Presented by
Adrian De La O
Goodrich High School
Grade 12
Adrian De La O is a senior Martian at Goodrich High School and a strong leader within Goodrich’s football community—from the Little Martians program through varsity. He demonstrates year-round commitment to the community, from helping care for the fields to assisting with and running events.
As a wide receiver and defensive back, Adrian overcame an injury to make a major comeback, helping lead his team to its first state championship in 2024. He remains committed to excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Adrian has taken several AP courses and is currently dual enrolled through Mott Community College. He plans to pursue a degree in Business Management and Marketing in college and is still weighing his options regarding which university he will attend. Wherever Adrian’s future may take him, it’s clear he is ready to show up, show out, and leave no crumbs.
What are your favorite classes at Goodrich High School?
Film Appreciation with Mr. Green is my favorite class so far this year. Not only does he make the class a fun experience, but it has also helped me understand different ways of storytelling and the technological growth of cinema.
Besides academics and football, are there other activities you’re involved in?
I have invested 10 years in football so far, but I’ve also spent 13 years playing baseball—both for the school and the Goodrich Thunder travel team—and two years with Goodrich Track and Field. In my youth, I also wrestled for three years and ran with the Goodrich Run Clubs. This year, I helped coach our varsity Powder Puff team, which was a lot of fun. Every summer, we also work with our Little Martians, which is always exciting. We do a lot of community engagement as well, including running events at Good Times in Goodrich and working with our elementary students on food drives and Toys for Tots.
What motivated you to take up football?
I’ve loved football for as long as I can remember. Playing recess football with my friends really kicked off my passion for the game and for playing alongside people I considered family, and that bond never left. When I was in elementary school, I remember watching the MSU vs. U of M game and seeing Kyler Elsworth—who’s also from Goodrich—seal MSU’s victory. I was so proud of knowing where he came from and how far he went. A few years later, I went to support Davison football at Ford Field, and it was such a cool experience. I knew that with years of practice together, our Goodrich football team could experience that same excitement—and we did, with a victory in 2024. It’s not just the love of the sport or the bonds you build, but also appreciating the discipline it teaches and the opportunities it opens up down the line.
Do you have a favorite college or pro football team?
The Detroit Lions and the Denver Broncos. I’ve spent most of my life in Michigan, so I’m loyal to the Lions, but I also lived in Colorado for a few years and really came to appreciate the Broncos’ talent as well.
How do you balance sports and academics?
It’s not easy, especially being an all-season athlete. It requires a lot of discipline. On nights when I was tired, I made sure to do my homework before eating dinner because once you hit that “food coma,” it can be hard to focus on schoolwork. It’s really about recognizing how to push yourself and acting on it accordingly.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Learn from the people ahead of you. Never quit. Your opportunity will come, and when it does, make the most of it. These are the best years of our lives!
