Pampa Harvester Athletes of the Week (September 7 - September 13)
Photos courtesy of Cartershots and John Lee
Naya Gallegos is No.6 and a senior on the Lady Harvester Volleyball team. She also participates with the track team.
Volleyball is an important part of Naya Gallegos’ life, but the Pampa athlete also enjoys staying involved in music when she is away from the court.
“My favorite thing is music, and I have been involved in show choir for three years,” Gallegos said.
Gallegos says being named Athlete of the Week is an honor she believes represents more than simply performing well during competition. For Gallegos, it also reflects the attitude and effort an athlete brings to the team each day.
“For me, being Athlete of the Week means putting in effort and being kind to all of my teammates,” Gallegos said.
As the volleyball season continues, Gallegos hopes to keep developing her skills and help the Lady Harvesters accomplish one of their biggest team goals.
“I hope to achieve higher passing percentages and make it to the playoffs,” Gallegos said.
Although volleyball is currently the only sport in which she is competing, Gallegos has also participated in track and field.
“Even though I am only playing volleyball at this time, I competed in the high jump last year,” Gallegos said.
Gallegos also has plans for her future after high school. She hopes to attend college, study psychology and eventually build a career centered around helping others.
“I plan to go to college for psychology and eventually become a traveling therapist,” Gallegos said.
In the classroom, Gallegos said earth and environmental science stands out as her favorite subject because of her interest in important issues affecting the world.
“My favorite subject is earth and environmental science because I love learning about climate change and pollution,” Gallegos said.
Lady Harvester volleyball head coach Kaylee Samulowitz praised the energy Gallegos brings to the court each and every match.
“Naya is such a fun athlete,” Samulowitz said. “She understands the game really well and makes some great plays in middle back for us. She is lively and brings a lot of energy as well, so it has been really enjoyable getting to coach her so far.”
Ramiro Baca is No. 10 and a sophomore linebacker for the Harvester football team. He also plays soccer and basketball. He had eight tackles, three solo and five assists in the game against Perryton on Friday night.
For Ramiro Baca, being recognized as Athlete of the Week is a sign that his effort is beginning to pay off.
“It means a lot to me,” Baca said. “It shows me that my hard work and effort are paying off and being noticed by the coaches. That pushes me to work even harder and continue doing what I am doing.”
Baca said one message from Coach Langehenning has especially stayed with him throughout the season.
“He always says, ‘Do it tired,’” Baca said. “I like that because no one else is going to do it for you when you are tired.”
As the season continues, Baca hopes to keep improving while also helping those around him.
“My goals are to continue pushing myself and my teammates,” Baca said. “I want to keep contributing to the team in any way I can.”
Away from competition, Baca enjoys spending time with those closest to him.
“I like helping my family with anything they need, no matter what it is,” Baca said. “I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends—and eating a lot of food.”
In addition to his current sport, Baca also participates in soccer and basketball. After high school, he is considering several possible career paths, including HVAC work, the oil field or earning his commercial driver’s license.
“I’m not quite sure what I want to do after high school yet,” Baca said. “I may work in HVAC, do something in the oil field or eventually earn my CDL.”
In the classroom, Baca said history is his favorite subject.
“I get to learn things about the world that I never knew before,” Baca said. “I think it is very interesting.”
Inside linebackers coach Steve Barton praised Baca’s toughness, determination and willingness to keep competing in a difficult matchup against Perryton.
“Ramiro played with a lot of toughness and determination against Perryton. He made several big plays for us and never backed down, even when things weren’t going our way. For a sophomore to step up and compete like he did against a physical Perryton team says a lot about his character and the kind of player he is becoming. He’s gaining valuable experience, and I’m really proud of the way he competed,” Barton said.
Congratulations to Naya and Ramiro for representing the Harvesters with pride, dedication and leadership.
