Hunter Najm is a senior athlete at Aliso Niguel High School and quarterback of the football team. He is a leader on the field and always prioritizes motivating the team in any way possible.
Hunter has been playing flag football since he was in second grade and began his first year of tackle was in seventh grade; he has been playing ever since. He joined varsity football in his sophomore year and became the quarterback.
Najm (12) says, “I love being the quarterback for many reasons, one of them being that I have the responsibilities on my shoulders and supporting my guys and being there for them in any way I can.”
One of the Hunter’s main responsibilities is being a role model that many look up to.
Najm says, “Something that keeps me going is the little kids that look up to me and the ones that show up to the game.”
Having people who come to support him is one of the best rewards as the quarterback; he knows just how many people look up to him and hopes to motivate the little kids to become the next quarterbacks at Aliso Niguel.
When Hunter was asked who he looks up to as a role model, he said, “I look up to Jalen Hurts, who is the quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, but also my mother. Jalen Hurts demonstrates what a true quarterback should be like and is a true leader of the team. My mom is another leader that I look up to in my life because she is a hardworking woman who sacrifices a lot for my family and I.”
Hunter thinks that his coaches would describe him as a leader and someone who is hardworking and holds everyone accountable while also having fun.
He shares that he and his teammates support each other on and off the field by “giving it our all and keeping our heads high, and making sure that we don’t bash each other for little mistakes, but to grow together as a team.”
Being part of a team means that there are memories made that you get to hold onto forever. One of Hunter’s favorite moments of this season was at the El Toro game.
“The whole team showed up and everyone played their hearts out and came together which is the best thing.”
As the season is coming to an end, Hunter says, “The ending of the season has been going great and we came together as a team and we have been playing our hearts out for playoffs.”
Hunter is happy with how the season went as he saw many teammates come together as one, something he is proud of. Hunter is ready for the end of a chapter and the start of a new beginning as he embraces the end of high school. He hasn’t committed but has plans for football in the future and is ready to end the season with his all.
