Awards night recognizes student-athletes

There has never been a year in Fresno Christian history that has set the bar higher than the 2024-25 athletics teams. The Boys Basketball and Girls Soccer teams surprised everyone by fighting their way into state level tournaments, setting a new goal for all future teams and players. As the sports year nears its end, Fresno Christian athletes celebrate with a Sports Award Night on May 5, hosted by the Boosters Club and emceed by Paul Loeffler. The evening included highlights about the many teams that won championships, individuals who broke records, and those who garnered attention with their performance and stats.

Boys Basketball Coach Jon Penberthy helped guide the boys’ basketball team to an amazing accomplishment this semester. They exceeded all expectations, making their fans and families proud. Many players were nominated for awards such as First Team All-League and Senior Athlete of the Year.

“This past season was very special, every year we put the goal out there to win our league and win a second championship at Selland Arena,” Penberthy said. “I hope [state finals] is something that we could repeat, but actually doing it is a whole other challenge.”

Over 100 of the athletes participating in FCS sports achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher. In the fall, FC had three Section Championship teams and individuals. Winter sports saw two teams win the Central Section Championship and advance to the State Championship games for the first time in school history. Spring so far has had numerous records broken, despite the season not being fully over yet.

Track Coach Dorina Gilmore-Young has coached senior Laina Penland for four years. Penland won the Senior Female Athlete of the Year, along with Kennedy Wyatt. Penland leads her team humbly through her role as captain, and her name will go down in Track history as she broke at least four school records this season.

“We never imagined that the girl we saw run as a freshman would blossom into such an incredible, record-breaking athlete,” Gilmore-Young said. “She’s a leader with her stats, but more importantly she is an incredible encourager, community builder and role model in her faith.”

Other awards given out at the Sports Awards Night include Top Scholar Awards, Coaching Awards, First Team All-League, Eagle Awards, Senior Athletes of the Year and Career Impact Awards.

 

Top Scholar Award (by cumulative GPA)

The Top Scholar Award is bestowed to the highest cumulative GPA achievement in each class, male and female while participating in Athletics.

Grade 9

Olivia Geil 4.29 

Tyler McNabb 4.33

Grade 10 

Anne Madelyn Morgan 4.33

Caleb Schreur 4.39

Grade 11

Tayla Tarlton 4.31

Christian Martinez 4.3

Grade 12

Natalie Sullivan 4.33

Caleb Iest 4.31

 

Boys Basketball & Girls Soccer Coaches named FC Coaching Staffs of the Year

This award is given to coaches and staff members who lead their teams beyond just the goal of victory. They aim to elevate their players to achieve their full potential.

 

Boys Basketball

Head Coach Jon Penberthy who was also named the Fresno Bee Coach of the Year
Assistant Coaches Tyler Breedlove, Dante Washington, Lance Henderson, Tyler Dondlinger, Dawson Triplitt and Henry Baker

 

Girls Soccer

Head Coach Matt Markarian
Assistant Coaches Garret Markarian, Morgan Markarian, Kyndel Carrington, and Chloe Burrows

 

First Team All-League Awards

Players winning special awards will be placed on First Team All-League Team. This award is just behind special awards like “MVP.”

 

Year-Round

Cheer:

Anna Pascual
Parker Bagley
Zoe Blanchfield
Rynna Silva
Danielle Arndt
Chloe Johnson
Mallory Friesen

 

Fall

Football:

Alexander Asatrian
Braden Belmont – Defensive Player of the year
Joseph Davila
Joshua Kubota
Theron Myers
Tycen Ramirez – Offensive Player of the Year

Girls Volleyball:

Krista Brady
Sianna Castro
Jordyn DeGroot
Sarah Guglielmana

Girls Tennis:

K’Lanna McArn
Delaney Meyers
Naomi Eritzian
Abby Herren

Cross Country:

Chloe Ledieff
Hailey Higton
Lacy Smith
Blake Bay
Jeremiah Valorosi

 

Winter

Boys Basketball:

Aden Millwee NorthWest Sequoia Conference League MVP
Jeremiah Mason NorthWest Sequoia Conference Defensive MVP
Devin Gaines
Noah Coulton

Girls Soccer:

Abigal Herren
Chloe Johnson
Meghan Connolly
Hailey Higton
Jane Higton
Kennedy Wyatt
Trinity Bannister

 

Spring

Girls Basketball:

Sarah Guglielmana
2nd Team Devyn Wilkerson

Boys Volleyball:

Tycen Ramirez
Tyler Hamm
Trevor Engelman

Beach Volleyball:

Sarah Guglielmana
Krista Brady
Jordyn Degroot
Sianna Castro

Boys Tennis:

Bek Jett
Jacob Pimental
Tyler Maxey
David Martin
Nathan Bridges
Trevor Engelman
Mason Meade

 

Eagle Awards

The Eagle award winner is given to someone who is a well-rounded student athlete. To be considered for this award, the booster board, in cooperation with the school administration, looks at Athletic Participation, grades, spiritual growth, community service and leadership.

 

Male Eagle Award

Jacob Pimentel
Nathan Bridges
Tyler Maxey

 

Female Eagle Award

Milly Morgan
Ava Bishel
Chloe Johnson

 

Senior Athletes of the Year

Athlete of the year is a culmination of athletic history at FCS the priority is for the student athlete to attend Fresno Christian for a minimum 3 years.

Aden Millwee
Joshua Kubota
Laina Penland
Kennedy Wyatt

 

Career Impact Award

The Career Impact Award celebrates our multi-school athletes whose exceptional on-field performance, leadership, and sportsmanship have propelled our teams to new heights.

Abigail Herren
Krista Brady
Bek Jett

To read more from the Feather, make sure to check out Column: Caleb Eldridge shares on the importance of leading humbly and Seniors declare future plans on National College Decision Day.