Mateo Sanz, a True Renaissance Man

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- I have a treat for you today. With high school sports becoming more and more competitive, you are seeing young people specialize in one sport to become as good as they can be at it so they’ll have a better shot at playing in college and possibly earning a scholarship. HOGWASH, I say! Over 75% of 2024 NFL draftees played at least two sports in high school.

This week's Woodlands Online profile showcases one of the most gifted athletes in the Conroe Independent School District in The Woodlands High School senior, Mateo Sanz who plays basketball and volleyball, and excels in both.

Let’s get to know Mateo Sanz in this week’s edition of the Woodlands Online Player of the Week…

1) How long have you been playing basketball? How did you become interested in basketball? What other sports did you play growing up, and why did basketball win out?

I’ve been playing basketball since I was about seven. It started in the driveway with my dad, who was a professional basketball player in Argentina, and it quickly became something I fell in love with. From school teams to AAU, basketball became a key aspect of my life, whether I was stressed or was finding it hard to make friends, basketball was always there. As for the other sports, I grew up playing soccer, volleyball, rugby, and track and field. Still, basketball always stood out — it connects me with my dad, and it challenges me to be mentally and physically tough every single play.

2) Describe the 2025 TWHS basketball team and why you enjoy playing for the Highlanders.

This year's Highlanders team is one of the most competitive and athletic groups I’ve ever been part of. Every player brings something — leadership, defense, shooting, hustle, and a work-first mentality. Beyond talent, the brotherhood is what makes this group special. From team meals to dancing in the locker room, the energy is amazing, and it feels like a family. Our coaches emphasize discipline, effort, and accountability, and they create an environment where we grow every day — not just as players, but as people.

3) Do you like TWHS?

I love it here. The Woodlands High School has incredible school spirit, strong academics, and a supportive community. Moving from Qatar mid-junior year, I was nervous about fitting in, but the basketball team immediately welcomed me and made The Woodlands feel like home. This school offers endless ways to connect — through sports, clubs, arts — there’s truly a place for everyone. The coaches checked on me constantly to make sure I was adjusting, and that support made all the difference.

4) You just moved back to The Woodlands from Qatar and are still in the college selection process. Do you know what your field of study will be? Tell us about your travels.

I lived in Doha, Qatar for several years before moving back to The Woodlands. While there, I competed in volleyball, basketball, and track and field for the American School of Doha, and I had the honor of representing my country in 2 Pan American Cups in Mexico and Canada through the U19 and U21 Chile National Volleyball Teams. Competing internationally and playing against top-level athletes shaped me tremendously, both as an athlete and as a person.

As for college, I plan to study engineering of some sort or business.

5) What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

After college, I want to build something meaningful that creates a positive impact — whether through engineering, design, or global development. My goal is to contribute to something bigger than myself.

6) What do you enjoy doing away from school and basketball?

Outside of school and sports, I love spending time with friends, traveling, and playing chess — most people don’t know it, but I play a lot and I’m pretty good at it.

7) Who is your role model for basketball?

Kobe Bryant. His mentality changed my approach to training and competition. It wasn’t just talent — it was discipline, preparation, and an obsession with getting better. His “Mamba Mentality” inspires me every day.

8) Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do in your life.

My family means everything to me. My parents have always believed in me and sacrificed so much to support my athletic and academic goals — including moving across the world. They’ve taught me discipline, humility, and gratitude. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

9) If you were given a million dollars and had to give it to one charity, which one would you choose and why?

I’d donate it to an organization that provides access to sports and education for underprivileged youth, like Right to Play or Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Sports gave me structure, purpose, and confidence — I’d want other young people to have that same opportunity.

10) Three things people don't know about you.

I’m bilingual — I speak English and Spanish fluently.

I love to play chess and am pretty good.

The beach is my happy place. I dream of living near the beach since I just love being in the water, surfing, and spending time on the sand.

11) When is the last time you danced? Where? You any good?

Probably in the locker room with the team. With my Latin roots, I’d say I’m definitely one of the better dancers on the squad — no offense to the guys.

12) What is your favorite song in your phone now? Do you have a favorite group?

The music I listen to depends greatly on the environment or how I am feeling but a song that I have loved for a long, long time has been “Chasing Pavement” by Adele. My favorite artist is easily Bruno Mars.

13) Your favorite movie of all time.

A movie I feel deeply connected to is Society of the Snow (Sociedad de la Nieve). With Uruguayan roots on my dad’s side, that story hits close to home. Beyond the cultural connection, the film’s message of resilience, sacrifice, and survival really stayed with me. It’s inspiring to see what the human spirit is capable of when faced with impossible circumstances.

14) If you were sentenced to death but you were allowed to go on one last date, who would the lucky girl be? Why?

I would go on a date with Megan Fox from Transformers 1 or Alexandra Daddario from Baywatch, since I have had the biggest crushes on them since I was little.

TWHS head basketball coach, Dale Reed shared his thoughts regarding Mateo…
“Mateo has been such a great student athlete to have in our program. He is an extremely high achiever in the classroom and in all of his athletic endeavors. He is always upbeat and the best type of teammate you could ask for as he is always looking to help any person that he possibly can.”

In collaborating with Mateo, I learned how humble he is. He is the total package in that he’s gifted socially, academically and athletically. Lots of young people would let all that get to their heads and be “me” people. All Mateo wants to talk about is how great other people are. His friends, his family, his teachers, his coaches, his teammates all get top billing above him.

In speaking with an outside source, we are told Mateo still talks about the days he spent in Midland helping kids with disabilities play soccer while he was with FC Dallas. The source said it was one of the first times Mateo truly understood the power of sports — not just to compete, but to connect and bring joy to others. That’s when those close to Mateo knew giving would always be part of who he is.

Go check out Mateo at a varsity basketball game this year. You’ll see how much of a team player he is. Say hi to Mateo, he’d welcome you.

You better catch him now though, because this guy is going places!

Comments to Doug Sarant at dsarant50@gmail.com

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