ADAN ZAPIEN: FROM MARYVALE TO UNIVERSITY

67th ave. and Indian School Road is one of the busiest intersections in the West Phoenix neighborhood known as Maryvale.  What most people don't know is that just east of the intersection lies a small, yet successful charter school,  Western School of Science and Technology.

The school is home to 514 students in grades 7th-12.  Although Western is a small school it has been successful in the classroom, as well as the football field.  Western is a charter school and plays in the Canyon Athletic Association.  They play 8 man football and are in the Fiesta Conference.

The schools average enrollment for football is 16.  The number may seem small, but the team plays big. They have only lost 1 regular seasons game in the past 2 seasons.  The school is 17-4 in three Varsity seasons.

Western is led senior Adan Zapien.  Zapien is the heart and soul of the team and the schools most decorated athlete.  Western coach Adrian Espana, also the schools Athletic Director, says Zapien has been playing for him since seventh grade.

Zapien plays running back and defensive end and has put up huge numbers throughout his high school career.  He has rushed for 995 yards in just 24 games.  He is also a force on defense reeking havoc on the opposing offense.  He has 14 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, 2 defensive TD's and a safety.  Zapien has numerous awards which include, 2017-2018 CAA All State Running Back,

2018-2019 Real Sports Training MVP (Summer), 2018-2019 CAA All State Running Back, 2018-2019 CAA All State Defensive End, 2019-2020 CAA All State Running Back.

All these accolades are impressive and something to be proud of for a kid coming out of the tough neighborhood of Maryvale.  The most impressive accomplishment in this young man's life is when he signed a national letter of intent to play football at Arizona Christian University.  He is the schools first ever football player to sign a letter saying he will play for a University. 

In a messenger interview I asked coach Espana what Zapien has meant to him and the school.  What does he mean to me.  “Adan embodies what a student athlete should be. He gives it his all in the class and on the field.  He is a role model to our school and our community. Adan has made our school and our football program better. Not only is he a great student athlete, but he is a great person, that makes the people around him better. His dedication to the team and our school is like no other. Like many of my football players, Adan is like another son to me and I wish him the best.”


Zapien didn't start playing football until he got to Western, but he caught on to the game fast and quickly became the heart and soul of warrior Football.  Zapien is excited to be continuing his education and football career at Arizona Christian University.  He will major in criminal justice in college and his long term goal is "to continue helping my mom and taking care of my family".

Zapien has 5 siblings and family is one of his priorities in life.  He is inspired by his teammates to keep playing football.  He says the brotherhood he has formed with his teammates is very importmant to him.  Zapien also plays baseball, but will focus on football in college.

I asked Zapien what advice he had for incoming freshman that want to play football at the next level.  "Just to be humble, have a lot of commitment to football and school.  Also pit work everyone else."

Coach Espana has set up a Go Fund Me account to assist with college expenses.  Here is the link.
Adan Zapien's Go Fund Me page