Tate Diaz’s football journey didn’t start until his junior year at Coalgate High School. Unlike many of his teammates, Tate was mainly a basketball player growing up and didn’t feel the pull toward the gridiron until friends encouraged him to try it out. “I didn’t play football until my junior year of high school,” Tate shared. “It wasn’t the inspiration of an individual that brought me out to play football, it was the close friends of mine that wanted me to.”
Now entering his senior year, Tate has fully embraced his role as both a wide receiver and defensive back. He understands the importance of mastering his responsibilities on both sides of the ball. “My role is to know my job and do my job on both sides of the ball,” he said.
This season, Tate is optimistic about the team’s potential for growth and success, especially with the chemistry between players and coaches at an all-time high. “The chemistry will be a lot stronger than last year between our coaches and our players. We only graduated two seniors last year and this is our new coaching staff’s second year.” He hopes this momentum will carry the team to a winning record and a strong playoff run. “My goals are to have a record over .500 and I hope we can make a run in the playoffs.”
One of Tate’s most memorable moments on the football field happened in his very first game when he made a game-sealing pick-six. It was a significant moment for him personally, as he had lost a friend earlier that week. “What made this so memorable was a close childhood friend had passed the same week.”
Tate’s biggest influences stem from his head coach and mother. “Someone I look up to on the field is my head coach, Zac Cater. He knows his job and does it well and has taught me everything I know. Off the field, I look up to my mom. She has raised me and my four other siblings, which isn’t easy.”
Tate is proud of the work he and his teammates have put into the program, and he’s thankful for the support from his family, coaches and faith.
