Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Chase Duarte of Clayton Valley Charter high

Chase Duarte
Grade: Senior
School: Clayton Valley Charter
Sport: Football

CONCORD, CA (August 30, 2024) — Ugly Eagles football captain Duarte is a highly coveted player among D1 colleges. After receiving five offers from colleges across the coast, he eventually verbally committed to San Diego State this past June. Other colleges he received offers from include Sacramento State, Fresno State, Portland State and UC Davis.

At an impressive height of 6-6, Duarte towers over his opponents as an offensive tackle. During his first year at CVCHS, he played on the freshman team, but moved up to varsity for the last three years.

Duarte has served as a captain for two years and received all-East Bay Athletic League recognition last fall. He hopes to come back stronger this season after he tore his meniscus during a practice.

When asked about Duarte, coach Nick Tisa, says, “Chase exemplifies what it means to be a true leader both on and off the field. His relentless drive and exceptional physical skills are matched only by his dedication to uplifting his teammates and embodying the values of our team standards. Chase inspires everyone around him with his commitment and character. San Diego State is lucky to have him.” In addition to the Ugly Eagles, this past year Duarte played for Stag Elite, a lineman 5 on 5 team.

Late start

Duarte was not always a football player, and he believes that his delayed entrance to the sport put him at a disadvantage from the other players with years of experience. When he was younger, his mom did not want him to play the sport, so instead, he participated in basketball and swimming. He credits his coordination to playing those sports early in his career.

Despite all the time he spends on the field, he works hard to keep his 3.83 GPA. Duarte is grateful to his coaches, friends and parents whose guidance helped him reach the next level of football. He is excited to play for San Diego State next year and pursue a triple business major to work in human resources after college.

CVCHS student journalist Corinne Jeandheur wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Chase and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement, or a great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.

Read more Pioneer Athlete Spotlights.

Corinne Jeandheur

Corinne Jeandheur is a senior at Clayton Valley Charter High School.  She runs on the CVCHS cross country team in the fall as well as competing on the track and field team in the spring.  She also plays the piano and bakes in her free time.  Jeandheur is a member of the CVCHS Engineering and Design Academy and concluded her sophomore year with a 4.33 GPA.  She is serving as co-president of the California Scholarship Federation at Clayton Valley Charter this school year and continuing her academic and community involvement in the National Honor Society. She is very pleased to be writing the monthly Athlete Spotlight for the Pioneer.