Paradise Valley’s Caden Becker transforms football adversity into commitment to healthcare
Dec 3, 2024, 5:30 AM
Paradise Valley High School senior Caden Becker uses past adversity on the gridiron to make a difference in the medical field.
During his freshman year on the football team at Paradise Valley, Becker tore his ACL during his team’s fourth game of the season. He underwent surgery and began attending physical therapy two to three times a week. He ultimately spent the rest of the season on the sideline.
But that didn’t stop him from attending every game and practice. Becker made it clear he wanted to be the best possible water boy for the team.
“That experience taught me that leadership isn’t about being on the field; it’s about serving your team however and whenever you can,” Becker said.
During his experience on the sideline, Becker began to see a side of football he hadn’t seen before: the challenges his teammates faced, whether they relied solely on their trainers for care or were unable to afford therapy.
Becker quickly realized that access to healthcare isn’t equal, and it reshaped how he saw healthcare. From then on, he wanted to make a difference.
“Being a doctor isn’t just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about ensuring care is accessible and equitable,” Becker said. “Medicine is not just a career goal for me, it’s a commitment to serve and ensure no one is left behind.”
Becker had always been drawn to medicine, and this fascination became personal when his grandmother received hospice care in the final months before she passed away.
He began to volunteer every Sunday morning at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, logging over 450 hours. He still volunteers there today.
Becker, now a captain on the PVHS varsity team, balances sports with academics. He has a 4.7 GPA (4.0 unweighted) and was recently recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar.
“Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a medical career, guided by the values I’ve learned from football and volunteering,” Becker said. “Serving, leadership, compassion and resilience are qualities I’ll carry with me as a doctor, ensuring every patient feels seen and cared for. Football and volunteering at the hospital have been two of the most influential experiences of my life. They taught me that success isn’t about individual achievements but about lifting others and creating a community.
“These lessons aren’t just part of my past, they’re the foundation of the person, leader and professional I strive to become.”
