By Sydney Brammer
Isabella Valero, ’22 was voted Redwood Gigantea’s “athlete of the week” for the week of March 8 to 11. Valero was the captain of the girls varsity basketball team this past season where she averaged 10.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game, ultimately leading her team to the semi-finals.
Valero has been playing basketball since the age of seven. During those younger years, she played for Visalia city league teams where her father coached. More present time, over the summer, Valero and her Redwood team would train in the summer league.
According to Valero, the Redwood girls had their own club, “Team Heart Family” [THF], last year due to COVID and the absence of their regular season.
Valero has played as shooting guard on the varsity squad since her sophomore year. She was on the freshman team her freshman year. Being a part of such a competitive high school basketball program, Valero’s love for the game has only grown.
She says, “I love the competitiveness of the game and how aggressive I can be on the court.” She adds in regards to her overall season, “I’m very proud of the amount of work I’ve put in, and how good I’ve done this season.”
Looking back at all her seasons playing basketball, Valero points to her father has the one who has played the most significant role in her development.
“Ever since I was little, he has always been my coach, and my biggest supporter.”
Isabella Valero on her father
She adds, “Through the countless hours of practice and sometimes arguing, he had pushed me and motivated me to work hard and work on my game; and through it all, he was always proud of me.”
In consideration to being voted “athlete of the week,” Valero mentions, “My friends and family have supported and loved me, and it’s really amazing to see them all vote for me. It’s really nice to see all my hard work pay off, too.”
“It’s been amazing and a real honor to play for Redwood these past four years. I’m very proud of how far my team went this year, and I’m happy I had the opportunity to play under such good coaches.”
Isabella Valero on ending her season
Valero plans on attending San Francisco State and trying out for their team in the next year. According to her, she has been in contact with the coach.
Sydney Brammer
Sydney Brammer, '22 is currently in her fourth year writing for the Redwood Gigantea. She has a strong passion for featuring the humans of Redwood, and enjoys putting the spotlight on the underdog. She has written for the Visalia Times Delta and Sungazette Sports. You can reach her by email at sydneybr17@gmail.com.
Tags: athlete of the week, basketball, girls basketball, humans of redwood, isabellavalero, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood sports, sydneybrammer, varsity basketball
