Student-Athlete Spotlight Angel Maldonado

The life of a student-athlete is one full of commitment, perseverance, and lots of planning. For this week’s Student-Athlete Spotlight, we recognize Angel Maldonado who plays for our Hartnell Football team on defense. You can always catch Maldonado on Saturday nights wearing the #7; bringing fear into offensive linemen. Off the field, he is constantly working hard towards his career in Psychology. Angel was born and raised here, in Salinas, California. Maldonado attended Palma high school, where he graduated in 2016 and played football all four years. Angel is kicking-off the season with a year under his belt of playing football for the Hartnell Panthers. Last season, he earned all-conference defensive MVP for the team. He hopes to not only bring his improved strength and speed to the season, but extended experience as well. With two games in the season already, the team is coming off a win at home last weekend. The record stands at (1-1), but Maldonado has its sights set for the finish line. “I feel we're going to be good, first game a lot of mental mistakes but we should compete for the conference championship,” he said. Setting an example with his quick start this season, already recording 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery in just two contests, not only is he killing it in the gridiron, but he hopes to transfer in the spring semester to an undesignated school on a football scholarship. With all this hard work, Maldonado looks at his dad for inspiration. Along with the coaching staff, he has learned a lot from what goes on far beyond the end zone. When asked of a quote that drives him the most, without hesitation, he referred to 1st Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” This quote is tattooed on his arm. The same passion and inspiration carries him onto the field, talking about the game as more than just a game. “Being on the field, it’s about focusing on your teammates,” Angel advises. It is quite an amazing story and one to look for as the season progresses. We wish Angel Maldonado and the entire Hartnell football team a successful season. Go Panthers!