Cross-country runners in the Socorro Independent School District received some invaluable inspiration from Thomas Valles, a motivational speaker who was a member of the state championship cross-country team from McFarland High School featured in the 2015 Disney film McFarland USA.
Valles first met with coaches and athletic coordinators at Pebble Hills High School and later visited Socorro High School to speak to student-athletes from Americas, Eastlake and Socorro high schools. He also presented at Montwood High School for Pebble Hills, El Dorado and Montwood high school runners.
The former state champion gave students and coaches an inspiring message about having hope that through education and mentoring students can be champions in life.
Valles credits his success to his former coach Jim White, whom the film is based on.
“A coach and sports saved my life through encouragement and guidance to make good healthy choices and pushing me towards education in high school so that I could have a future in college which wasn’t common where I come from,” Valles said.
He emphasized the importance of reaching out to students who are struggling with their education or who are economically disadvantaged. To him, it is important to support them so they don’t fall behind, they feel supported, and they can go on to achieve great things in their future.
“Having a speaker like this come to speak at our school motivates me to be the best I can be when it comes to racing and the passion I feel for the sport,” said Socorro High School senior Mea Workman.
Ruben Rodriguez, athletic coordinator at Eastlake High School, said he hoped Valles’ story inspired the students.
“I hope students are able to relate to his story so that instead of finding excuses not to do things, they’ll want to find ways to accomplish their dreams,” Rodriguez said.
Motivational speaker Thomas Valles visit event photos
Published January 5, 2023
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