A dual sport student-athlete, Jonathan Valdes ’21 used his final year as a Pine Crest Upper School student to move into leadership positions.
Joining Pine Crest in the third grade, Jonathan did not begin playing sports until he transitioned to the Middle School.
“I hadn’t played an organized sport before my sixth grade year,” said Jonathan. “I always loved football. I always had a love for the game and when I got the opportunity to play, I was thrilled. I have been playing since then and it has really grown into a passion of mine.”
This year, Jonathan was selected as the football team captain.
“Being the team captain was a different challenge than just playing and being part of the team,” he said. “The previous three years playing football, I only worried about my own playing. I had to shift my focus when I became the team captain. I had to think about how I could help the team get better and lead the team to success as a unit.”
Although the 2020-21 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Jonathan and the team were grateful for the opportunity to compete.
“My favorite memory from the past four years on the field was from our last football game of the season,” said Jonathan. “We had a short season, but it ended on a high note. I got our last defensive possession which led to the game ending sack.”
Jonathan expressed joy and gratitude when reflecting on the season.
“It was such a point of pride that I was able to have a strong finish on what have been the most rewarding years of my life,” he said.
As the year progressed, Jonathan traded his football pads for his lacrosse stick. Another sport he joined as a Middle School student, lacrosse has also been a significant part of his Upper School experience. As team captain, he helped the team emerge from a two-week quarantine and fight through each game on the way to the playoffs. On the varsity lacrosse team, Jonathan was the starting goalie. He had a 50.9% save percentage, helping lead the Panthers to a 12-2 record and a District Championship, which happened to be the program’s seventh title. The only two losses for the team came at the hands of the eventual State Champions.
Off the field, Jonathan served as the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), an extracurricular club that brings together student-athletes from all of the sports offered at Pine Crest.
“Being the president of FCA is different than being a team captain,” said Jonathan. “It’s more social and doesn’t take place in a sports setting. Much of what I was responsible for was staying on top of events, coordinating with other members, and preparing for our meetings, which were all virtual this year. What I enjoy most about the group is interacting with people I wouldn’t normally be able to connect with on a daily basis. It’s exciting to talk about our respective sports, and learn more about what everyone does and how they do it. It’s just a great way for athletes to get together and talk.”
When asked what he thought would surprise people to know about athletics at Pine Crest, Jonathan said, “It would surprise people to know how much easier playing sports has made doing well in school for me. It seems counterintuitive to split your time, but my obligations in sports taught me better time management. I had to learn how to get a lot done in a short amount of time. It’s a lesson that really is invaluable. It can be easy to let things pile up for the next day and let it overwhelm you. Sports teach you to focus and continue moving forward.”
Jonathan will join the Class of 2025 at Duke University this fall.
“There is so much to be excited about,” he said. “Going to a place similar to Pine Crest in that there will be so many opportunities — I want to eventually pursue medicine. There are a lot of research opportunities and ways for me to expand my horizons in the lab and/or meet students from other colleges.”
Jonathan also looks forward to staying active while at Duke.
“I will be playing football in an intramural club setting,” said Jonathan. “I want to try out for their lacrosse team as well. I definitely want to be involved in sports and be active.”
Reflecting back on his Upper School experience and echoing what many alumni often say, he will miss his teachers.
“My favorite class and favorite teacher was Advanced Placement (AP) biology during my junior year,” he said. “I didn’t know I would eventually declare myself a biology major at that point, but after taking it with Mr. Schwartz, I knew this was a field I wanted to pursue. He always made it so fun and engaging. He was always someone I could talk to and it made my experience in the class that much better. I will miss my teachers and the support they provided. I don’t think it’s always common. It’s special here at Pine Crest.”
