Round Hill is proud to spotlight Cole DeCoite, our Athlete of the Month and a freshman at Monte Vista High School, whose passion for football, dedication to his team, and commitment to giving back make him a standout both on and off the field.

Cole’s love for football started early. Growing up watching the game with his dad—who played high school football himself—sparked an interest that quickly turned into a lifelong passion. “I’ve always loved football,” Cole shares. “Watching and talking about the game together made it something I naturally gravitated toward.”

He began playing flag football in kindergarten, continuing all the way through eighth grade. Along the way, Cole experimented with tackle football in sixth grade, stepped back for a year, and then returned in eighth grade with renewed determination. That season with the T-Birds sealed it—football wasn’t just a sport anymore; it was his sport.

What does Cole love most about the game? “It’s organized chaos,” he says with a smile. “I love how physical it is and how it pushes me both mentally and physically. Most of all, I enjoy being a teammate and being part of a team.”

That team-first mindset paid off in a big way this year, when Cole was named Monte Vista Freshman Football Offensive MVP—a proud moment that reflects his hard work, discipline, and growth as a player.

Football’s impact on Cole reaches far beyond the scoreboard. The sport has helped him become a stronger student and a more active member of his community. This season, he’s giving back by coaching Next Level flag football, working with both first-grade and third-grade teams. It’s a full-circle moment—passing on the love of the game to younger athletes just starting their own journeys.

When asked what advice he would give future football players, Colton keeps it simple and sincere: “Work hard and listen to your coaches.”

Looking ahead, Cole is already focused on what’s next. He’s excited to return to training this spring and summer and continue building toward the upcoming season. With his drive, leadership, and love for the game, there’s no doubt this is just the beginning.

Go MV!

Madison: What is your favorite thing about playing football?

Cole: My favorite thing is that I get to go out and play hard, play with all my

friends and play the game I love.

Madison: What position do you play?

Cole: Running back and outside line backer

Madison: Is there a special technique or move that you are very good at?

Cole: I am a fast runner and try not to get tackled.

Madison: What is the hardest thing about your position?

Cole: The hardest part is seeing the whole field super-fast and where the

ball goes.

Madison: Is there any training outside of football practice that you do to

help with that position/playing football and getting better?

Cole: I play other sports to help with foot work, eye coordination and go to

the gym to work on strength and speed.

Madison: On game days, is there something that you do as a ritual to “get

ready”?

ritual that I Cole: I always get both ankles and wrists tapped. I am not hurt but its a

continue to do.

Madison: Is there anything that makes you nervous?

Cole: Making a mistake and causing my team to lose or losing in a game.

Madison: What is your favorite thing about game day that you love?

Cole: The excitement of going out and playing the game.

Madison: What is one of your favorite memories at a game?

Cole: Last year for T-birds, during the turkey bowl we had a very bad start

to the game and then we ended up going all the way and making it to the

championships!

Madison: What opportunity do you have playing at Monte Vista, that other

players at other schools might not have?

Cole: You have the opportunity to grow yourself and the coaches really

care about you.

Madison: What is one thing that people don’t know or expect regarding the

team.Cole: How much work we put into the game and practicing 2 hours

everyday to get better.

Madison: Who is the best team in the league currently?

Cole: The best team is Oakridge

Madison: Who is your favorite football team?

Cole: 49ers

Madison: If you could meet any football player, who would it be and why?

Cole: I would love to meet Christian McCaffrey, I love his game, how he

runs the ball and how he is as a player.

Madison: What other sports do you play besides football?

Cole: Soccer and basketball

Madison: What is your favorite food?

Cole: Pizza