A three-sport star at Miami High School, Gabe Escobedo recently brought home one of the state’s top athletic honors. Escobedo, who graduated in 2022, was named Boys Athlete of the Year at the June 11 Arizona High School Sports Awards, held at Arizona State University’s Gammage Theater in Tempe. The award honored his senior season accomplishments in football, basketball and baseball; Escobedo excelled in all three sports throughout his four years as a Vandal.

In the 2021-22 baseball season, he notched 64 runs – ranking fourth in the nation, according to MaxPreps.com. He had 55 hits in 99 attempts, including 15 doubles, six triples and three home runs, batted in 51 runs and stole 34 bases. As a pitcher Escobedo went 9-2 with a 2.78 earned run average and 75 strikeouts. The Vandals recorded a 26-5 season, going undefeated in 2A South at 10-0, and made it to the state tournament semifinals. Escobedo, along with teammate Matt Riddle, was also selected to play in the Arizona Baseball Coach’s Association All-Star game.

As a basketball player, Escobedo was key in leading the team to an unbeaten 2A South record and into the state tournament. He averaged 21 points, scoring his 1,000th career point in November, six rebounds, three steals and one block per game.

In football, Escobedo recorded 484 yards passing with five touchdowns; racked up 563 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, with three 100-yard games; caught 24 passes for 448 yards and four touchdowns; and had 683 yards in kickoff/punt returns, with seven touchdowns. He also contributed to the Vandal defense, amassing 63 tackles and 25 assists, 23 tackles for loss (including six sacks) and five forced fumbles.