Today we’d like to introduce you to TJ Abeita.
Hi TJ, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is TJ Abeita, and I’m a Class of 2031 student-athlete from Texas. I currently play Running Back and Linebacker and also compete in Track & Field. My journey started at a young age with a love for sports and a desire to compete. What began as simply having fun playing football has grown into a passion for becoming the best athlete, teammate, and student I can be.
Over the years, I’ve worked hard to develop my skills through football, track, speed training, camps, and showcases. I’ve had the opportunity to attend events such as the Texas Longhorns Elite Camp, Texas State Prospect Camp, All-American Exposure Camp, and other showcase opportunities that have helped me grow both on and off the field. Each experience has taught me the importance of discipline, preparation, and being willing to learn from coaches and other athletes.
One thing that is very important to me is balancing athletics with academics. I currently maintain a 3.9 GPA and take pride in being a student-athlete who works hard in the classroom as well as in competition. I believe success comes from doing the right things consistently, whether that’s studying, training, or helping my teammates.
I was honored to be named Football MVP, but I know there is still a lot more work to do. My goal is to continue improving every day, compete at the highest level possible, and eventually earn the opportunity to play football in college.
Most importantly, I want to represent my family, coaches, school, and community the right way. I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given, and I’m excited to continue my journey and see where hard work, faith, and dedication can take me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was never recognized as an athlete and I’ve had to take the back seat on many teams that I have played for. As I continued to train and develop with the help of my Dad, Coach Terrance Franks, Coach Tyler Watts, Coach Robert Lopez ,Coach Marquise Goodwin I became more and more polished as an athlete and the better I started to perform the more I was driven to get ahead and stay ahead. most of my struggles came from my body and sport IQ just not being up to par. The more I trained and practiced the more clear the game got.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a student-athlete, my main focus is developing myself both on and off the field. I currently play Running Back and Linebacker and compete in Track & Field, where I continue working on my speed, explosiveness, and overall athleticism. I spend a lot of time training, attending camps and showcases, and looking for opportunities to compete against strong competition so I can continue improving my game.
I would say I specialize in being a versatile athlete. Whether it’s football, track, speed training, or learning new skills, I enjoy challenging myself and finding ways to get better every day. I’m known for my work ethic, coachability, and willingness to put in extra work when no one is watching.
What I’m most proud of isn’t any single award or accomplishment. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made through hard work and consistency. Being named Football MVP was a great honor, but I’m even more proud of maintaining a 3.9 GPA while balancing sports, training, and school responsibilities.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on being a better athlete—I focus on being a better person. My family has taught me the importance of discipline, respect, humility, and representing others the right way. I try to bring those values with me everywhere I go, whether I’m competing, training, or in the classroom.
I know I still have a lot to learn and a long journey ahead of me, but I’m committed to growing every day and becoming the best student-athlete I can be.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey is that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through consistency, discipline, and showing up every day, even when no one is watching.
There have been times when things didn’t go my way, whether it was a tough game, a difficult workout, or not performing as well as I wanted to. Those moments taught me that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re opportunities to learn and improve. I’ve learned that growth comes from how you respond to challenges, not just from your successes.
I’ve also learned the importance of trusting the process. Every practice, workout, camp, and competition is another step toward becoming a better athlete and person. It’s easy to focus on big goals, but I’ve realized that the small habits and daily effort are what truly make the difference.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to stay humble, remain coachable, and appreciate the people who support me along the way. My family, coaches, teammates, and mentors have all played a role in my development, and they’ve taught me that character matters just as much as talent.
That lesson continues to motivate me every day as I work toward my goals both on and off the field.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj.abeita
- Twitter: https://x.com/tjabeita
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/oey6eTRM3Ls
Image Credits
Tre Abeita sr
