Loudoun County, Va. – In an effort to better recognize student-athletes who positively affect high school sports in Loudoun County, Gymnaze and LoCoSports have teamed up to announce Independence High School junior Rafael Hipolito as the Gymnaze and LoCoSports Athlete of the Month for February 2022.
In the VHSL Class 5 State championship match on February 19, Hipolito defeated Brooke Point senior Stephen Mainz by major decision, 15-6, to wrap up his 32-2 season with a state title.
“Rafael is one of the hardest workers in the room, which affects the climate of the practice by showing others how to work hard,” Independence head coach Paul Grinups said. “The younger guys look up to him, and he always helps them with technique and supports his teammates during and after matches. Rafael loves to compete and helped foster that mindset for the entire program.”
Just a month before his state championship win, Hipolito lost his only two matches of the season in the prestigious Escape the Rock tournament, where he placed fourth of the 30+ 160-pound wrestlers at the event. His dedication on the mat and in the weight room and his background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu helps Hipolito rise above his competition.
“Rafael is a talented athlete due to his work ethic, love for competition, and the self-belief he has for himself,” Grinups said. “He comes from a family of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes, and he and his sister are world champion Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. [His jiu-jitsu training helps] make him a talented athlete and is part of the reason why he earned a state title this year.”
[adrotate banner=”52″]The Gymnaze and LoCoSports Athlete of the Month is selected from nominations based on student-athletes having great success, hustle, work ethic, attitude and heart.
If you wish to nominate a student-athlete for athlete or teammate of the month, please reach out through our contact form or email us at owl@locosports.info.