By Derrick Smith

Being a successful athlete is not just something that happens overnight but Junior Herrera does know what it takes. 

“In order to be the best athlete I can be, I have to be invested,” he said. “I have put in a lot of hard work and kept a good attitude in games and in practice. Being coachable is also something that will be beneficial.”

Herrera is a senior at Commerce High School, where is plays multiple sports for the Tigers. He is the point guard for the basketball team, while on the baseball diamond, he plays pitcher and shortstop. This is his eighth season participating in sports and he says that he loves competing now as much as he ever has.

Commerce head boys basketball coach, Rusty Barker, says that Herrera is always working to improve. 

“He works hard during practice, games, and any time the gym door is open,” the coach said. “He has put in a lot of time this last season trying to make himself better.  He has the potential to be a very good shooter and ball-handler, he just has to keep working on it and he will get there. 

Throughout his life, there have been numerous people that have had an influence on Herrera. While some may have had a bigger impact than others, he says that there is one person that made the biggest impact. 

“My mom is the biggest role model in my life,” he said. “She has always been there for me and she is always at my games supporting me. I am thankful for her and I would not be the person or the athlete that I am today without her and her support.”