The fall sports season at Bonney Lake High School is officially in full swing, and while teams across campus navigate the challenges of the school’s first year in the hyper-competitive SPSL 4A league, one athlete has emerged as a trailblazer in his sport. Senior tennis player Gavin Orozco, the Bonney Lake Insider's September Athlete of the Month, has strung together a remarkable run, establishing himself as not just a local star, but as a force to be reckoned with in the wider tennis community.
Orozco has powered through the first month of the season with an impeccable 10-0 record, a feat no player in Bonney Lake history has achieved. In his senior year, he remains undefeated and, astonishingly, hasn’t dropped a single set. His dominance on the court is undeniable, and as he marches through this historic season, he’s eyeing an even bigger goal: to become Bonney Lake's first-ever boys singles player to qualify for the state tournament.
The road to the postseason, though challenging, seems almost destined for Orozco. His results have been nothing short of flawless:
- Vs Enumclaw: 6-0, 6-1
- Vs Puyallup: 6-2, 6-1
- Vs White River: 6-0, 6-0
- Vs Emerald Ridge: 6-0, 6-1
- Vs Stadium: 6-3, 6-0
- Vs Spanaway Lake: 6-0, 6-1
- Vs South Kitsap: 6-2, 6-4
- Vs Curtis: 6-3, 6-3
- Vs Rogers: 6-3, 6-4
- Vs Sumner: 6-1, 6-2
Each match, Orozco has brought a level of intensity and precision to the court that’s left his opponents scrambling for answers. His blend of power and tactical brilliance keeps him a step ahead, consistently breaking serves, owning the baseline, and controlling the tempo. With the league and district tournaments fast approaching, Orozco’s ambitions stretch beyond the regular season. He’s aiming to become the top seed in the league tournament, a milestone no Bonney Lake singles player has ever reached.
But for Orozco, tennis is more than just a seasonal pursuit. The senior has dedicated countless hours to refining his craft, training year-round at the renowned Gorin Tennis Academy in Tacoma. Under the guidance of elite coaches and amid top-level competition, Orozco has sharpened his skills in preparation for this very moment. His commitment has not gone unnoticed at the regional and national levels. In the 18U category, the USTA ranks Orozco as the #1 player in the Southwest Pacific Region and #50 in the Pacific Northwest.
As a two-year team captain of the Bonney Lake Panthers, Orozco’s leadership on and off the court sets him apart. He leads with poise and determination, mentoring his younger teammates while anchoring the program. His relentless work ethic and leadership make him the ideal role model for his peers, embodying what it means to be a student-athlete at Bonney Lake.
It’s not just about chasing records for Orozco, though. His passion for tennis and his connection to his team have been driving forces throughout his high school career. Yet, as he enters the final stretch of the regular season, there’s a palpable sense that Orozco is ready to take the next step in his journey.
For the Bonney Lake community, watching him compete has been nothing short of a privilege. His run through the September sports season is a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for the game. As the stakes rise with the league tournament on the horizon, one thing is clear: Gavin Orozco is playing for more than just wins—he’s playing to leave a lasting legacy.
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