Alisia Valerio’s Versatility, Determination Driving Strong Finish to Senior Season at Aztec
The Graphic Designer Athlete of Week Alisia Valerio
By Wally D
With the state track and field championships now less than a month away, Alisia Valerio continues to prove why she is one of the most versatile and determined senior athletes at Aztec High School.
This past week, Valerio delivered another strong performance, posting a 34-foot, 4-inch triple jump and a 16-foot, 1-inch long jump, while continuing to contribute in multiple running events including the 800, 400, and occasionally the 200 meters.
What made the performance even more impressive was what she was battling through to get there.
“This week was really impressive because she had been coming off being sick all week and she wasn’t feeling her best, and it was not the greatest weather,” Coach Mitchell said. “But she’s a great athlete who honestly sets high standards for herself.”
Even after producing two strong jumps, Mitchell said Valerio still saw room for improvement.
“She wasn’t fully satisfied with it,” Mitchell said. “She still pushes herself and she knows that she can do better. We were happy with the results she had, but she’s never satisfied — she always wants to make improvements.”
That mindset has become one of the defining traits of Valerio’s senior season.
Her value to Aztec’s track program goes far beyond one event. Few athletes can move from technical jumping events into middle-distance races and sprint opportunities the way she does.
“It’s extremely rare,” Mitchell said. “We are so grateful to have her, but also it’s rough because we want to put her in everything, but we can’t always do that.”
Mitchell says Valerio’s ability to handle multiple disciplines gives Aztec tremendous flexibility.
“It’s really nice being able to have an athlete who does mid-distance, but also we can incorporate her in our sprint relays,” Mitchell said. “She’s got skills sprinting 100s and 200s. That is extremely impressive. She’s a very versatile athlete.”
That versatility continues to expand. Even late in her senior year, Valerio recently asked coaches if she could begin working in yet another event — high jump.
“Just this week, she mentioned she wanted to try some high jump and came and practiced high jump this week, which was completely new, and just kind of went right into it and did amazing,” Mitchell said.
For Mitchell, what separates Valerio is not only talent, but trust and coachability.
“She’s honestly always open to whatever we suggest for her, which is very nice,” Mitchell said. “She trusts that we kind of have an eye and see where she can most progress.”
As the season enters its final stretch, Valerio continues making weekly gains, particularly in triple jump and the 800.
“She’s been progressing each week with the triple jump and her 800,” Mitchell said. “She comes every single day to work, coming to practice and she puts in the work. She’s always trying to do more. She’s always trying to stay late.”
That consistency has coaches believing her best performances may still be ahead.
“She’s got a lot of goals for herself, and with the mentality that she has, I know that she’s going to accomplish all of them,” Mitchell said.
Now, with the pressure of the postseason approaching, Mitchell believes Valerio’s greatest strength may be her ability to stay mentally composed when competition intensifies.
“Just honestly, her determination,” Mitchell said. “She’s one of those athletes that when it’s time to compete, she focuses. She doesn’t get in her head and overthink things.”
And that confidence could become a major factor when the state meet arrives.
“Even though it’ll be a whole new setting and the stresses of state kind of shake some people up, she’s pretty solid in herself and her confidence,” Mitchell said. “Going into it with that strong confidence, I know she’s going to deliver some good results.”
For Valerio, the senior season is entering its biggest stage, and by all signs, she is still climbing.
Congratulations to our San Juan County Sports Athlete of the Week, Alisia Valerio
San Juan County Sports Athlete of the Week is proudly sponsored by The Graphic Designer — your local source for custom embroidery, screen printing, promotional products, business branding, signs, banners, and creative design services. Conveniently located in Farmington, The Graphic Designer helps businesses, schools, teams, and organizations stand out with professional quality and personalized service.
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