Junior infielder and pitcher Hector Velazquez is intent on doing more than just filling a spot in the Altus Bulldogs’ lineup — he wants to leave a lasting example for the younger players watching him.

“I play baseball for the Altus Bulldogs and I play middle infield, third base, and I pitch,” Velazquez said.

One moment already stands out in his high school career. “I’m most proud of winning a tournament with my team and getting to go in and close the game as a pitcher,” he said.

Baseball, he added, has shaped how he approaches everything in life. “It has taught me to be relentless at everything I do,and it has also taught me to be a leader at everything I do,” Velazquez said. “My coach this year has a saying and it’s a word that nobody would understand until they hear the meaning and that word is ‘Lagniappe’ and the meaning for it is ‘a little bit extra’ and that word has taught me to put more effort into what I do in my daily life.”

Even away from the classroom, one coach has become his most trusted mentor. “My favorite teacher has to be my coach, even though I don’t have him in any classes he has always had faith in me and I know if I need someone to talk to, I know that’s who I can go to,” he said.

At home, his biggest motivation comes from his family. “My mom inspires me the most because she has always supported me in everything I’ve done and she has always been my number one supporter and I’m very grateful for my mother and if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today,” Velazquez said.

He also credits a close relative for helping him fall in love with the game. “I have a teammate who’s also my cousin and I’ve played ball with him since we were little kids and I think if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be playing the sport I play,” he said. “He also has taught me a lot about the sport of baseball.”

Velazquez said his favorite part of wearing Altus across his chest is the impact he can have on others. “My favorite part about representing my school as an athlete is that I get to leave an impression on the younger guys and I always try my best to tell everyone to do the right things,” he said.

The best advice he’s ever received came from his late sister. “She told me one time that ‘no matter how hard things get in life to never give up on myself and to keep striving for greatness,’” Velazquez said. “And she always said #ATG which means ‘All Through God’ and I will forever carry those sayings in my heart.”

He also wanted to recognize someone special in his support system. “I want to give a shoutout to my girlfriend who’s been so supportive and so helpful to me, and I want to thank her for being the best version of herself to me,” he said.