If you ever bump into Sacramento State men’s tennis player Gabriel Loredo, try not to be alarmed by his overwhelming kindness. He definitely adheres to the saying, “walk softly and carry a big stick.”

In his case it’s a tennis racquet, but it holds true all the same.

Gabriel Loredo, nicknamed “Gabo,” was born in Mexico City, where he lived until two years ago. He admits that the differences between the countries’ customs are still very noticeable. “In Mexico family and friends are a lot closer than they are here,” Loredo said. If he is indeed in culture shock he hides it well under a constant, infectious smile.

Growing up, Loredo always loved sports and music. However, he wasn’t always destined to be a tennis player.

“I played American football before I ever played tennis,” Loredo said. “I was a good quarterback.” After playing two years for the Redskins in Mexico City, Loredo’s mother put an end to his football playing days.

“I don’t think she was worried about me getting hurt. I think she just liked tennis a lot and wanted me to play.”

Loredo’s youth also saw him play soccer as a midfielder, basketball as a point guard and baseball as a pitcher. The latter according to Loredo “didn’t work out.” So then it was time for Loredo to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Since Loredo’s family did not have enough money to pay for tennis lessons it was pretty lucky that the household already had a professional player on hand. Loredo’s father, Jesus Oscar Loredo, was a former club professional in Mexico. When it was found that Gabriel had a talent for the game at age eight his older brother Oscar became his tennis coach. “My brother was my coach until I was 16,” Loredo said.

Loredo always took it upon himself to practice seriously, wanting to make his father proud.

“My father is a very persistent man,” Loredo said. “I wanted to always work hard to be like him.” That work ethic has even jumped into the classroom. “If we ever have to do group assignments in class I always took the lead. I like the responsibility.”

In practice you won’t see him throw his racket after an unforced error and you won’t hear him break into a profanity-laced soliloquy when his teammate calls a ball out that he thought was in. Well, he tries to keep calm anyway.

“I am a very emotional person,” Loredo said. “Some days I explode due to stress like anyone else.” However, it is far more likely that you will hear Loredo encouraging teammates and complimenting good shots.

On-court theatrics aside, Loredo has assumed a vital role on a team that has visions of a conference championship. He has taken over for a departed star, who now sits a half a world away. Joakim Rydberg left Sac State last semester to go back home to Sweden because according to assistant coach Jonathan Labella, “he was just tired of school and of being abroad.”

“Rydberg and Loredo have a similar level of game,” Labella said. “Loredo is more dedicated and positive. The team we have now is better because of that.”

Loredo sees himself as a leader on the team. He’s not the only one. Senior Thomas Morton has gone so far as to say that Loredo has “brought some inspiration and togetherness” to the team. “Loredo is a very consistent player; he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.” Junior Warwick Foy agrees with Morton’s assessment, “We feed off of his energy and work ethic.”

“He is a good motivator.” Senior Paul Komorniczak piled on the praise as well. “He’s the ultimate team player,” Komorniczak said. “He’s a good motivator too.”

According to Labella, Loredo’s attitude has rubbed off on the entire team. “Because of him the team is definitely maturing as a whole.”

Labella added perhaps the most glowing remark about Loredo when he said “without him we would have no chance at winning conference this year.” With him not only do they have a chance, but they were picked to finish second behind only defending champion Montana State in the coaches poll.

So far this season Loredo,who was named Big Sky Conference tennis player of the week on Monday, has shown just how important he is to the team while compiling a 4-2 singles record and an impressive 5-1 doubles record along with teammate Junaid Hossain. With the team’s ultimate goal of a conference championship looming on the horizon, it may just come down to the big stick of this soft-spoken, hard working inspiration.

Benn Hodapp can be reached at [email protected]