Spartan Times

Athlete of the week: Damian Salais

Compiled by Michelle Einzinger and Bryanna McFadden

Height: 5’10”

Age: 20

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Here to study: Nursing

What is your position: Point guard in basketball

What got you started in your sport: Watching the older guys play when I was younger.

Tell us about yourself: I like to chill with family and friends and do fun things. My hobbies would be basketball, playing chess and Facebook. Pitbulls are my favorite pet.

High school awards: Two Player of the Weeks, Most Improved Player, two year letterman, and most Honorable Mentions in Districts.

Favorite motivational quote: “Always keep on pushing. If you’re not going to go hard at it, why do it? There’s always another level to reach, but if you stop reaching you will never get it. You got to get to that thing we call full potential grind and get it.” – Derrick Stevens, professional basketball player

How much do you train a day: I train as much as I can when I don’t have class or when I have a lot of time to myself. But I train as much as I can.

What motivates you: My family and for myself. It’s a pride thing to me. Also, I love playing the game of basketball, she is my girlfriend.

What advice would you give aspiring athletes: Go hard or go home, always keep it pushing to reach your full potential.

How long have you participated in your sport: Since I was a young fella.

What other sports did you play in high school: Track and field.

Best advice you were given: Always keep playing when you can’t play no more!

Are you planning to play your sport after graduating from CNCC: Yes, I do. I’ll play anywhere basketball can take me. Keep playing till I’m old!

Who taught you your skills: My coach from high school. All of my older friends that I’ve known since I was little.

Who is your athlete idol: My mentor Derrick Stevens, professional basketball player. He plays in Berlin now!

How do you motivate your teammates: Being a leader as a point guard and keeping them focused on the court and off the court.

How is your college experience so far, and how is it different from high school: College is way faster, stronger players. Everybody competes on the court.

What are your hopes for the team this year: Everybody competing playing with pride and winning games this year. Becoming as one.

What are your team’s strengths: We are an athletic team; a lot of players who play their role will make this team strong. Talking with each other on the offense and and the defense end and playing together as one!

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