Rockwall Jacket Athletes of the Month

Each month, the Jacket Backers, Rockwall High School’s Booster Club selects student athletes who are nominated by their coach for Jacket Athlete of the Month.  For the month of March, Natalie Baldwin, Benjamin Padilla, Gavin Figert, Zachery Flowers, Brayden Randle, Emma Avery, Sam Alves, Olivia Lowry, Ava Wallace and Marqelle Fisher were each nominated by their coaches and selected as Jacket Athletes of the Month.

Natalie Baldwin, Senior Forward for Girls Soccer is a senior captain for the 2021 squad. In the last half of district play, Natalie was the spark to quite a few games. She has recorded 6 goals and 4 assists while leading her team to a district championship and the beginning of a playoff run! “As a senior, Natalie is also one of the most positive people in the program. She leads by example and personal encouragement!” States Coach Garcia.

Benjamin Padilla, Sophomore Defender for Boys Soccer “is the true definition of a teammate. He gives everything he has for the program. When you see him at practice and in games he looks different. He brings the energy and fire to compete. Whatever needs to be done, Ben will do it. He will be a key part of the team next year and I cannot wait to see him grow on and off the field.” shares Coach Bowles.

Gavin Figert, Senior All-Around Gymnast for Men’s Gymnastics is one of only two guys that trains and competes every event.  Gavin is a very important role player on Pommel Horse, Vault, and High Bar.  For the month of March, Gavin competed at the Battle for the Rock against cross town rival and scored for the team on 5 events! “This was his best meet of the season.  He placed 2nd on Floor, 3rd on Pommel Horse, 2nd on Vault, 2nd on Parallel Bars, and 2nd on High Bar.  He also finished 2nd in All Around.  Congratulations to Gavin” says Coach Sweny.

Zachery Flowers, Senior Men’s Wrestling is a Team Captain. “He has done a great job leading our program this year through all the ups and downs. He is a returning state place winner for us and recently finished this past week undefeated in all matches. Zach is currently ranked top 4 in the state. He has helped lead our team to victories over the #4, #5, and #8 teams in the state over the past two weeks.” shares Coach Johnston.

Marqelle Fisher, Junior Women’s Wrestling is a Team Captain.  Coach Johnston adds, “She has had a great season this year and really helped keep a team bond for our ladies. She recently won her match against Heath to help us secure the team win! Marqelle experienced a season ending injury and career ending for most, last season. She worked very hard this off season and strengthened her knee and is wrestling better than ever.”

Brayden Randle, Sophomore Shortstop for Baseball has been the leading hitter in the early part of our season. “He leads the team with 4 HR's and 21 RBI and is hitting .352.  He is also our best defensive player statistically on the field.  Brayden is a sophomore and has already committed to play baseball at the University of Texas.” Shares Coach Rose.

Emma Avery, Freshman All-Around Gymnast is the only varsity freshman competing All-Around. “Emma is an amazing all round gymnast and athlete.  Besides being a varsity gymnast, she is also on the freshman cheer squad.  Emma always gives 100% and can be counted on every day and at every meet.  She is such a hard worker and always has a positive attitude.  Emma is currently ranked 10th on Vault, 6th on bars and 6th all-around in the state” says Coach Tyson.

Olivia Lowrey, Senior on the 400 meter and 4x400 Relay Team has been constantly improving her 400 time over the first four meets of the season.  “She is one of the top 400 runners in the DFW area and she has placed 3rd place or better in each of these meets.  Since returning back from spring break, Olivia has went 57.78 and 57.63 in the 400 meter dash.  Olivia is also a major member of the girls 4x400 relay team.  This group has been undefeated since March 6 of 2020.  At yesterday's Jesuit Sheaner relays the group finally suffered its first lost, BUT ran a season best time.  There is still a lot of season left for Olivia to continue to improve.  Who knows maybe we will see her on the medal stand at State in mid-May” adds Coach McCrary.

Ava Wallace, Freshman Outfielder Softball is a freshman who has carved out a consistent starting position on varsity.  In the month of March Ava Ava has started and completed all 10 varsity games. For the month of March, Ava has lead the team in batting average (563), RBI's (18) and doubles (8).  “She has a strong presence in the top of our line up and is reliable and aggressive defensively in right field. Ava works hard daily in practice, is very coachable and does a great job working with her teammates.  She has been a great addition to our softball family!  Ava has a bright future ahead of her and we are so excited to have the opportunity to see her grow!” says Coach Acosta.

Congratulations to each of these Rockwall High School Athletes!

The Jacket Backer Booster Club is a non-profit association formed to maximize fundraising efforts for Rockwall High School Sports, and other charitable activities that promote the development of good character, high morale, and maximum effort.

For more information on how you can support, vote and promote Rockwall High School’s Student Athletes visit the Jacket Backers website at https://www.jacketboosters.com/ and be sure to follow all of our athletes’ accomplishments on Facebook or Twitter @RHSJacketBacker.

It’s a Great Time to be a Jacket Backer!!!