ASU Prep celebrates the Class of 2026: A night of achievement, inspiration and new beginnings

Nathan said knowing that he can always get faster and stronger is what motivates him to strive higher.

His family is also supportive of Nathan’s dreams.

“My family offers me incredible flexibility and support by being able to drive long distances to races and being able to cheer and encourage me to pursue my passion along the way,” he said.

Nathan’s mom, Anna, said there are so many things to be proud of when it comes to Nathan.

“What stands out most is his self-discipline and commitment, not only in running but in his academics and everyday life,” she said. “Whether it is early mornings, tough workouts, or training through difficult conditions, Nathan consistently puts in the work because he understands the importance of staying dedicated to his goals.”

“That same discipline carries over into school, where he is responsible and independent. I rarely have to ask if he is keeping up because Nathan takes ownership of his commitments and always strives to do his best.”

Anna said the support her son receives from ASU Prep has helped him grow as both a student and an athlete.

“ASU Prep was where Nathan’s journey with cross country and track began,” she said. “Nathan’s own motivation and determination have allowed him to take advantage of opportunities like college classes while preparing himself for the next steps in his education and future career.

“We are grateful that ASU Prep has been a place where he has been encouraged to challenge himself and continue growing.”

As an ASU Prep Polytechnic student, Nathan is able to take advantage of Día de la Elección Familiar on Fridays, which gives him the flexibility to work from home and spend extra time running or weightlifting.

As Nathan enters his senior year of high school, he already has taken four ASU college classes for credit: Introduction to Sustainability (SOS 100), Introduction to Sociology (SOC 101), Introduction to Health and Wellness (HEP 100) and Introduction to Physiology (PSY 101). He’ll continue to take additional ASU classes by the time he graduates in May.

ASU Prep covers the cost of the university’s classes, giving students the chance to earn college credits in high school while exploring potential majors and future careers.

After graduation from ASU Prep, Nathan said he’d like to run at the collegiate level with some of the fastest people in the NCAA.

He shared, “My plans after high school are to try to get my master’s degree in kinesiology and pursue in the healthcare industry while running at the university.”

Ultimately, Nathan is interested in a career in physical therapy. He said one of his coaches helped him get into a physical therapy internship and he found it fascinating to assist those with injuries to have an active lifestyle.

“We have many hopes for Nathan’s future, but most importantly, we hope he finds happiness and fulfillment in whatever path he chooses,” Anna said. “We know he has goals of attending university and pursuing a career in physical therapy, and we are excited to see where his dedication takes him.

“We would love to continue watching him compete in college and beyond, and while big dreams like the Olympics are always something we can hope for, we are most proud of the person he is becoming along the way.”

Nathan’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. On the track, that commitment led him to one of the biggest competitions of his career.

Prior to running at the Junior Olympic Nationals, Nathan had to qualify at the Regional Finals in El Paso.

“The competition at regionals was fast, but I felt prepared and confident going into the race,” he said. “I trusted my training, stayed patient and made my move at the end to outkick the runners around me and secure fifth place, qualifying for the Junior Olympic Nationals.”

Leading up to Nationals, Nathan said he trained consistently on the track and trails, hitting his paces for workouts and mentally preparing to race against some of the top runners in the country.

At Nationals, he raced in the preliminary race knowing the top 12 would make it into the final race. He took ninth. When he raced in the Nationals final, he finished 11th overall.

Nathan said what keeps him engaged in running is knowing he can always improve.

“I feel like I always have something to prove to myself, whether that’s improving a time, overcoming a challenge or reaching a new goal,” he said.

“It was an amazing experience for him and us as well,” Anna said. “One of the biggest lessons we have learned is that this is Nathan’s sport, and he knows himself and what he needs best. Our role is to support him and be there whenever he needs us.

“Sometimes that means helping with the little things, other times it means driving long distances to races, cheering from the stands and celebrating every step of the journey. We have learned that the best way to support him is to trust his dedication, listen to what he needs and simply show up for him.”

Anna said her biggest advice for other parents and guardians of scholar-athletes is to show up, support them and let them enjoy the journey.

“Being there for races, practices and the moments in between means a lot, but it is also important to let the athlete take ownership of their sport,” she said. “Encourage them, celebrate their progress and remind them to have fun while chasing their goals.”

For students interested in following in his footsteps, Nathan advises staying consistent and avoiding comparisons with others.

“There will be highs and lows, and sometimes you may feel overlooked, but if you keep putting in the work, trusting the process, and enjoying the journey, you’ll continue to improve,” he said. “Remember that progress takes time, and every small step forward adds up.”