FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
If one player has been synonymous with La Feria girls athletics the past few seasons it’s Camryn Lopez.
Lopez was last season’s District 32-4A’s Offensive Player of the Year in basketball, was selected to the All-Valley Viper Showcase and was the Valley Morning Star’s All-Star Offensive Player of the Year all within her junior season.
This year as a senior, she was named the Valley Morning Star’s All-Star Volleyball Defensive Player of the Year.
However, as La Feria basketball head coach Angel Martinez said, he saw the potential in her early on.
“She came into basketball as a freshman and I immediately saw the potential in her,” said Martinez. “As a sophomore she played a little more, but it was not until her junior year when she just took over.
“She has been a pleasure to have on the team for the past four years and I’m going to miss her next season.”
Q: You’ve been playing almost every sport offered at La Feria. Which is your favorite and why?
A: Being active in softball, volleyball and basketball has made me grow a love for each sport. My favorite out of the three is basketball. When I was a little girl, I would watch the Spurs play and I found an interest in the game. Since then my love has grown. I love the rush and intensity of the game.
Q: What is your most memorable moment from all your years playing at the high school level?
A: It would have to be during my junior year when we won district (in basketball). That season had its ups and downs, but my team and I overcame those challenges to get the title. I’ll never forget that feeling.
Q: No matter what sport you play, you always seem to win some type of award. What’s your motivation behind the intensity of your game?
A: I play for my family. My family supports me in all I do. The least I can do is play hard for them. I look in the stands and when I see them my intensity kicks in. They’re the reason why I play. They’ve pushed me to be the best at whatever I do. I’m grateful for every single one of them.
Q: This is your final year of high school. When everything is said and done, what are you going to miss the most?
A: I’m going to miss my teammates the most. We’ve created a strong bond. Leaving them is going to be tough. The bus rides, Saturday practices, tournaments and the free Chick-fil-A. I’m going to miss it all.
Q: Everybody knows Camryn Lopez the player, but what is something people might not know about Camryn Lopez the person.
A: Camryn Lopez the person has a goofy personality. Many see me as a competitor and immediately assume I’m mean, but I’m really nice. I love making people laugh and just being silly.
Q: Of all the awards you’ve won, which one means the most to you?
A: Offensive Player of the Year really meant a lot to me. It was the year we won the district title and I felt like I finally helped my team out. That award made me realize how much my hard work paid off.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
A: The biggest challenge for me has been to adjust to leading my team. I felt a lot of pressure and it affected my game. I eventually overcame that and told myself to just have fun and play the game. I couldn’t let my team down.
Q: Now that you’re a senior, what was the best advice you were ever given?
A: Many people tell seniors to enjoy your time while it lasts, but my dad told me different. He told me to be the best at everything I do. He’s my backbone and has kept me motivated. I don’t know where I’d be without him or my mother. They’re the best!
Q: Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
A: Every day isn’t guaranteed. When I feel like giving up I tell myself, “God woke me up for a reason.” That keeps me going.
Q: Do you have any advice for the younger generation of players at La Feria?
A: Just believe in yourself. Never let anyone make you feel like you’re not good enough. You control your own destiny, so work hard in all that you do.