His way: How Chino Hills’ Donnie Parish is blazing his own trail
CHINO HILLS, Calif. — Sitting down with an older teen preparing to turn the page to their next life chapter, you may find them to be individuals of few words. This athlete is no exception, particularly when asked to describe how he sees himself.
“I’m different.”
18-year-old Chino Hills High School senior Donnie Parish is a two-sport athlete, finding years of success on both the football field and the track. He also played basketball in junior high school. He has always liked sticking out as a leader of the pack, but it was usually because no one could catch him.
For as long as he can remember, Donnie has been fast. He has run track since his elementary school days, and was a nationally ranked sprinter as a freshman. He has been a member of the CHHS track team all four years of high school, and currently holds the school record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.4 seconds.
He also runs the 200-meter dash, the 100-meter relay and is a long jumper. Last year the track team finished their season as the undefeated Baseline League Champions, of which Donnie was named one of the most valuable players.
Sitting in the stands at track meets during the year, you can hear opposing fans buzzing about his impressive showings.
“Oh man, they have Donnie, he’s so fast.”
“Have you seen Donnie? He runs a ten-four. He’s a beast.”
It has been said that the mark of a great athlete is when they are easily recognized by just one name. Shaq, Jordan, Kobe, Lebron. Everyone at Husky Stadium knows who you’re talking about when you mention Donnie.
He has also received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award and was named a CIF Southern California Qualifier, CIF Masters Qualifier and a State Finals Qualifier.
For most of his high school career, Donnie has taken his speed to the football field where he is a star running back and receiver. He wears jersey number 2 and says he was inspired to play because “I thought it would be so much fun.”
His favorite memory from football was his first touchdown his freshman year where he had a 96-yard return after a kickoff.
His position does many things: runs the ball, goes out for catches, blocks and hits people. “I like to run, hit, juke them out and run past them.” Donnie shared as some of his favorite parts of his position.
Something else Donnie loves is that he gets to be himself on the field. “I get to use my athleticism, strength and speed. My goal is to make it as far as I can.”
Donnie shares that the best advice he has been given was from his mom. “She taught me to make sure I do the right thing in life and respect people even if I don’t agree with them.”
When preparing for high performance competition, Donnie says he eats healthy, stays hydrated and plays music.
“I always make sure I train a certain amount per week. I push myself to do it no matter what. If I ever see myself not at my highest level, I will train extra that whole week and ride my bike at a fast pace.”
Donnie would love to play both sports in college and is hoping to land somewhere in the Mountain Region States where he can study Entrepreneurship or Science.
“Science because it’s the most valuable and impacts our living. Science is a big part of our world.”
Donnie also comes with his own fan club. His mom, Tyna, dad, Don, younger sister, Trinity, Grandpa, Thomas and Grandma, Barbara are all very proud of him. Their family also has a German short haired pointer named Koda, a cat named Socks, and a gecko named Speckle Spots.
Keland Johnson, head football coach at Chino Hills High, also sings Donnie’s praises. He says the key to Donnie’s years of success is his ability to compete at a high level. “He always wants to be the guy in the hardest moments during competition.”
Coach knows that he can turn to Donnie when the team needs a clutch play. “He is a great young man who has the ability to bring others around him together.”
Donnie is inspired by himself and God and wants the community to know that he is on his own road. When he is not playing sports for school, he enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing and hunting.
We are so excited to see his journey beyond high school. Congratulations on an outstanding high school career and best wishes on all of your future endeavors.
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