Why Representation Matters

April Lorenzo ’05 uses sport, leadership and lived experience to inspire student-athletes.

Reprinted from EC Magazine, Winter 2026

Tell us about what continues to motivate you?

What motivates me is a simple phrase: representation matters. Growing up, there weren’t many educators or coaches who looked like me or reflected all my different identities, and I try to be that person for every young person that comes into my life.  When young people say they can’t do something—especially on the basketball court— I tell them I did it and they are taller, stronger and have access to resources I didn’t have growing up, from trainers to social media.

What do you find most rewarding about working with student-athletes?

The growth and transformation I see over the time I work with them and beyond. Many of my former student-athletes remain very present in my life. Hearing their updates, watching them pursue their passions and witnessing who they’ve become as adults has been amazing. The most rewarding part is seeing my players improve every day, not just as ballers, but as humans, and being a part of their sports journey, helping them reach their highest potential.

What excites you about this current chapter of your career?

I would have to say I am soaking it all in, being a sponge, and then sharing my knowledge and experience with my students and athletes as an athletic director, adventure and wellness teacher and head girls varsity basketball coach.

Follow your passions and work on your craft. When you find something you truly love and enjoy, the rest will fall into place.

What stands out most from your time at Eastside Catholic?

The hustle, grind and the friendships I built playing basketball at EC—going through it with my crew of friends from freshman to senior year. Class of 2005, you know who you are! I will always remember Destiny. That was a very meaningful experience and one that I will never forget.

Are there any teachers or coaches from EC who had a lasting impact?

So many! I built strong relationships with many of the staff and faculty who are still in my life. Shout out to Mr. O’Rourke, Ms. Schille, Father Heric, Ms. Skoog, Coach Jo Grimes, Ms. Spero, Coach Laura Fuller, Coach Cheryl Sorenson, Mr. Marsh and Mr. Gatter and finally Ms. Helene (Johnson) Wentink, aka Ms. J! She watched out for me in ways that I will forever be grateful for.

What advice would you give current EC students?

Follow your passions and work on your craft. When you find something you truly love and enjoy, the rest will fall into place. And yes, you will have bumps in the road, but how you handle them is where you learn how much you are capable of. Everything happens for a reason!

Explore past issues of EC Magazine for more alumni stories and updates from the EC community.