Xavier Ochoa
Mom was a Wolf, dad a Wildcat, and Xavier Ochoa is his own thing.
And that thing? A major success.
The Oak Harbor High School senior, son of Danny and Lexi (Boyer) Ochoa, is a standout in the arena and the classroom who has plenty left to accomplish.
He’s already filled up a letterman’s jacket, thanks to stints in cross country, track and field, basketball, and football, where he played quarterback for the ‘Cats as a senior.
As a harrier, he advanced to the Northwest Conference meet all three seasons he competed, earning a slot at the District 1/2 Championships to cap his junior campaign.
Put him in the world of track and field, and Ochoa soars, piling up wins and PRs as a high jumper and long jumper, while also vying as a sprinter and relay runner.
But it’s the hardwood, where both of his parents also played, which captivates the lanky 6-foot-3 Wildcat, who was tabbed Second-Team All-Conference in the top-tier Northwest Conference as a junior.
“Basketball is my favorite sport because it’s all I have wanted to do since I was 12 years old,” Ochoa said.
“Starting in my first varsity basketball game vs. Sedro Wooley as a freshman was a big moment,” he added.
“But also, in my junior year when I was first able to start along with my best friends on the basketball court.”
Excelling in a league which includes big-time programs such as Lynden, Anacortes, and Lynden Christian takes talent and hard work, with an emphasis on the latter.
Ochoa praises both of his parents and says the game has helped him build an enduring bond with his father, who coached him from grades 3-8.
“My dad and I have connected over basketball in a big way,” he said. “Many late nights watching film, him teaching me the fundamentals and talking about game theory.”
Along with his father, Ochoa has been blessed with a strong support staff along the way.
“Next in line would be my basketball coach, Justin Ronning. He has helped me grow not just in the game of basketball but in life too.
“He has encouraged me through my whole high school journey, and his leadership style has rubbed off on me.”
“Some other impactful people have been Brad Tesch and my other high school coaches like Coach Wesley, Hughes, Stuurmans, and Esvelt. They always give me good perspective and encouragement through the highs and lows.”
Ochoa, who enjoys hiking and camping, which allows him an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, is also a strong student who is interested in studying sports statistics or sports medicine in college.
At OHHS, “Sports Med with Trainer Trev and any math or science class has been the most enjoyable because of the teachers.
“Mr. Wesley, Mr. Turner, Mr. Crebbin, and Mr. Sawhill have been teachers that have made class fun and something I look forward to during the day,” Ochoa said.
“Also, I can’t leave out advisory with Mrs. Stuurmans; she is always full of energy and fun to talk to.”
Going forward, Ochoa is interested in continuing his hoops career, which inspires his dedication to the game.
“I think my strength as an athlete is my work ethic and my drive,” he said. “This has helped me achieve things I would have never imagined.
“I would love to play basketball at the next level,” Ochoa added. “I am talking to a few schools, and I am excited for what is to come.”
And yes, with his parents having diplomas from different Whidbey schools, and mom having been a frequent visitor to Videoville back in her younger days, there are moments where the Wildcat star ponders what could have been.
But just for a moment.
“I do sometimes wonder what it would have been like if I attended CHS,” Ochoa admitted.
“I have friends that would have been fun to go to school with like Cole White, Landon Roberts, Camden Glover, Lyla and Tenley Stuurmans.
“It may have been fun to play alongside those guys as well as Logan Downes on the basketball team and for Coach (Brad) Sherman.
“But at the end of the day I’m purple and gold to the end and I wouldn’t trade a thing.”
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