Titus Santucci is officially the first Filipino American to join the U.S. Jr. National Surf Team, CBS 8 reports.
The 18-year-old grew up surfing alongside his parents in Encinitas, California. He spent nine years surfing and competing in various competitions before receiving the call to join the national team.
Santucci told CBS 8 he is “super stoked” to be the first Filipino American male on the team.
It’s super cool to represent my culture,” said Santucci.
The teenager can bring a winning mentality to the team. In April 2023, he helped the San Dieguito Academy surf squad win the Scholastic Surf Series High School State Surfing Championship for the second year, Encinitas Advocates reports. Santucci was honored with an award at the competition.
Santucci’s mother, Irene Navarro, told CBS 8 she is proud of her son.
“Oh my gosh, I am so proud to see his hard work has paid off! Filipinos: we stick together! We stick like rice, you know,” Navarro said. “And we support each other and we’re all super stoked!”
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