Karsonne Winters

Football, it seems, is in Palo Verde High School senior Karsonne Winters’ blood. He’s been a “baller” since he could walk, and his lifelong love and dedication to the game is clear. Arduous training, long hours studying and emulating the greats have paid off for this young athlete, who recently accepted a full-ride scholarship to Portland State University. Rightfully proud of his accomplishments, he remains grateful for the “village” that raised him, those who’ve coached him, and the heroes that have inspired him, while humbly taking on a sense of responsibility to lead his peers by example. Charismatic, competitive and driven to succeed, Karsonne Winters is– A Step Above.   

G.P.A.: 4.62

Sports/Clubs:

• -LVR Club Baseball, 2015-2018
• -JV Football, 2016-2017
• -Varsity Football, 2017-2019; Captain 2018-2019
• -Varsity Baseball, 2017-2018
• -All American Pride 7v7 Team, 2017-2018
• -Panther Pageant Contestant, 2019
• -Student Council Representative, 2017-2018
• -Student Body Vice President, 2018-2019
• -Spiderman Fan Club President, 2015-2019

Awards/Community Service:

• -Portland State University (PSU) Commitment and Full Ride Athletic Scholarship, 2019
• -Region Champion–Varsity Baseball, 2017-2018
• -State Champion–Varsity Baseball, 2017-2018
• -2x Varsity Football First Team All-League Punter, 2017-2019
• -First Team All-League Safety–Varsity Football, 2018-2019
• -Second Team All-State Safety–Varsity Football, 2018-2019
• -Make-A-Wish Walk, 2015

Who is someone you look up to and why? “Honestly, my brother Grey and his pops, Ed. Those two men have kept it real since the day they came into my life. I have always strived to be as wise and caring as those men. They have made me the man I am today, and I couldn’t thank them enough for that.”

Why is playing football such a big part of your life? “Football has been ingrained within my membrane since I could walk. My father instilled that love for the game within me, and I appreciate him for that. I have put everything I’ve got into this sport just hoping for a shot. Idolizing the greats such as Ed Reed, Barry Sanders and Eric Berry, I have dreamt of making it to the next level. Fortunately, I did.”

What pressures do you deal with as an athlete and how do you approach them? “There’s pressure every day as an athlete. We are the examples at school. Our peers see us on the main stage more than anyone, so our choices impact more people than we know. Having to lead yourself while in turn leading others is rough. I have to stay on my game at all times, because I want to see improvement in myself and the world.”

What was it like being Varsity Football Captain? “It was an amazing experience. I learned a lot about leadership and how to interact with my teammates. Day in and day out, I had to set an example for those guys, because we were so young as a team. I’m proud of my boys.”