By Derrick Smith

Parents can play a huge role in the lives of their children. They take on roles like mentor, encourager, and other things. Willy Lopez says that his mom gave him some advice that he thinks about every day.

“My mom is the biggest role model in my life,” he said. “She tells me to work hard and it will come to you.”

Willy has another person that has had an influence on his life. His math teacher, Mrs. Hines, has helped him understand that what you learn in school will help you after you graduate. 

“She taught me that you will always need math,” he said. “No matter what you decide to do with your life, math will always be useful.”

Lopez is a senior at Grove High School. He is a member of the Ridgerunners basketball and soccer teams. On the basketball court, he plays guard, while on the soccer team, he is a striker. He has played sports for eight years and he enjoys it as much now as he did when he first started.

Grove head boys basketball coach, Zach Trimble, says that Lopez is a solid member of not just his team, but also the school.

“Willy is a great kid,” the coach said. “He always works hard and gives it his all. Everyone loves him.”

Getting to the point of his career that he is in now is not just something that happened overnight. Instead, Lopez says that he has put in a lot to get here. 

“It takes a lot of hard work in order to be the best athlete that I can be,” he said. “You also have to show up to practice and be a great teammate.”

Along with playing basketball and soccer, Willy is also the spirit leader for the senior class.