Coco, a young athlete now thriving at Perryton High School, has a story of strength, love, and determination that inspires everyone who hears it.
Born to a 13-year-old single mother in Philadelphia, Coco grew up in extremely difficult circumstances.
His mother, who goes by the name La Morenita, raised four children on her own while working two jobs, often relying on Coco to help care for his siblings and even work after school to contribute to the family.
At one point, Coco and his mother were homeless, living under a train station, facing the daily struggle of survival.
“My heart is heavy and full at the same time,” Coco’s mother shared.
“People see strength and smiles, but they don’t see where we came from. I was raising a child while barely surviving myself. I promised myself every day that we would get out of that life, not just for me, but for Coco. He deserves better.”
La Morenita
Coco’s mother also reflected on the young man he has become:
“When I look at Coco, I see the same strength in him that kept us going. He smiles even when life is hard and pushes through every challenge. He comes from a single-mom household, but he carries himself like someone who knows he was raised with love, not excuses.”
Now at Perryton High School, Coco excels both on and off the court. His mother beams with pride:
“He’s my champion, my superstar, and my hero. Whatever challenges we face are not setbacks—they’re lessons shaping him for something greater.”
From living under a train station in Philadelphia to thriving in basketball at Perryton High, Coco shows that even the toughest beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
Coach Mike Lee Castanon Shared a Heartfelt Post Expressing His Pride in Basketball Standout Coco
Mentor Mike Lee Castanon, who has coached and guided Coco in basketball, has seen his dedication firsthand.
Mike Lee Castanon shared a deeply personal reflection on why he has invested so much in Coco’s life, explaining that it comes from truly knowing the young man over the past few years.
Through countless hours traveling to basketball tournaments and coaching the varsity team, Mike witnessed Coco’s incredible work ethic, respect, and gratitude firsthand.
He described how Coco, despite coming from a challenging background—raised by a 13-year-old single mother of four who worked two jobs—consistently stepped up to care for his siblings, help his family financially, and take responsibility for himself.
While administration viewed Coco’s summer school delays as a failure, Mike highlighted the larger picture: Coco prioritized supporting his family during the harvest season, showing a maturity and sense of responsibility far beyond his years.
Mike emphasized that policies should consider individual circumstances rather than judge all students by the same standard.
He acknowledged the highs and lows of the week—seeing other students succeed while Coco, who needed the most support, faced rigid rules—but remained committed to using his position to help build paths for kids, believing that blessing others brings blessings in return.
Through his words, Mike portrayed Coco not as a troubled teenager but as a hardworking and compassionate young man striving against the odds.
The community response to Coco’s story has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many expressing empathy for his struggles and admiration for those, like Mike Lee Castanon, who have stepped up to guide him.
Ayana Rowlan highlighted how sports can provide kids like Coco with peace and something to look forward to, praising Mike for believing in him.
Several commenters, including Cathy McCoy and Whitney Holmes, emphasized Coco’s responsibility, respectfulness, and the sacrifices he has made to help his family, urging the school board to reconsider policies that punish students facing extraordinary circumstances.
