Student-Athlete of the Week – Audrey Tijerina

"The biggest maturity I've seen in Audrey is a leadership role," La Quinta Girls' basketball coach Electra Viveros said. When she came into the program, she was on varsity off the bat, but she was more of a role player, and she had others around her who were shining at the time, and now she is the go-to. She's a great leader for her teammates. She's positive, and she helps them out the best she can in positive ways."

La Quinta Girls' basketball player Audrey Tijerina is this week's student athlete of the week.

Leadership and many other qualities, like hard work and competitiveness, have always been apart of Audrey's character as a basketball player. However, she learned those traits from those closest to her.

"I've had teammates older than me that recently just left. I used to look up to many of them, especially my coach coming here as a transfer," Senior guard Tijerina said. I look up to her a lot. She really helps out everyone, and she's definitely been there for me along the years as well. So that's where I pick up that leadership."

Coming to the Blackhawks as a transfer from Shadow Hills High School, she felt like a family as soon as she arrived.

"They all welcomed me with open arms, so that was very helpful, and I have a twin sister, so it's not like I do it alone," Senior guard Tijerina said. "We both kind of experienced it at the same time, and it was nice having someone there for me, and especially the entire team, and the coaches, the staff; everyone is very welcoming."

On the court, developing a relationship through basketball developed another relationship within the classroom.

"In and outside of the classroom, she really talks to me. She's a good classmate and a teammate," Senior Forward Izabella Ortiz said. "She really knows how to push me in the classroom, and we will always work good together. We have good teamwork, and we just have a strong bond."

Audrey's persona on the court reflects more than being an athlete, which is to be a leader and a friend.

We are always looking for Student Athlete of the Week nominations. If you know a senior who should be featured next, be sure to contact the KESQ sports department.

The Student Athlete of the Week segment airs every Tuesday.