Former Tanque Verde standout Rocco Haggard became the 77th athlete to be named Student Athlete of the Year since 1957. A multi-sport athlete, Haggard earned region honors in football, basketball and baseball as well as region Player of the Year and All-Conference accolades. Haggard was also named a scholar-athlete by the NFFSA.
Haggard was a Magna Cum Laude Cord Recipient with a 3.8/4.1 High School GPA.
THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE WHO HAVE SHAPED ME INTO WHO I AM TODAY
When thinking about who has influenced me most in my life, I do not think it would be right to narrow it down to just one person. There are so many different people who have shaped me into who I am today.
First and foremost, I truly believe that I would not be here today without God. He is what makes everything possible. He is who guides me to places where I have great opportunities to succeed. God influences me to be a better person and to reflect Him in all that I do on and off the field. Most importantly, He has surrounded me with incredible people who have influenced my life in countless ways.
Next are my parents. My parents have supported me through everything. They have been at every game that they are able to attend. They have driven me to countless practices, games, camps, and showcases and have done everything in their power to support my dreams and aspirations. My parents have shown me the true meaning of hard work and dedication through how they live out their everyday lives providing for my three sisters and I.
Many people would tell me that playing three sports in high school was unrealistic and that I should stick to one sport if I really wanted to be successful. My parents told me to not listen and to take my own path and trust God’s plan for me. Looking back I appreciate their guidance as I was blessed to receive First Team All-Region honors and more in all three sports and will be furthering my athletic journey in college. My parents never let me quit or give up when things got tough. This taught me to be resilient and helped me get out of those slumps.
Another major influence in my life is my Uncle Clint. Although he passed away when I was young, the stories I’ve heard and the memories have shown me the kind of person he was. He lived life to the fullest, cared deeply for others, and brought joy wherever he went. I hope to live my life with that same attitude and leave a positive impact on the people around me.
At the end of the day, there are far too many people who have influenced my life to name them all. My family, friends, teammates, and coaches have each played a role in helping me become the person I am today. I am incredibly grateful for all of their support and encouragement in all that I do. Their influence has shaped not only the athlete I have become but, more importantly, the person I strive to be every day.
TUCSON CITIZEN STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
1957 D.L. Secrist Jr. Tucson High
1958 Donald Parsons Catalina
1959 Edward Brown Flowing Wells
1960 Terry DeJonghe Salpointe
1961 Robert Svob Catalina
1962 Ray Kosanke Tucson High
1963 Michael Aboud Tucson High
1964 Pat McAndrew Flowing Wells
1965 Charles Begley Sunnyside
1966 Eric Evett Catalina
1967 Ron Curry Tucson High
1968 Jeff Lovin Palo Verde
1969 Bruce Pawlowski Salpointe
1970 Dave Henry Sahuaro
1971 Tom Hagen Salpointe
1972 Bill Baechler Palo Verde
1973 Francisco Gomez Pueblo
1974 Richard Rucker Canyon del Oro
1975 Guillermo Robles Sunnyside
1976 Karen Christensen Rincon
1977 Michael Wing Rincon
1978 Craig Barker Amphitheater
1979 Ralph Gay Sunnyside
1980 Kristine Bush Sabino
1981 Lisa Kay Baker Sahuaro
1982 Vickie Patton Marana
1983 Martin Tetreault Sahuaro
1984 Molly Reiling Salpointe
1985 Timothy Roggeman Salpointe
1986 Jon Volpe Amphitheater
1987 Luis A. Padilla Pueblo
1988 Nicole Stern Catalina
1989 Robert Moen Flowing Wells
1990 Grace O’Neill Salpointe
1991 Angel Phillips Rincon
1992 Zenen Salazar Sunnyside
1993 Michelle Vielledent Sahuaro
1994 Julie Reitan Sahuaro and Brady Bennon Sabino
1995 Kelly Yablonski University High
1996 Joe Aguirre Palo Verde
1997 Andy Viner University High
1998 Scott Beck Canyon del Oro
1999 Glenn Schatz University High
2000 Nicole Voelkel University High
2001 Ai-ris Yonekura Catalina Foothills
2002 Philo Sanchez Sunnyside
2003 Tim Ashcraft Sahuaro
2004 Joe Kay Tucson High
2005 Tiffany Hosten Tucson High and Echo Fallon Catalina Foothills
2006 Michael Smith Sunnyside
2007 Tara Erdmann Flowing Wells
2008 James Eichberger Catalina
TUCSONCITIZEN.COM STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
2009 Sun Park Cienega
2010 Christine Clark Tucson High
2011 LeeAndra Smith Palo Verde
2012 Rachel Ward (Pusch Ridge) and Robin Landrith (Ironwood Ridge)
2013 Mally McGarity (Marana) and Asha Esprit (University High)
ALLSPORTSTUCSON.COM STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
2014 Amanda Nicholas Sahuaro
2015 Laura McGeary Flowing Wells and Courtney Brown Flowing Wells
2016 Cheyenne Pitts Mountain View
2017 Jacqueline Igulu Palo Verde
2018 Tyson Corner Marana
2019 Luc Rosenblatt Salpointe
2020 Shana Brown Ironwood Ridge
2021 Rumur Rouille Ironwood Ridge
2022 Tanvi Narendran University High
2023 Sammy Padilla Flowing Wells
2024 Addison Scott Mica Mountain
2025 Kendall Freidinger Empire
2026 Alana Alva Mica Mountain and Rocco Haggard Tanque Verde
Former Mica Mountain standout Alana Alva became the 76th athlete to be named Southern Arizona Student Athlete of the Year since 1957. Alva earned 11 AIA Division III State medals and two AIA All-State medals for track and cross country and she was a two-time state champion in… https://t.co/80tslVQx6w pic.twitter.com/3vqigYqhjq
— Andy Morales (@AndyMorales8) August 30, 2026
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