Ethan Troll is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Edge High School for AZPreps365.com

Sometimes, hard work and determination is for more than just sports.

Desert Edge Scorpions’ student-athlete David Cabrera is continuing to build his athletic career and develop his bright personality by participating in track and field this year and playing football later in the fall.

Cabrera is going to be competing in events such as the 400-meter relay, 100-meter dash and 200 meter-dash this season. The 2024 season will be his first with Desert Edge and strives to make an immediate impact for the squad.

“My progress, so far, has been great,” Cabrera said. “Moving to D.E. has been a great move for me. I feel like I got stronger and I got more competition at practice. D.E. is the real deal. My goals for the season are to run a sub 10.8 and for the relay, me and my teammates have a goal to break the state record, which is 40.5. I think we can do it.”

Cabrera’s blazing speed and talent is what has helped him earn his first scholarship from San Diego State University to play wide receiver. He continues to work extremely hard to earn more offers from other schools, but he isn’t too worried about his future just yet.

“I haven’t decided on nothing so far,” Cabrera said. “I don’t have any favors between football and track so whichever one gives me the better opportunity to further my career, I’d rather take that and whichever one is going to set my education best. I know that education is the most important thing.”

Cabrera doesn’t want to make an impact just on the field, however. There is an even bigger reason for him to compete and reach his goals.

“My inspiration is, really, to try and get my family in a better place,” Cabrera said. “I was born in California and moved out here with my grandma and grandpa. The rest of my family moved after that. I have a dream of doing any division one track, football or any sport and just make my family proud, be the first one to do it and get school paid for.”

For Cabrera, his close family gives him the energy, determination and inspiration that he needs to be successful in athletics, academics and in his personal life. Family is everything to him.

“My biggest inspiration is definitely my mom, my sister and my close family,” Cabrera said. “My mom’s a single parent so she tries her hardest and tries to give me what I need. Me and my sister have a big goal of bringing all the family close together when we get older. We’re all doing our separate paths in our life trying to make that happen later on and just doing anything to make it happen. Whenever I feel down or anything, I just keep that at the back of my head to keep my going.”

Coaches Mark and Marcus Carter have also made a big impact on Cabrera’s personal life as well, making him feel like family and welcomed into Desert Edge.

“They made a big impact on me,” Cabrera said. “Probably the biggest impact I’ve ever had in my life. I started playing sports in my freshman year and they’ve already helped me get my first offer. They’ve gotten me bigger, gotten me more confident, and are great role models. I don’t look at them as coaches. I look at them as family and I can go to them for anything. If I need something, they got me. The whole coaching staff welcomed me with open arms. They treat everyone else here the same.”

“David is an amazing young man,” head coach Mark Carter said. “He’s a great student as well. He has an infectious, positive attitude that’s had a tremendous impact on our team. We’re lucky to have him in our family. This year in track, he’s going to do some great things. He’s also a phenomenal football player and I’m super excited to see him perform on the grass as well.”