Former NBA all-star Magic Johnson encouraged the next generation of student-athletes to take their education seriously, saying excellence in the classroom has a lasting impact.
Johnson told 400 student-athletes at Andress High School in El Paso, Texas, Wednesday that “preparation, discipline, and focus” are important components to “take their game to another level.”
A big thank you to Cigna President Mike Triplett for allowing me to attend such an incredible event. I appreciate all the love the students showed me! They gave me the most unforgettable standing ovation when I came on stage ??
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 26, 2022
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“I had so much fun talking to them about preparation, discipline, focus, how to take their game to another level, and last but not least, being excellent in the classroom!” Johnson shared on Twitter.
The former Los Angles Lakers legend shared with the student-athletes how he brought the same commitment to both his game and academics.
“I know at that age all I cared about was playing basketball and making sure I got good grades,” Johnson said, according to CBS4. “You have the best season, for yourself, for your teammates and coach, and high school.”
The students stood and applauded. Johnson’s appearance was kept as a surprise to those in attendance.
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“I honestly had no idea what was going on, but it was a surprise what the coaches had for us and it was a great surprise,” Maryfer Carrera, a Franklin High School junior, said. “Everyone is a big fan of him. We watch him [and] his YouTube videos. I cried a little. It was worth it.”
Johnson told the students to set high standards for themselves and “never let anyone define what you can do.”
