Amari Yolas excels in three Palisades sports.

Amari Yolas of Palisades High is a three-sport standout who is defying stereotypes and proving that athleticism works for any sport. Despite being small, compact, and lightning-fast, Yolas has made a name for himself in football, baseball, and track and field.

His Athletic Achievements

Yolas was a receiver and cornerback in football, where he scored 12 touchdowns and made 33 solo tackles. He is a star center fielder in baseball, averaging .492 batting, and has 22 successful steal attempts. He also has a fastball that approaches 90 mph and is known for being a top pitcher. In track and field, Yolas has run the 100 meters in just 10.61 seconds.

Last Saturday, Yolas played a morning baseball game against Narbonne, collected two hits, and won the 100 meters at the South Bay Championships in the evening, with a time of 10.75 seconds, putting his balancing act on display.

Despite being asked to focus on one sport, Yolas refuses to do so. He’s devoted to showing what he can achieve in multiple sports and has committed to Cal State Northridge for baseball, but for now, he’s having too much fun.

“I like it,” Yolas said. “It gives me a chance to put my name out there and do as much as I can until I have to pick something and gives me options.”

Revival of City Section Sports

The City Section sports teams and athletes have received flak over the years, but a revival seems underway, particularly in track and field. Sprinters like Dijon Stanley, Jordan Coleman, Jaden Rattay, and the group of Carson girls’ sprinters will participate in the City Section track championships next month.

Yolas’ Quest for Glory in Baseball

Yolas and Palisades are making a serious attempt to get to the final for City Open Division and Division I championships in baseball, which will be held at Dodger Stadium on May 27th, the 53rd time in the past 55 years. The team’s record is 17-2 overall, and they have three pitchers with ERAs under 1.00, led by USC-bound left-hander Mason Edwards.

The team’s success depends on getting Yolas to the bases to use his speed. His agility is a game-changer, and he’s similar to Santa Ana Foothill outfielder Austin Overn, who played receiver and ran track and is now at USC.

Yolas’ Busy Schedule

Yolas rarely has time to train, as his practice is running a race. Baseball is his top priority, and he’ll have to fit his running schedule around the team’s playoff schedule in upcoming matches. Baseball has a long history in his family, with both his grandfather and father having played it. His father, Thomas, said that Yolas is learning more about the game as the years go by and is getting wiser in life.

Yolas didn’t play last season at Palisades because of COVID-19 issues, but he’s making up for lost time, doing double duty in track and baseball this spring.

The Future Looks Bright for Yolas

Yolas is always on the move and has the green light to make decisions on the bases. His coach, Mike Voelkel, said that when he goes to Cal State Northridge, he has a roadmap to flourish.