Hollis High School senior Sebastian Duran runs cross country and plays basketball and baseball.

He plays outfield and pitcher for Hollis and is motivated this spring by “the will to become the best version of” himself. Externally, he’s been most inspired by his parents and little league coach.

“My parents, because they always support me in anything I do, and my coach, because he gave me a chance at the sport I love,” Duran said.

His favorite teacher all-time was Mrs. Aguilar.

“[Mrs. Aguilar] helped me with English when I joined Pre-K,” Duran said.

When he’s not on the field, Duran is part of Upward Bound, gifted and talented and national honor society.

The greatest challenge in playing sports is “willing to be able to give up going out so much to practice and stay dedicated to the sport,” Durant said, but it’s worth it in the big moments of an intense game.

“The highlight moment [of my career] was hitting two home runs my sophomore year in districts at our home field,” Duran said.

Duran also loves playing Sayre any time they square up, especially in baseball. Duran always pitches against Sayre. His teammates help prepare for every big moment he faces, one of whom is Josh Theaderman.

“We always try to one up each other and the competition keeps going,” Duran said.

And in the crunch moments, Duran knows he can count on teammates like Rey Cruz.

“He has performed when we needed, and they don’t give him the recognition he deserves,” Duran said.

He’s always keeping Hollis High School in mind when he puts on its uniform.

“I have been wanting to represent Hollis since I was young. Hardly anyone likes Hollis, so my team and I are showing them that we are a good team and a good community,” Duran said.

Duran considers Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani his favorite professional athlete.

“[Ohtani], because he has proven that you can do what you put your mind to if you really want it,” Duran said.