March 28, 2023

A Spotlight on Natalia High School Senior, Elijah Banda

Senior Portraits

BAck to natalia to see elijah banda


Elijah M. Banda, an 18-year-old standout athlete from Natalia, Texas, has made a name for himself as a three-time Legacy Bowl MVP, an annual rivalry game between Natalia and Lytle High Schools. His impressive athletic career spans four years on the varsity football and baseball teams at Natalia High School.


Elijah comes from a close-knit family of five, which includes his parents, older brother Nate, twin sister Dominique, and younger brother Jacob. His passion for sports began at an early age, with Elijah playing football from the age of four. He recalls, "When it was time for my older brother to move up, it was also my time too. I always played up in football and select baseball."


At 11 years old, Elijah and his brother Nate made the decision to focus on football year-round. However, upon entering high school, Elijah rekindled his love for baseball and began powerlifting as well. In his freshman year, he advanced to the regional level in powerlifting.


During his senior year, Elijah returned to powerlifting, placing 5th at regionals and ultimately qualifying for the state competition.

As for his post-high school plans, Elijah remains undecided. He is considering attending trade school to learn welding or potentially enlisting in the Army with aspirations to serve in the Infantry or Special Forces. Whatever path he chooses, it's evident that Elijah's dedication and determination will serve him well in the future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Mike Quintero is the owner of Texas Sport Shots, where he has been capturing the passion and excitement of sports for many years. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the dynamics of various sports, Mike has excelled in immortalizing athletes' achievements and emotions on and off the field. When he's not behind the camera, Mike enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences with fellow photographers, aspiring to inspire and shape the next generation of sports photographers.