Student Athlete of the Week – Austin Cardoza

BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Sports Correspondent

Austin Cardoza, knows what he wants and is willing to work hard to get it. “I started playing basketball through inspiration of my older brother. He and I would go down to a local church nearby everyday no matter if it was summer or winter and we always played. He’s been a huge supporter of the player I’ve became today,” says Cardoza.

“I’ve been playing basketball for about nine years and five of those included AAU basketball. I played for many coaches, but the one who stuck with me through most was Corey Gesford and I’m very thankful he gave me the guidance and opportunity to play for 21 Hoops.” Cardoza is the Independent’s Student Athlete of the Week.

Basketball means a lot to the Blue Ridge senior and he has a serious love of the game that has developed over the years. “I like the competition of the game, how it’s fast paced and how the game can change with one play. I love the physicality of diving on the floor and being put up to defend the opposing team’s best scorer. I also enjoy the pressure the game puts on you in dire situations.”

While the Raiders haven’t had the most successful season, it is clear that they are having fun and enjoying the camaraderie of a close-knit group of friends who laugh together and work hard together to improve their skills.

“Our season this year hasn’t been the greatest. Needless to say, we have many individuals that are rising stars. We are tremendously a young team outside of Austin Darrow and I – the two seniors. We will continue to strive to get a few more wins this year before the season’s out,” he said.

Basketball is a big part of Cardoza’s life, but it’s not the only thing.

He’s also involved with ice hockey and plays “” a little pick up football here and there when I get the chance.”

He has a philosophy that keeps him grounded and focused on what he wants to accomplish in life. “Outside of school I work twice as hard as I would in school. This is due to the fact that success doesn’t come easy and you have to work even harder on your down time to become something great; no matter if you’re working towards being the best in your sport or in the best in a certain career field.”

That will carry him into college and help him meet his career goals. “My plan, so far, after graduation is to attend a four year college; most likely East Stroudsburg University and get a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. Doing this and hopefully working for a big media company in the metropolitan area someday down the road.”

Cardoza lives in New Milford with his parents Gary and Jourene Cardoza. “They have been there for me through thick and thin right alongside of my brother; Alexander, and grandmother Louella Coolidge.”

Family is very important and spending time together is something the Cardozas like to do. “My father, brother, and I attend some of the local dirt tracks around the counties when we get the chance to. It was inherited by my father’s dad and passed down to my brother and me. It’s a family tradition. We like to attend the ‘Napa Auto Parts Presents: Indoor Auto Racing event.’ We don’t usually get the opportunity to go, but when we do it’s extremely fun and exciting to have that time with the family.

He also likes to spend time with his closest friends, Jeff Morris and Gavin Bradley. “Our usual Friday night consists of pizza, a shape up (hair cut), and about six hours of playing FIFA.”