A NEW PASSION : STARING FREDDY PARKS

SEATTLE - Under the Friday night lights, Freddy Parks takes his position on the football field. The crowd cheers as he looks calm and confident, ready for the next play. For years, Freddy was known mostly for his skills on the lacrosse field, but now he is making his name on the gridiron. While he still plays lacrosse, football has become his main focus and his biggest passion. 

Freddy has been playing lacrosse since he was young, and it has always been a big part of his life, “I mean yea I’ve played lacrosse basically my whole life” Parks Stated. Even now, he continues to play and enjoy the sport that first introduced him to competition and teamwork. But everything changed when he started to play freshman football 

That first season of high school football opened Freddy’s eyes to something new. He found himself drawn to the intensity of the game, the strategy involved, and the strong sense of brotherhood among teammates. “ Once I came to O’Dea it changed my perspective” Parks said “it made it seem more enjoyable to me”. What started as something fun to try quickly became something he wanted to dedicate himself to. 

Freddy began spending extra hours practicing, studying plays, and improving his strength and technique. His work ethic impressed both coaches and teammates, and soon he earned a starting spot. The same skills that made him a strong lacrosse player, quick decision-making, footwork, and endurance, helped him transition smoothly into football. 

Now, as a key player on his team, Freddy understands that football has taught him more than just athletic skills. It has taught him discipline, resilience, and how to overcome challenges. “O’Dea football has taught to be discipline” The Safety explained “especially all the hard work from the spring to fall”. Those lessons go beyond the field, shaping who he is as a student, teammate, and person. 

Freddy Parks’ story is one of growth and balance. He has not left lacrosse behind, but he has found a new passion that drives him every day. His journey shows that trying something new can lead to unexpected success. As the season goes on and the lights shine bright, Freddy continues to prove that when hard work meets passion, anything is possible.