The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) has announced its prestigious list of the 2025 Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year, and Pahrump Valley High School’s own Antonio Veloz is among the honorees representing Southern Nevada. The award recognizes student-athletes who embody the highest ideals of athletics, academics, leadership, and community involvement.
For Antonio, the recognition is the culmination of four years of unwavering dedication—not just to sports, but to the values that define true student-athlete excellence. A standout in both cross country and track and field, Antonio has been a constant force on the trails and tracks of Nevada since his freshman year. But his impact goes far beyond running.
“Antonio represents everything we hope for in a student-athlete,” said Erik Odegard, PVHS Cross Country Head Coach and Track Assistant Coach. “He’s hardworking, humble, supportive of his teammates, and committed to doing his best in everything he takes on—whether that’s in the classroom or in competition.”
Antonio competed all four years in both cross country and track, a dual-sport commitment that required discipline, time management, and resilience. He consistently delivered strong performances across seasons, becoming a familiar face at regional meets and a dependable leader for his team. Known for his quiet consistency and leadership by example, Antonio often mentored younger runners, helping build a culture of perseverance and camaraderie within the PVHS running squads.
His teammate, Logan Tilley, credited Antonio with being a driving force behind his own development as a runner and leader. “Antonio is a natural leader who inspires others both on and off the track,” Logan said. “His integrity, dedication, and positive influence make him a true role model. I’ve seen firsthand how he motivates and pushes those around him, including myself, to become better. I wouldn’t be the runner I am now if it wasn’t for him. He’s not only been a great friend but an even better influence, and I really admire his leadership and the impact he has on everyone he encounters.”
The lasting impression Antonio has made on underclassmen is perhaps best illustrated by the experience of teammate Josh Gent, who just finished his freshman year.
“When I started high school, I was nervous,” Josh shared. “My close friends had upperclassmen they looked up to, and I was afraid I wouldn’t fit into their new friend groups anymore. I wasn’t sure what sport to choose for the fall, but looking back, I joined cross country for one reason: I wanted to be friends with Antonio and the other runners.”
From day one, Antonio welcomed him in. “He didn’t just include me, he helped me set goals, and he showed me what I could achieve if I worked hard. Because of Antonio, I fell in love with running and discovered a drive in myself to win.”
Josh recounted a moment from only his second race, when he was given the opportunity to run varsity due to a few absences. At the time, his best 5k was 22 minutes. Before the race, the team huddled together and Antonio delivered one of his signature pre-race speeches. “He ended it with, ‘Your muscles can go farther than your mind,’” Josh recalled.
Those words carried him through the race. “My body started to give out, but Antonio’s words came back to my mind. I didn’t want to let him down. I endured and ended up running a personal best by four minutes.”
When he crossed the finish line, it was Antonio who was waiting with a smile. “He said, ‘I knew it. I knew you had it in you.’”
Reflecting on that moment, Josh added, “Antonio’s leadership follows you everywhere; for me, he transformed running into an activity I love. His belief in others doesn’t burn out. It pushes you past your limits and shows you how far you can really go.”
The NIAA’s Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year program honors those who go above and beyond in every area of student life. According to Executive Director Timothy Jackson, “This is an outstanding program that honors student-athletes who represent the very best of what high school athletics are meant to be. Although the criteria are rigorous, each year we are inspired by the exceptional young people who meet and exceed these standards.”
Those standards include not only athletic performance, but also academic excellence, participation in student leadership or extracurriculars, and meaningful community service. In each of those areas, Antonio excelled. Known for his strong work ethic in the classroom, he maintained a high GPA, finishing third in his class, while balancing training, meets, and his involvement in school and community projects.
This year’s Southern Nevada honorees include student-athletes from across the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding communities, with Antonio standing out as a proud representative of Pahrump and Nye County. His inclusion on this prestigious statewide list places him alongside top-performing peers from schools such as Faith Lutheran, Foothill, Coronado, Moapa and Mojave.
As he graduates from PVHS and prepares for the next chapter in his academic and athletic journey, Antonio leaves behind a legacy of dedication, perseverance, and quiet leadership that will be remembered by teammates, coaches, and the broader school community.
Antonio’s recognition as one of the NIAA’s Top Ten Student-Athletes of the Year serves as a reminder that student-athletes from smaller towns like Pahrump can compete—and be celebrated—at the highest levels when commitment and character lead the way.
