Coleby Garrett - Central Catholic High School
Full Name: Coleby Michael Garrett
Age: 18
Height/Weight: 5’8”, 185lbs.
Parents: Rachelle & Brad Garrett
Siblings: Faith Garrett
Year in School: Senior
School: Central Catholic High School; Modesto, CA
Coach: Roger Canepa
Jersey Number: 44
Position: Fullback and Middle Linebacker
Hudl: Coleby Garrett
Instagram: Bulldozer_44
Twitter: ColebyGarrett
Coleby Garrett, A.K.A. “The Bulldozer”,was born on October 24, 1999 in Modesto, CA. “My parents both played sports as kids and are very competitive people, so I learned to love sports at a young age. In fact, the first thing my parents bought me was a soft baseball and football,” he recalls. Athletically talented and mature, it didn’t take long for his football coaches to take notice. At the age of 5, not only had young Coleby found his passion for football, but he was playing football for the Ceres Falcons against 9 year olds. “I fell in love with the game and have never stopped. I’m just glad that my parents put me in football because it’s shaped me into the person I am today.”
Coleby comes from an extremely close family with strong family values and a deep love and respect for his parents, Rachelle and Brad. “My biggest inspirations in life are my Mom and Dad because they are the hardest working people I know. Once they start something, they will not quit until it is done. They continue to be great examples to me,” he says. “My Mom is my biggest supporter and is there for me no matter what. She pushes me to be the best version of myself.”
How do you successfully juggle the demands of school, practice, and games?
School comes first at all times, then football follows after. In my opinion, maintaining your school work is easier in the football season because your schedule is the same every day. For example: I wake up, go to weight lifting, and after that, I have about 30 minutes to do any homework that needs to be done. Then, I go to school and use my break and lunch to do more homework. After school, I go to football practice and after practice, I go home and finish any remaining homework. It takes discipline, but it’s easy for me because I have that same schedule every day.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to have my degree in Kinesiology and working in my field helping people in the community.
What are your strengths physically and mentally as a fullback and middle linebacker?
My two positions as a fullback and middle linebacker are some of the hardest ones on the field and I am constantly hitting and running. I am not the biggest kid on the field, but I do have two strengths that help me a lot. The first strength is that I am a very hard worker and no matter what, I do NOT give up. My second strength is that I am a smart football player and I use my knowledge to help me throughout each game.
How have you improved as an athlete from year to year?
I have improved as an athlete because, every year, I work hard and get stronger and faster than the year before. I also work to learn more about the game every year and it has helped me become a better player. This preparation has helped me to become more confident in my football abilities and I play better because of it.
Do you play other sports?
I used to play baseball, basketball, and I also wrestled for many years, but I stopped playing these sports because there was one sport that I loved more than anything – football. I stopped the other sports so I could focus and work very hard in the off-season to get ready for football.
What are some of your other outside interests/hobbies?
One of my favorite hobbies is working out. It’s challenging and not always fun, but I like seeing the results when I am done. I like hanging out with my friends and going to the gym to play basketball. I also enjoy traveling. I love to see new things and go to places that I’ve never been before.
How do you prepare for football on and off-season?
In the off-season, I work out 5-6 times a week at Bonsu Elite Athletics (Ceres, CA). I’ve been working out there for 8 years, since I was 10 years old. I do a lot of weight lifting there and also do plenty of speed and agility work which has helped me tremendously in football. In the off-season, I try to get into the best football shape as possible. When the season starts, I still work out, but work out to maintain the shape and condition I already have. I don’t try to get bigger.
What is the biggest lesson that football has taught you and how can you apply that to real life?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from football is the importance of hard work. I’ve learned that I can apply this to real life because, if I work hard, I can accomplish anything and nothing can stand in my way. If I want it bad enough, I am going to get it.
What is the next step for you as a football player?
Next year, I will be going to college and, hopefully, I can continue to play football as well. I still have a big love for the game! But, whether or not I play, I will pursue my degree in Kinesiology.
What is your philosophy on discipline?
Discipline is the key to success. At Central Catholic, discipline is the core of what we are taught. Everything from being coachable, listening, taking direction and criticism in a positive way, and making educated decisions to keeping our jerseys tucked in and socks pulled up – it’s these principles of discipline that don’t just apply to football, but to real life. I believe this is what makes our program successful.
What is one word or phrase that you hope your teammates use to describe you?
I hope that my team remembers me as a hardworking leader who never gave up. This is what I strived for every single day I’ve played football.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to face this year as a student or athlete and how did you overcome this challenge?
This year, the biggest challenges in football were a few knee injuries, but with the help of (orthopedic physical therapist) Mark Zamora at Core Physical Therapy (Modesto, CA), I’ve been able to come back as soon as possible. I have had 2 MCL sprains, but have not missed any games this season. I’m extremely glad that I have been fortunate enough to come back.
What is your biggest regret of the season?
My biggest regret this season was not winning the Valley Oak League title.
What is the biggest lesson that you've learned from your coach this year?
The biggest lesson that Coach Canepa taught me this year is that I might not be the biggest, but as long as I work harder than everyone else, it is going to be very hard to stop me. He was right!
3 words to describe yourself:
Outgoing
Hardworking
Funny
3 words that others would use to describe you:
Hard worker
Friendly
Respectful
3 little known facts about you:
I sing
I played basketball and was named MVP in the 7th grade
I want to go into the medical field
What is your most memorable moment of the season?
My most memorable moment of the season was beating St. Mary’s in the Holy Bowl! Nobody thought that we would win that game except us and we kept fighting and we won. All of my family and friends were there and were so happy. I will never forget those moments.
What motivates you to play well during a game?
There are many things that motivate me to play well during a game. My teammates motivate me – they look up to me as a leader and that pushes me to be at my best so that I don’t let them down. My parents are a big motivation. They know what I’m capable of and expect me to play at a certain level every game and this pushes me to be better. Winning, though, motivates me more than anything and I work hard every game to get the win for my team.
Is there anyone that you'd like to thank or acknowledge and why?
I would like to thank my parents for all that they have done. They have both put so much time and effort into me and the sport I love so much, I couldn’t thank them enough for all their sacrifices. Not only did they pay for weight training, but they put me in a school that isn’t cheap so that I can be prepared for my future. They have also taught me values like respect and the importance of hard work and I am so thankful. I know I will be the best man I can possibly be because of them.