Shwarlin "Swirl" Eli Arriola, Jr

Shwarlin, 15, or “Swirl” as he is known to teammates, is a sophomore at Nashua South High. He joined the PAL Gate City Thunder squad two years ago when his family moved to Nashua from McAllen, Texas. In middle school in Texas, he played football, soccer, basketball, and ran track. After moving to Nashua, Swirl played for Coach John Pearson at Elm St. Middle School as an 8th grader.

PAL Basketball Head Coach Shawn Nieves says that Swirl is a “spectacular young man,” and a “great role model” to his teammates and other kids who play every day at the PAL after school gym on Main Street. “I remember the first time playing with Swirl at PAL Gym. He came up to me, and asked me to coach him up to be a better center. Most guys want to handle the ball, or play a shooting forward spot, but Swirl wanted to play in the post, right in the paint. I’m very proud of his progress. He is a big, strong guy who has developed into a beast on the court.” Coach Nieves also says that Shwarlin “makes good choices” and is an example to teammates “with the way he conducts himself.”