Fall athletic teams honored in banquet

Upon entering the holiday season, the players and achievements of fall sports teams were honored in the Peoples Church gym, Nov. 15. Athletes, coaches and families joined to honor the football team, JV and varsity volleyball, and girls tennis. A variety of awards were handed out including MVP and the Coaches Award. Coaches got the chance to share the team’s records and accomplishments.

The girl’s tennis team’s record this year was 9-1 overall and 6-3 in league. The end of the season resulted in two of FC’s own doubles teams competing against each other for the individual league doubles championship.

Tennis awards:

• Ashley Zamarripa, ‘19 – MVP
• Sarah Smith, ‘21 – Eagle Award
• Alina Davila, ‘19 – Eagle Award
• Hannah Villines, ‘21 – Eagle Award
• Jayna Roseno, ‘20 – Newcomer Award.

Davila completed her senior year tennis season with the opportunity to compete in the doubles championship. Davila feels honored to receive an award but does not currently plan to continue her tennis career.

“The highlight of the season was when both of our doubles team made it to the championship for the WSL League Tournament,” Davila said. “I won the Eagle Award and I was so honored when I received it, knowing that my coaches believed I earned it meant a lot. I do not plan on playing tennis in college unless the Lord has other plans.”

Tennis coach, Robert Foshee, saw the season as a success with growth from last year occurring and shares how the selection process for awards works.

“I thought the season went great, we built on last year with the girls they really took a step forward,” Foshee said. “This year they got fourth place in league where last year they were in sixth. They got to the final four of the 47 teams in division five. Awards are built on our most valuable player award, we go off of the wins they received. So Ashley won that award because she had the most victories, she only lost four matches all year. The other ones were based just on their hard work and abilities. Sarah played  one and two all year and under the pressure of that, did a great job.”

In this podcast, Toryn Triplitt talks with Foshee about some of the highlights of the season.

The football season had yet to conclude, but the Friday before, they defeated Orcutt Academy in the semi-finals. Eventually, they rematched Mission Prep for the valley championship title but fell, 60-20, and earned the runner-up.

Football awards: 

• Anthony Lonardo, ‘19 – MVP
• Aaron LaCroix, ‘19 – All-Purpose Player of the Year
• Blake Burdan, ‘20 – Offensive Player of the Year 
• Darrin Williams,’19 – Defensive Player of the Year

LaCroix shares his highlights of his senior season and is thankful for the recognition of the hard work the team put in this season.

“I won the All-Purpose Player Award for my team and was also named 1st team all-league,” LaCroix said. “It’s always fun to win awards. I have worked hard this season and I am thankful for such a rewarding season with my team. The highlight of the season for me was when we played Orcutt and I had the game of my life against a good team. It was fun to contribute to our team’s win on both sides of the ball.”

LaCroix does not plan to continue his football career in college but loves the challenges football presents. He also appreciates the very tight-knit team aspect the sport provides.

The volleyball program has been flourishing the past two years under coach Kit Maddox, and this year proved to be no different. The JV volleyball team consisted solely of freshmen and sophomores.

JV Volleyball awards: 

• Addison Schultz, ‘21 – Most Improved
• Ellen Scully, ‘21 – MVP and the Eagle Award was given to
• Natalie Arndt, ‘21 – Eagle Award

Scully, who is brand new to the school this year, loved getting to meet new people and the opportunity to create new friendships. She received MVP and felt the love from her teammates and looks forward to another season.

“I won the MVP award, and I felt appreciated for my contribution to the team and felt the love from the players and coaches for choosing me to have the award,” Scully said. “I am planning on playing next year, and my goal is to have fun and do the best we can do. My highlight of the season was meeting new people because I had just moved here and started the season knowing nobody, and ended up with some great friends.”

Varsity volleyball participated in the East Sequoia League this season rather than the West Sequoia League. They ended the season in the new league with a 13-2 record.

Varsity volleyball awards:

• Kaylie Clem, ‘19 – Eagle Award
• Kamryn Schultz, ‘19 – MVP
• Avery Jones, ‘20 – Rookie of the Year Award
• Kayla Vanderlinden, ’20 – Big Spike Award

Vanderlinden enjoyed getting to bond with her teammates, and based off the award she received has already created her goals for next season.

“The highlight of my season was just being able to get so close with the girls on the team, and making the most out of the season,” Vanderlinden said. “The award I won was the Big Spike Award because the coach thinks I’m one of the hardest hitters in the league. My goal for next year would be to jump higher, hit harder and think smarter about where I’m hitting.”

Boys and girls soccer and basketball are already in their preseason games and preparing for league games.

For more articles, check out November hosts National Adoption Month and Alumni players participate in annual soccer practice

This author can be reached via twitter @toryntriplitt and via email: Toryn Triplitt.