Tucked away in North Phoenix is a small high school that currently only has 165 kids enrolled.  The high school is home to a very special and dynamic athlete. 

This season he hit a personal landmark for the high school’s basketball team, had a good year with the football team and played baseball.

Valley Lutheran High School is Romeo Valenzuela’s home.  He has attended the school all four years of his high school career.  In his four years, he has become one of the best athletes Valley Lutheran has ever produced. 

Now, as his senior year nears an end he has had a moment to reflect.  “I have been working hard,” Valenzuela said.  “All four years I have been working for this moment.”  This was after the basketball game in which he scored his 1,000th career point. 

Valenzuela has had a long road to where he is today.  He is an athletic kid that has been able to succeed in any sport he has tried.  He made a choice to focus on football, basketball, and baseball, excelling at all three.

Valley Lutheran’s coach Bob Koehne speaks very glowingly about Valenzuela.  “Romeo is a hard worker,” Koehne said.  “He has been working for this for a long time.” 

Romeo has not done this alone.  He was coached by his father, Rigo Valenzuela, in his youth.  “He has always been a hard worker,” Rigo Valenzuela said.  “There really are no off days for him, he is constantly in the gym or on the field trying to improve his game.” 

Rigo Valenzuela attended every basketball game possible with Valley Lutheran’s most passionate fan, Rita Valenzuela. She's identifiable by sound. 

She was his team mom throughout Romeo's youth career. “I literally lose my voice at every basketball and football game, and it’s well worth it,” Rita Valenzuela said.  “He is a remarkable kid and now that we’re closing our high school chapter of life with him we will be there every step in the new beginning of adulthood and college life.”

Romeo is in the last chapter of his high school career now looking towards college.  He had a choice to make as to which college attend next fall.  Part of the decision is will be able to continue being a two-sport athlete for the college he chooses.  He will play football but there remains a question as to whether he will be be able to play basketball and baseball as well.

These decisions are not always the athlete's alone.  Both coaches have to agree to Romeo playing the sports which would take time away from another.