Rounding the bases again, Miguel Toribio is at the top of his game on the baseball field but back in the T-ball days, it was not love at first swing.

Now from player to teacher, this senior from Williamsburg Prep High School in Brooklyn volunteers coaching young athletes with Rising Stars. The outfielder works to improve their skills while stressing the importance of balance.

What You Need To Know

  • As captain, Miguel is leading his team to the city playoffs

  • Toribio spends his free time volunteering with Rising Stars and reminding younger athletes of the importance of balance in every area of life

  • With a Dominican Heritage, Toribio is excited to head to the country this summer with the non-profit Global Glimpse

“Getting good grades and playing a sport, or being good at a sport, doesn’t really have to contradict one another,” said Toribio.

Toribio keeps his eyes focused on academics when he’s not stepping up to bat. With a 95 GPA and he inspires his peers to excel even when the going gets tough.

“Not every day is going to be a good day but with that in mind you know that if you keep pushing, eventually you will be higher on that mountain,” said Toribio.

And he’s had many mountains to climb. The pandemic canceled his sophomore season and he was sidelined by an injury, but he never gave up.

“That first day back on the field I felt so relieved in a sense. Like hitting for the first time I can remember it felt so satisfying seeing the ball fly off the bat. Catching fly balls. It was just a phenomenal experience,” said Toribio.

The Cardinal’s hard work paid off. As captain, Toribio led the team into the city playoffs.

“It really made me happy and made me realize that it’s really a team game,” said Toribio.

Next year Miguel Toribio plans to study computer science and join the baseball team with hopes of knocking the ball out of the park.