A father’s drive: Enock Villalobos’ miles of love for his daughter’s journey

During the first overtime of the Mountain West tournament, as San Diego State University and the University of Wyoming traded baskets, television cameras scanned the roaring Thomas & Mack Arena, capturing the chaos.

Then came the moment. Kim Villalobos drove hard to the rim, absorbing contact and finishing through the foul. The crowd erupted.

"Tough drive, and it goes!" the announcer shouted. "How about Kim Villalobos with pops in the stands ... they’re having a party here!"

The broadcast cut to the stands, zooming in on Enock Villalobos. Tears welled in his eyes as he cheered, high-fived other fans, and danced with unrestrained joy.

"My coworkers couldn’t believe it," Enock said later. Friends and family bombarded him with screenshots of their TVs. Even his daughter’s former coach, watching the game in Spain, teasingly texted: You’re more famous than Kim.

But that brief moment of celebration was just a glimpse of the devotion that had defined the Villalobos family’s journey for years.

For the last five seasons, Enock, a Los Angeles-area construction worker, and his wife, Silvia Estrada, had made their own tough drive to every one of Kim’s home games in San Diego and matchups up to six hours from their San Fernando home.

It was never easy. Time off work wasn’t always guaranteed. They had driven through torrential rains, smoke from nearby wildfires, and freeway-clogging detours. But nothing kept them off the road.

That night in Las Vegas, the celebration was cut short. The couple had to leave immediately after the Aztecs received their trophy and their ticket to the NCAA Tournament, the team’s first tournament appearance since 2012.

"We missed the extra celebrations at the hotel. We made it home at 4:45," Enock recalled. Silvia had to be at work by 5 a.m.

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"I play defense like Dennis Rodman," he said with a laugh, referencing the seven-time NBA rebound champion. "Ten rebounds are as important as ten points. That’s why I worked with her on defense — defense, defense, defense. We have to be complete players."

They flashed back to Kim’s rapid development which earned her a spot on her high school team, a roster spot on WNBA legend Diana Taurasi’s Nike-sponsored travel squad, and later, a selection to El Salvador’s national team.

Enock and Silvia smiled, remembering the night Kim gathered the family during her senior year to announce her college decision.

"Any college you decide to go to, I’ll go to see your games," Enock had promised.

He never pushed for a school close to home, though he quietly dreaded the thought of her leaving the state. "I pulled up a map and was shocked that Oregon was a 16-hour drive," he admitted.

Kim declared her choice: “We’re going to San Diego State.” Enock broke down in tears.

"She was thinking about us," he said, his voice cracking.

That decision proved to be the best play. Not just for basketball, but for the support system she found in her coaches and teammates. Enock said Head Coach Stacie Terry-Hutson wholeheartedly embraces the players and their families.

"Especially in the dark moments," Enock said. "You can’t always play well every single game, but she gets great support from the coaches. It’s family there."

She’s gained lessons, he said, that have not only helped make Kim a team leader but have also shaped her growth as a person.

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"When she graduated last summer, she gave me the degree and said, ‘This is for you.’" Enock wiped his eyes. "I’m an emotional guy. She’s made me cry so many times."

For SDSU’s first round NCAA Tournament game against No. 3 Louisiana State University, Enock is giving his hybrid a rest. This time, he, Silvia, and their son — who serves in the Army — will be flying to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The proud, misty-eyed father glanced at Silvia on the ride home from Vegas and smiled.

"I can drive another five years," he told her.