Brooke Lee

Garrett Splitt (43) walks toward the bench after the game against Estacado on Sept. 26.

Cries take up the sound of the entire room. His phone says it’s 3 a.m. again. He gets up, takes the 6-month-old child in his arms, and paces around the room until his daughter falls back asleep. He goes back to bed until he’s woken up by his 6 a.m. alarm for football practice.

“Gracyn has changed my life in the best possible way,” junior Garrett Splitt said. “I was scared at first, but everything worked out and I love her with my entire heart.”

Splitt and his girlfriend junior Gabby Ramos had a baby girl in May 2024. Splitt is also on the varsity football team and a full-time student.

“Being away from Gracyn is the hardest thing about still going to school and playing sports,” Splitt said. “It can also just be draining. Some days I want to come home and just relax, but I know that I have a bigger responsibility now.”

Splitt has a big support system behind him, especially in Ramos.

“Gabby has impacted my life in ways I can’t even explain,” Splitt said. “Her and Gracyn are my everything, and I would absolutely do anything for my girls.”

Football has also played a big part in Splitt’s life. He has been playing since childhood and in his words, it has helped shape him into the person he is today.

“Football really has made me into who I am,” Splitt said. “It has made me hard-working and taught me that when things don’t go my way, I should look for the good in every situation.”

Splitt has coaches who are so supportive of him, especially defensive line coach JJ Rojas.

“I see Rojas as more than a coach, but a father figure,” Splitt said. “He has always been there for me and expects me to be the best player and person I can.”

Rojas is proud of Splitt for how he handled his situation.

“It is clear that Gracyn is Garrett’s primary motivation and source of inspiration,” Rojas said. “He makes time for her while remaining focused and driven in other aspects of his life.”

Splitt still wants to pursue his dreams despite becoming a parent early on.

“After high school, I want to play college football and pursue a career in animal science,” Splitt said. “I still have so many things I want to do and I will continue to push through and accomplish everything I want to.”