By Derrick Smith 

Hard work is a key component to success. Whether it is an athlete, someone in the business world, or something else, you have to be willing to put in the time and effort in order to be the best at what you have chosen to do. Zach Hidalgo is a senior at Hooker High School and he says that there has been a lot that has helped him get to where he is today. 

“It has taken a lot of dedication and support from my family,” he said. “I have had to work harder than anyone and my family’s support helped me to accomplish that.”

Hidalgo plays football and basketball for the Bulldogs. He can play wide receiver, tight end, and defensive end on the football field, while on the hardwood he plays power forward. Away from sports, he is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Future Farmers of America organization. 

There have been people that have been a part of Zach’s athletic journey, some having bigger impacts than others. But he says that he is thankful to each of them for the influence they have had.

“Some of my biggest role models are my friends and family,” he said. “They are around me all the time and they are always very supportive. They always do what they can to help me be the best that I can be. Also, my junior high English teacher, Mrs. Gilmore, taught me how to be a better person.”

Basketball is a sport that Hidalgo enjoys playing whenever he gets the chance to. He says that some of his favorite moments throughout his career have been spent on the court.

“The highlight moment of my career would have to be being able to play basketball every weekend,” he said. “And to play in a lot of different places throughout the summer to better myself in the sport I love and also to be able to travel to many places.”

While he enjoys playing basketball in high school, Hidalgo has his sights set on something a little bigger.

“I am the first person in my family to pursue playing basketball in college,” he said. “I have always dreamed of playing at the next level.”