Student: Nicholas Abbott
Year in School: Junior
Plans After High School: Abbott has hopes and dreams of playing college football or basketball at either Jackson State University or UCLA. He hopes to major in forensics to one day become a detective. .
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Nicholas #BulldogSTRONG: At the end of the 2020-2021 school year, student athletes that spent their entire academic year in the confines of their homes struggling through Zoom, Canvas, and the other elements of distance learning were provided with hope in the form of athletics being cleared to return high school campuses across California. Coming off of a 1-9 season in the Fall of 2019, the Golden Valley High School football team showed glimpses of a program turning towards greatness even if the record didn’t seem to indicate that trend. Known for its stable force of running backs, the Bulldogs grinded out a Week 1 victory over the Foothill Trojans behind 108 rushing yards from Iziah Coronado and 70 more rush yards from his teammates. However it was in Week 2 where the Bulldogs became a more balanced team and this was in part due to their “hidden gem” in Sophomore Sensation, Nicholas Abbott. Abbott burst onto the scene against Mira Monte High School with two clutch touchdown receptions, one in which he out jumped the defender in the corner of the end zone that would make the likes of Randy Moss proud. In proceeding weeks, Abbott would rack up more yards and touchdowns against Kern Valley (3 catches, 104 yards) and Arvin High School (4 catches, 66 yards, 1TD) respectively. For the season, Abbott would finish with 10 catches, 262 yards receiving, and 3 touchdowns, and played impressively on the defensive side of the ball as a cornerback. He was a key cog to help lead the Bulldogs to a 4-1 record and put the rest of Kern County on notice that the Bulldogs were trending in the right direction. For his efforts, Abbot earned BVarsity 1st Team All Area as a Wide Receiver as coaches immediately have to identify where #12 is on the field. Abbott credits his success and the success of the Bulldogs to the coaching staff and the school. “Coach Cain is a phenomenal coach and leader. He knows how to coach,” graciously states Abbott, “Being a Bulldog has been the best experience for me because Golden Valley has a positive atmosphere that is like a second family to me. Everyone here is very accepting and supportive.” This year Abbott hopes to continue with his success as a junior where he will line up as a wide receiver and cornerback alongside his teammates including his brother Nathan, who will play on the same side as Abbott at outside linebacker.
In addition to his success on the football field, Abbott earned a spot on the Bulldogs Varsity Basketball team for his versatility, athleticism, and team first approach. Abbott joined the likes of teammates Jermaine Dabbs, Markell Brooks, and Kemonte Jackson to help the Bulldogs to a 6-7 record overall with a 4-2 league record as they defeated the likes of Ridgeview, Shafter, Mira Monte, South. Most impressive was a victory against Santa Maria High School in the opening round of playoffs where the Bulldogs beat the Saints 80-30. Though health and safety protocols would cut Golden Valley’s season short, the basketball team (just like the football team) showed promise that the future was bright and full of wins for the Bulldogs. “My goal this year is to help both my football and basketball teams win that Valley Championship,” passionately states Abbott, “I truly believe that we have the athletes and players at Golden Valley High School to accomplish both goals.” For the tremendous success that he has accomplished as a gifted wide receiver and defensive back for the football team and for the tremendous athleticism he brings to the basketball court, Nicholas Abbott is #BulldogSTRONG.
#12 Nicholas Abbott showed a wide array of athleticism and play making ability in Week 4 of the Spring 2021 Football Season.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Nicholas: "Being #BulldogSTRONG means being a good person on campus. It means that we shouldn’t be disruptive or a nuisance. #BulldogSTRONG is all about being a respectable person. ”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Nicholas:
“A hard worker with a great attitude and desire to be the best person, student and athlete he can be. As a teammate Nick is a ‘‘We over me’ guy. And we love that about him. Shows up and let’s his hard work and great play speak for itself. Humble, kind and respectful to all his coaches and teammates. He represents what being #BulldogSTRONG is all about.” James Cain, Head Football Coach and Campus Security Guard, Golden Valley High School
"It has been a pleasure to watch Nick grow as a football player the last couple of years. Last year as a sophomore he played so well that he was a first team selection for the all-area football team. Not only is he a great athlete he also gets his work done in the classroom. He didn't let the distance learning hold him back and was able to carry a 2.70 gpa last year.Nick is one of those athletes that lets his action speak louder than his words. He knows what needs to be done and works hard till it is accomplished.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“From the first day I met Nicholas I knew he was a special kid. Nicholas is a very hard working and driven young man who is always striving to be the best in any group he is in. Nicholas helps me by making my job easier both on the football field and in the classroom by being coachable and by being willing to learn in History Class. I cannot wait to see this young man’s uncapped potential.” William Cross, History Teacher and Varsity Wide Receivers Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Nick is one of the most kind and helpful students I’ve had. Nick takes pride in his work and in being #BulldogSTRONG. He has an excellent work ethic and always seeks to better himself. He is a leader and was a joy to have in my class. Also, have you seen his art? He’s an amazing artist too! I know that whatever he puts his mind to, this young man will be successful!” Melissa Waldrop, English Teacher and THRIVE Guide, Golden Valley High School
“I met Nicholas during our distance learning world history class. He was one of the students I felt like I knew before even meeting him because of his participation in zoom and his emails asking for clarification. Once I finally met him on campus, he was a shy student at first. He opened up a little more once we started talking about football and how his season was going. He did his very best to try and keep with all assignments during distance learning and our return in April. I enjoyed having him in my class and watching him on the football field. I am looking forward to seeing what he does this school year.” Fernando Ruiz, World History Teacher, Golden Valley High School