Kroc Star Juan Hector Reaches Record-Breaking Goal
Kroc Star, Basketball Standout, Juan Santiago Hector Reaches 1,000 Career Points,
Is a Leader On and Off the Court
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST (JANUARY 16, 2025) – The Salvation Army Kroc Center proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of Juan Santiago Hector, a standout guard for D'Iberville High School's Class of 2025. Juan recently reached an impressive milestone of 1,000 career points, becoming only the third player in D'Iberville High School history to achieve this honor, according to Coach Ramon Santiago, Kroc Center Athletic Coordinator.
Juan's journey began at The Salvation Army Kroc Center at just 7 years old, where he participated in summer camps and the after-school program until the age of 13. His passion for sports and music flourished as he took guitar lessons for a year and excelled in both track and basketball within the Kroc's Youth Sports programs. Juan continued to showcase his talent in the Kroc’s Elite travel basketball program through this past summer.
Beyond his athletic excellence, Juan exemplifies leadership and academic success. He maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA and was named team captain of the D'Iberville High School basketball team as a sophomore. Juan remains dedicated to giving back to the community by volunteering as a coach and official for the Kroc Center's Youth Basketball League and Kroc’s Elite programs.
“It means everything for me to give back to the community that helped build me into the person and athlete I am today,” says Juan Santiago Hector.
Juan's outstanding high school accolades include:
- 2024 National Honor Society Member
- 2024 All-Tournament Team, Hannan Hustle Tournament (Covington, LA)
- 2024 Mississippi Association of Coaches North/South All-Star
- 2023/2024 Sun Herald All-South Mississippi Boys Basketball Team
- 2023/2024 Mississippi All-South State, All-Star
- 2023/2024 All-District Team
- 2023/2024 D'Iberville High School Most Valuable Player
- 2022 Top 25 at Sophomore Hoopfest Showcase (Baton Rouge, LA)
- 2022 All-District Team Honorable Mention
- 2022 D'Iberville High School Rookie of the Year
“Juan’s dedication to excellence on the court, in the classroom, and within the community reflects the core values of The Salvation Army Kroc Center. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and look forward to witnessing his continued success,” says Danielle Emery, Kroc Director.
To learn more about the Kroc Center sports programs or scholarships visit KrocMSCoast.org or call 228-207-1218.
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The Salvation Army helped nearly 24 million people in 2023 overcome poverty, addiction, and spiritual and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every zip code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit salvationarmyusa.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.