'He Came Back Stronger': Petaluma Star Student Athlete

PETALUMA, CA — We all know student-athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Patricia Pacheco who nominated Ray Pacheco, 11th grade, of Petaluma.

Star student athlete’s name

Ray Pacheco

Star student athlete’s home state

California

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Petaluma

How do you know the star student athlete?

Parent

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Wrestling

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

He was injured during a wrestling tournament in January 2022. After 8 months of extensive doctors' appointments, rehabilitation and fighting to get his once-4.0 GPA up again after it dropped to a 2.0 after his accident. My son has come back stronger and has learned that helping out his fellow wrestlers with confidence and being resilient to unforeseen injuries can make him a stronger individual in the end.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

He never gives up and finds a way to better himself daily.

Keep up the great work, Ray Pacheco!

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