It should come as no surprise that Mateo Barboza is really into sports.
He’s an athlete year round. The 17-year-old senior anchored the defense as part of the league champion football team. He is a member of the varsity wrestling squad. And in the Spring he swings the bat for the baseball team.
And now Mateo is crowning off his year in yet another competition . . . Prom King.
Since day one, Mateo’s family has been supporting him. His competitive fire comes from them, and he doesn’t forget it.
His strongest supporter is his sister, who is currently a senior in college and played softball in high school. As of now, she’s doing great for herself and on track to graduate. “She did everything she was supposed to do, getting her school paid for and making our mom proud,” Barboza stated.
Additionally, when being asked about their relationship during his childhood, he shared “My sister was big on softball. A lot of my upbringing was at her practice, basically being in her shadow, helping her get better, waiting for my turn.”
When asked if he looked up to her, he responded, “Yes I do.”
Barboza holds himself to a high standard due to his sister’s success. The reason he does this is because he works hard in order to give his single mother a relaxing life without the burden of college expenses.
As a result of his dedication, his skills in football have been recognized. “I have three offers for football,” he shared. These offers include Simpson University, Mount Mercy, and Gila River Community College.
Sport has taught Barboza to “deal with most things in life,” especially when it comes to self composure and being a hard worker. He recalls how he’d started football in his sophomore year. “I thought it would hold me back, but I think it just made me motivated to catch up.”
This year, Barboza was nominated for Prom Court king by both coaches of football and baseball. When asked why, football coach Ray Rodriguez said, “He’s been in the program for years. He’s a good kid.”
That said, Barboza had simple reasons why he wanted to run for Prom Court. “I just do it just to have fun with my friends and I like to be involved in school.” He also mentioned how his friends have affected him in a way like no other, “Obviously I’m not gonna have any bad friends.” He went on, “I only want people that only want good for me.”
As for winning the prom crown, Mateo said, “I’m excited, I’m really excited and if I win that’ll really top off my high school career.”