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Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman

News of the Diocese

January 16, 2025

Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman
Saint Martin de Porres celebrates academic, athletic achievements of alum Enrique Freeman

Faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, friends and some members of the Indiana Pacers basketball team celebrated the achievements of Enrique Freeman during a jersey dedication ceremony at Saint Martin de Porres High School on Jan. 11.

Freeman, a 2018 SMDP alumnus, was a scholar, athlete and active member of the student body during his years at the school. He earned a full-ride academic scholarship to the University of Akron, where he continued his basketball career as a walk-on player for the Akron Zips while earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Freman’s collegiate achievements earned him national recognition, with four consecutive All-MAC Defensive Team honors, two First-Team All-MAC selections, two MAC Tournament MVP awards and he was named the 2022 MAC Defensive Player of the Year.

(See photo gallery above.)

His success at Akron led to his selection by the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA draft, where he was the 50th overall pick.

But it was clear his heart remains with SMDP.

As he and his Pacers teammates entered the gym, those gathered cheered and clapped. There were plenty of hugs throughout the event. Freeman’s mother Tania Torres and several relatives sat in the front rows near the stage while about 20 representatives of the Pacers sat on the other side. Sprinkled among the crowd were some of his former teachers, school administrators, coaches, former SMDP classmates and past and present members of the SMDP Lions basketball team.

“We’re not at all surprised by Enrique’s success,” said Ryan Schneider, SMPD principal and head basketball coach. “He’s the kind of student who leaves a lasting impression, one you never forget.”

Mary Sayre, director of student life, opened the program with a prayer and thanked the crowd for coming. “I’m so glad to see so many familiar faces, and some new ones, here tonight. We are gathered to honor someone who left a lasting impression on our school and our basketball program,” she said. “This reflects the hard work, grit and determination of Enrique and his transformation and development from an undersized freshman to a college athlete, a student leader and now a professional athlete.”

His mother recalled how Freeman entered SMDP as a freshman measuring 5 feet tall. “He grew a foot between his junior and senior year and he’s 6-foot 8 inches now,” she added.

Sayre said she enjoyed doing “a deep dive to find everything Enrique” in preparation for the celebration. She recalled reading his application for the National Honor Society in which he expressed his love for learning, his service as a student ambassador and his leadership as student body president during his senior year at SMDP.

On the basketball court, he was a team captain, earned most improved player honors his junior year and was named MVP his senior year, Sayre said. At his 2018 graduation, Freeman received the Saint Martin Award, the school’s most prestigious award.

“I got to see his kindness, grace and genuine love for this community. It was a privilege to revisit those memories,” she added.

Schneider praised Freeman for following the SMDP pillars of work, study, lead, service and pray.

“He was the hardest worker on the court, but he also worked hard in the classroom,” he said.

Schneider, who taught theology at SMDP, shared an anecdote about Freeman dozing off in his class during freshman year. He said he let him sleep, recognizing it as a teachable moment. Class ended, and Freeman continued to sleep until the next class – a senior theology class – entered the room and a student woke him to say he was in his seat.

Needless to say, it was embarrassing and he never did it again, Schneider said, as the crowd laughed

Freeman made an impression at the University of Akron, also, where he earned two degrees and was a standout on the basketball team.

“We’re most proud of him earning his master’s degree,” Schneider said.

He recalled Freeman as a humble leader who leads by action and example. “He makes those around him better. You’ve made us and Akron better and will do that with the Pacers, as well. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Saint Martin’s. As the late Rich Clark, our founding president liked to say, ‘We love you and there’s nothing you can do about it,’” Schneider said.

Attendees enjoyed a video showing highlights from Freeman’s years at SMDP, Akron and now the beginning of his NBA career.

Highlight of the evening was when he was presented with his framed jersey. His jersey number – 3 – will be presented each season to a specially chosen athlete who shares Freeman’s qualities, Schneider said. In addition, when SMDP builds a gym, his jersey number will be included on the floor.

After the celebration, Freeman spent time catching up and posing for photos with his former classmates, teammates, teachers, friends and SMDP athletes.

The Pacers played the Cleveland Cavaliers – and won – on Jan. 12. However, the Cavs traveled to Indiana on Jan. 14 and defeated the Pacers.

Saint Martin de Porres, established in 2003, is Cleveland’s Cristo Rey high school. It is a coeducational, college-preparatory school that combines innovative academics with a unique work program preparing students of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service. Click here to learn more.

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