Los Angeles High School’s Arnold Thrives as a Three-Sport Athlete and Leader

Junior Dorean Arnold, a multi-sport athlete at Los Angeles High School, competes in football, basketball, and track and field. In basketball, he helped the Romans achieve a 14-10 overall record and an 11-0 Metro League record.

Basketball is a family tradition; his father played for the Romans, and his brothers competed for Hamilton, Dorsey, and View Park. "It’s kind of like our family sport, but we’re also just an athletic, athlete family," Arnold said.

"Sports is in our DNA." Arnold plays point guard in basketball and serves as a wide receiver and cornerback in football. Football and basketball enhance his athleticism and footwork.

He values football for the camaraderie with friends and the lesson in perseverance. "Never give up, if we’re down or up big, at the end of the day, this is a team sport," he said.

"There’s people leaving and just to take in the time and to actually want to win for your team and for your friends." As a student athlete, Arnold balances schoolwork with team obligations. Athletic director and boys’ basketball coach Andrew Hunter noted Arnold’s leadership: "I had [Arnold] in my World History class last year.

He would help with organizing the class, get them into groups," Hunter said. "He’s really taking on a role of being a coach on the floor." Arnold took Advanced Placement English and U.S.

History during his junior year. "I feel like it’s more than just a name," he said.

"It’s important to be able to handle sports all year and be able to get good grades and just have fun." In track and field, he runs the 100m and 200m sprints and has relay experience. Track helps with stretching, speed, flexibility, and core strength.

Balancing academics and athletics is challenging, especially with basketball’s daily practices and multiple games per week. "Handling the school work and making sure my body is right and I’m not tired every day," Arnold said.

"Just to be able to go up, wake up, go to school and then go to practice and then have a game."