore Elvis Estrada has always been involved with sports rather than rock n’ roll.
“Since I was three, I was into sports,” Estrada said. “It kind of gets you into the game earlier and kind of a head start on everything. I played with guys that were older than me, like some guys that were seniors; I always played up in all of my games when I was younger, so I mean, it definitely taught me how to compete.”
And Estrada hasn’t stopped adding to his athletic resume. Not only did he make the starting varsity quarterback position as a sophomore, but he also made the varsity baseball team as a freshman, which advanced to the UIL State Tournament.
“[UIL State] was definitely nothing I’ve ever felt,” Estrada said. “Especially with the student section, parents, and even coaches, they definitely help. And teammates, they’re all supportive and yeah, it was definitely something I’ve never felt and never forget.”
According to Estrada, being a dual athlete doesn’t come easy. His schedule is stacked with practices, games and training – all demanding time management skills each week.
“The weekends are more of recovery, so Saturday is recovery after like a football game on Friday,” Estrada said. “Then Sunday is like church, recovery, family. Then Monday, I mean just waking up early and getting right back into it, 6:15 practice. Also Tuesdays, same thing, waking up early and then Wednesday is a little bit calmer, I mean it’s 6:30, it’s 15 minutes, but when you’re waking up that early, it’s a big ole difference. Thursday, Fridays it’s just preparing, getting in the right mindset for the game.”
For baseball, he focuses on how the other team may play and how he would have to respond to them.
“I just think about what my approach is,” Estrada said. “Like expecting what pitcher they might have and knowing what he throws. I mean if it’s 0-0 count, anywhere in your strike zone you just wanna hit it cause I mean, swinging for the fences, but it’s like just doing my approach for baseball and thinking about it.”
Meanwhile for football, Estrada’s inspiration comes from his younger self.
“What I do is I’ll look at highlights on YouTube and I’ll look at me playing football when I was younger, that kinda gets me just thinking why I’m doing it,” Estrada said.
Both on and off the fields, he leads by example not only for his teammates, but also for his family.
“Leadership’s a big thing, especially if you’re a quarterback or in general, you need to have leadership on a team to have structure and willing[ness] to compete,” Estrada said. “And being respectful and bonding with people. Definitely trying to be a role model, I mean also for my teammates, but even for my brothers, leading by example and being respectful. That’s a big thing that is in our family.”
After graduating high school, Estrada hopes to receive offers to continue his dual athletics at the next level while continuing his academic career.
“I want to get offers for both football and baseball, I think that’s definitely a big ole accomplishment in my high school athletic career,” Estrada said. “But academics, I’d say, just maintaining a good GPA, that’s what I set my standard; like my self standard is good grades.”
As he continues through his athletic career, Estrada reminds his younger self to enjoy the ride.
“Just have fun,” Estrada said. “I feel like, especially growing up, as it gets more competitive, you kind of forget the fun. Just be relaxed and have fun and enjoy it.”
