Erik Martinez-Pillado was at a crossroads three years after his mother died of complications from COVID-19.
He never knew his dad. His aunt from Mexico came to Arizona to care for him and his older brother. His aunt speaks little English. But his cousin, Darlene Lozano, said that Erik has come a long way since his mom died during his freshman year.
“He’s doing good,” she said. “He has a bunch of support from family and friends.”
When he needed to lean on people, Martinez-Pillado, now a senior, found refuge in the St. John Paul II football program in Avondale. That came from players who were like brothers and coach John Padilla, who was like a father.
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“He has been through a lot in the last few years,” Padilla said. “Mom brought him and his brother here to Phoenix for a better life and he lost his mom his freshman year to COVID.
“It’s a major accomplishment for somebody who has been through so much and lost so much so young. He always has a smile and works very hard.”
Martinez-Pillado, 5-foot-8, 185 pounds, survived through football and friends, after his mom’s death.
“I just felt sad,” he said. “I just wanted to keep playing football.”
St. John Paul II head coach John Padilla gives instructions to his team as they run drills during a team practice on Thursday, September 15, 2022, in Avondale. Carrillo was diagnosed with cancer and continues to receive chemotherapy as he plays on the football team.
It was during the spring of his freshman year when she died. Through his football career, wins have been scarce, but he’s learned valuable lessons that he feels will carry him after high school when he enters the Marine Corps.
“He’s gone through some challenges,” Padilla said. “He’s worked his way back, worked over the summer time with his…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/arizona-high-school-student-found-231133981.html
Author : AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
Publish date : 2024-08-22 23:11:33
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