Pioneer Athlete Spotlight: John Parker -

Grade: Senior, School: CVCHS, Sports: Water Polo, Swimming

Parker spends so much time in the pool, it’s a surprise that he hasn’t grown gills yet. This school year marks his third season of varsity water polo and fourth year on varsity swim. Parker’s teammates have voted him captain of the water polo team for the past two years. He plays main sprinter and shooter on the polo team. Come swim season each spring, he dominates the 50- and 100-yard freestyle. In his junior year, he was a CVCHS record breaker on the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays. Parker received all-America award for his achievements on the 200 relay at the Eagles placed 10th overall in state.

Regardless of his accomplishments in the pool, Parker is best known for an unwavering positive attitude and kindness. Last year, he was voted Most Inspirational by his swim and water polo teammates. Kenny Cuneo, head coach of CVCHS’s boys varsity water polo, calls Parker “a great leader for us. He’s one of our captains and continues to prove why in and out of the pool.” He has maintained above a 4.0 GPA throughout high school, which has earned him the NCS scholar athlete award each season in both of his sports. He is a member of the Public Service Academy and the treasurer of the Senior Men club. After high school, Parker plans to obtain a degree in kinesiology in order to pursue a career in physical therapy.

CVCHS student journalist Alexa Oldham wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates John and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com

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

Tags: Water Polo