Elizabeth Sedlak is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Arizona Lutheran Academy for AZPreps365.com

With Jorge Lomeli Jr.'s final year at Arizona Lutheran Academy coming to a close, he reminisces about his past experiences as a multi-sport athlete for the Coyotes while looking ahead to attending Glendale Community College.

Throughout his journey in high school, Lomeli Jr. made significant progress in the athletic department, where he played five different sports.

During his time at ALA, Lomeli Jr. played football, baseball, track and field, soccer and basketball. He was a team captain for baseball and football while maintaining a GPA of 3.5 and winning the ALA Academic High Honors Award every year. He was accepted as a scholar-athlete for the 2024 National Football Foundation Valley of the Sun Chapter and earned a scholarship to Glendale Community College.

These successes have shaped Lomeli Jr.’s high school life and will continue to shape his future.

One thing Lomeli Jr. enjoys about being the team captain for the baseball team is that he gets the opportunity to showcase his talents, make new friends, and make new memories.

“I am able to support and encourage them as a leader, and I just enjoy playing it the most,” said Lomeli Jr.

Jorge Lomeli Sr., an assistant coach on the baseball team, says it's exceptional what his son is accomplishing.

“Jorge's accomplishments and recognition in various sports has provided more exposure to our small school and our athletic program. He has become a widely recognized athlete by other coaches and players within the conference, especially in baseball and track,” said the proud father. “Jorge has become a mentor to other athletes by showing his dedication and work ethic in any sport he is involved in.”

Shawn Riesop, ALA's baseball coach, said Lomeli Jr. strives to improve each day.

“He is a good Christian role model for his teammates,” said Riesop.

Over the course of his high school journey, Jorge Lomeli Jr. has helped ALA win the 2021 2A state football title, won the ALA Varsity Soccer Outstanding Player Award for the 2022-23 season, and was part of the 4x100 relay team where they won track and field state champion title three times.

David Peter, the head coach of ALA’s football team, describes Lomeli Jr. as a positive and encouraging teammate and how his noteworthy traits are his dependability, honesty, and trustworthiness.

“He has made very positive impressions and is an excellent example of maturity, leadership, and respectfulness,” said Peter.