Victoria Gameros earns accolades for her work on the volleyball court. But she's just as prolific away from school, giving her time and effort to multiple community causes in the Phoenix area.
File photo by Mark Jones
remembers the first time she did volunteer work in her community.
She was just 8 years old and found out through her mom that there was a program in the Phoenix area to help paint over graffiti in alleys and neighborhoods. Now 16 and a junior at
Bourgade Catholic (Phoenix), Gameros has never lost the desire to volunteer her time.
Gameros' first experience with volunteering came
in graffiti removal.
Courtesy photo
If she isn't competing in volleyball or track and field, she's packing food for the homeless, helping with a blood drive or taking part in a police department explorer program.
"It puts a smile on my face when I help other people, because then it puts a smile on their face," Gameros said. "And with what's going on throughout the world, it feels good to me to go help others."
The Laveen resident feels as though volunteering has made her a better person. She strives to be a great role model in her community.
"It has helped me to understand how everyone is different, how we keep everything together. People look at each other different, and that's not right. People judge each other so much. Helping out, seeing so many different people, you understand who they are."
Learn more about the MaxPreps US Marines program at www.maxpreps.com/marinesGameros isn't just a leader in the community. She's also a key athlete at her college preparatory high school. In her second season as a starter on the varsity volleyball team, the libero assists her teammates on and off the court.
"She's smart," Bourgade Catholic volleyball coach Melinda Espinoza said. "She's got a great head on her shoulders. She comes from a great family."
It's Gameros' great family that supports her along the way in her mission to help others.
As a freshman, Gameros got involved in the Phoenix Police Department Explorer Program. She took part in a two-week academy – undergoing fitness tests and seeing what it's like to became an officer. She certainly stood out, earning a top female physical fitness award.
Gameros has interest in working in law enforcement
some day.
Courtesy photo
The explorer program teaches young adults about leadership, organizational skills, discipline and integrity. Now in her third year, Gameros, who is considering a career in law enforcement, is learning about such areas as patrol procedures, first aid, laws of arrest and crime lab work.
She has volunteered to help direct traffic at large events and has helped with fingerprinting kids at community events. Gameros logged over 100 community service hours in her first nine months in the program.
She's currently a member of the Red Cross Club, where she helps with blood drives and finding people who would like to donate blood and helping them through the process.
Gameros has also been involved in two youth groups. Through St. Gregory Catholic School, she was able to travel to Europe last summer and attend World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland. While she was overseas for two weeks on the mission trip, Gameros was able to explore different cultures, saw the Pope in Rome, and made stops in places like Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.
"I went out there by myself, so it kind of gave me an idea of how it would be without my parents – how to spend money, learning different things out there," she said. "It just gives you an idea of how it's going to be later in life."
Also through St. Gregory's, Gameros has helped prepare sack lunches and deliver them to homeless people who weren't staying in shelters. Gameros was also involved in Mary's Ministries youth group and 5 Alive and volunteered to feed the homeless. She also served food to people at the Andre House and packed food boxes at St. Mary's Food Bank. On top of all that, Gameros has helped with Youth Moms, a shelter for families struggling and trying to get back out into the world. She would go there to help take care of kids and play games.
"It would allow the parents to get back on their feet, get groceries, so they would have time to themselves," Gameros said.
She still has time for sports, believe it or not. Gameros started playing volleyball in third grade through the YMCA and by the time she was 12, she was competing on a club team.
"She's dedicated to the sport," Espinoza said. "She loves volleyball, it really is her thing."
Gameros changed positions this year to help
her team, and has set school records because of it.
File photo by Mark Jones
As a sophomore last season on the varsity squad, Gameros was a defensive specialist who registered 98 digs (1.8 per set) and 128 serve receptions. This season as the team's primary libero, Gameros has upped her game with 374 digs (7.1 per set) and 339 serve receptions.
Gameros recently broke the Bourgade Catholic record for most digs in a match with 41 in a five-set victory over Scottsdale Preparatory Academy on Sept. 22. Gameros is also fourth on the list with a 33-dig performance three weeks earlier.
She is also a runner on the Bourgade track and field team. Last season, she competed in distance events, primarily the 800 and 1,600 meters.
"She is truly an inspiring young lady and excels in everything she does," said her mom, Angelica.
During the fall, Gameros puts in about 15 to 20 hours a week for volleyball along with about six to eight hours of volunteer work.
"I never see my family that much because of all that's going on," said Gameros, who is extremely close to her parents and younger brother.
Does she ever get any time to herself to relax?
"Sometimes I'll get a day off," Gameros said. "To me, it makes me happy when I'm out there and keeping busy."
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