PVPHS Class of 2020 - Athlete of the Year Nominees

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ATHLETES' PERSONAL STATEMENTS BELOW

Kostadina Makrygiannis - Athlete of the Year Girls' Tennis Nominee

In the fall I will be attending the University of Michigan. I look forward to playing on their club tennis team and helping them win another national championship! My four years on the Varsity Tennis team were the highlight of my Peninsula High experience. The competition and camaraderie made for an incredible high school journey.

One of my best memories took place this past season. We won the Open Division of CIF, and my doubles partner and I made it to the finals of CIF individuals and the Semifinals of State! It was something I had been striving for since I was a freshman, so to finally win CIF and advance as far as we did in State was a truly rewarding experience.

I would like to thank my parents, my coaches Kip Brady and Mike Hoeger, and most importantly my teammates for allowing me to love tennis even more than I thought imaginable.

Katie Seaton - Athlete of the Year Girls' Volleyball Nominee

I am excited to be attending California State University Chico next year, but I have no current plans to continue competing at a collegiate level. In the past four years, Peninsula Volleyball has given me the opportunity to grow as both a player and a leader thanks to my amazing teammates and coaches. I am forever thankful to the coaches and trainers who've helped me to succeed and recover through the years. I am also thankful for my parents and friends for their support at every match.

David Amano - Athlete of the Year Boys' Water Polo Nominee

I will be attending the University of San Diego on a NROTC scholarship and I will be playing club water polo. During my time at Peninsula I met many of my good friends through the team and we went through some tough seasons together. While playing for Peninsula I learned the importance of teamwork in competition. This camaraderie is what lead to my pursuit of military service. One of my favorite memories is playing hard and coming back during a tournament game this past season. That victory brought us together as a team. I would like to thank my parents for coming to my games and Coach Kaye for always working with and supporting me.

Jack Haworth - Athlete of the Year Football Nominee

I will be attending Gonzaga University. After one of the toughest decisions of my life, I decided that I will not be continuing my athletic career at the collegiate level. I am so grateful for all the memories I have made playing both football and baseball at Peninsula. I have learned such incredible life lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I have especially learned how to overcome adversity and how to work hard at something you love. It is important to never let anything bring you down and to keep fighting for your goals. I will never forget the post-game locker room celebrations after a big victory. "Mo Bamba" was always a go-to celebration song.

I would like to thank my entire family for all of their support throughout my entire life with sports. Thank you mom, my grandparents, my two sisters, and both my uncles for supporting me with everything. Without your support, I don't know what I would have done. Thank you to Coach Young, Coach Campbell, Coach Bowles, Coach Nicholson and to all of the other coaches who have supported me. And lastly, I want to give a special thanks to Scott and Marissa for being the best and most kind athletic trainers ever. I will sincerely miss Pen. #pantherforever

Casey Syal - Athlete of the Year Girls' Golf Nominee

My favorite Golf Team memory was winning Bay League as an individual my senior year, as well as playing in CIF individuals with my friends from all around SoCal. Next year I will be attending Duke University. I currently am not playing golf there, but in the future, I might walk on. Playing sports at Peninsula was one of the best memories of my high school experience! It taught me time management and perseverance, and also provided me with a team experience in what had been an individual sport my whole life.

I would like to thank my parents for all of the long drives and for always believing in me, as well as Coach Van Enk for his constant positivity and for putting up with me for four years. And lastly, my teammates for some of the most fun times I've had on the golf course.

Paige Moore - Athlete of the Year Girls' Cross Country Nominee

I have loved this Cross Country team since the first day of practice my freshman year. Peninsula Cross Country has given me so much, namely, good friends, outstanding role models, and wonderful memories, and it has taught me so much, too. I've learned to be patient which is important because athletes need to work hard before achieving their goals. I've learned to be respectful and supportive of my teammates because they are working hard too. I've learned to have fun even when I'm having a bad race because everybody has bad races.

Participating on a Cross Country team is not easy; in fact, it's quite challenging, but that's what makes it great! The best part of the Cross Country season is not any particular race or meet but instead the daily process of working with my coaches, making steady improvement, and running alongside good friends.

Next year I'll be attending Cal Poly Pomona and plan to join the running club. I would like to thank Coaches Foster, Slattery, and Nishimi and my awesome teammates for all they've done for me these past four years, and my family for their support and love.

Michael Takami - Athlete of the Year Boys' Cross Country Nominee

I am more than proud to have been a part of the Cross Country team for four years, varsity for three years, and serving as captain this year. Although, I'm not entirely sure where I'll be attending next year I am currently committed to UC Santa Cruz to study computer science with a specialization in video game design.

My time as a Peninsula High School athlete has been memorable to say the least. I've learned so much about myself as a person and further as a leader that can lead effectively while not being overbearing. Cross country has easily been the best activity of high school and the memories of races and long practices with miles upon miles will be with me for the rest of my life.

I'd also like to thank all the coaches who have helped me along the way but especially Coach Foster, Coach Nishimi, Coach Dill, and Coach Slattery. The coaching staff not only helped me get to the athletic level I never could've dreamed of, but also made me mentally strong enough and taught me valuable lessons and a work ethic that I try to bring to any venture I embark upon, athletic or not. And of course my parents and friends who have always pushed me along the way and screamed my name as I ran across the field.

Easily my best memory from this past season was being able to represent Peninsula in the varsity stripes at CIF Prelims and later CIF Southern Section finals, something that hadn't been accomplished in quite a long time. Again I'd like to thank Peninsula for all the opportunities and memories they have given me athletically. More love and more life!!!

Luke Frasso - Athlete of the Year Boys' Basketball Nominee

I will be attending LMU - Loyola Marymount University in the fall. My Peninsula Basketball years were an exciting and fun experience.

Basketball taught me that hard work and discipline can help me excel to the next level for the game that I truly love to play.

One fun memory I have was getting a dunk on our home court against our rival team - PV High!

I would like to thank Wendell Yoshida for his many years as Athletic Director and his countless hours watching our basketball games. I want to thank Coach Quinlan for his countless hours of coaching me and developing me into a better player and person. I want to thank Coach Acres for being my first high school coach and developing me into a better player. I want to thank Coach Mirsky for helping me to see my potential and pushing me to be the best I can be, and also for making me laugh on and off the court. I want to thank trainers Scott and Marissa for always being there to put us back together.

I want to thank my family. I'd like to thank my dad for all of his years of coaching me, not only in basketball, but other sports as well. I'd like to thank my mom for all the years of washing sweaty uniforms, making sure I'm well fed before every game and for being at every game no matter where it was. I'd like to thank my oldest brother, Jake, for encouraging me and teaching me how to get air and slam dunk. I also want to thank him for making my basketball videos. I want to thank my middle brother, Nick, for always playing me in a competitive game of basketball in our driveway. I can finally beat him in our one-on - ones (well sometimes).

Alexander Britton - Athlete of the Year Wrestling Nominee

In the fall I will be studying Electrical Engineering at University of Arizona. I would like to continue wrestling if I can balance my college life. My favorite memory was being able to be part of the team and treated like family, no matter the circumstances. Through wrestling I learned to work hard, always find an opportunity to improve, keep trying, and to strive for the best.

I was struggling to adjust to a new school and senior year. My teachers, coaches, and my family were by my side teaching and supporting me all along. I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks so much!

Aidan Hay - Athlete of the Year Boys' Soccer Nominee

One of the best parts about attending Peninsula High School was the opportunity to play soccer, volleyball and tennis. I learned a lot about the sports I played, how to be a leader, and how to play different roles on a team. Being an athlete at Peninsula helped build my love of sports.

A couple of my favorite memories were scoring the winning goal at the Championship game at the Monrovia soccer tournament my senior year and winning CIF in Volleyball my junior year.

I'm excited to say that I will be continuing my education and playing Division 1 soccer at California Baptist University.

I would like to thank my parents for their unwavering support, my sisters for being role models as student athletes, my friends and teammates for making it fun and always having my back and for Coach Daley, Coach Francisco, Coach Kevin, Coach Barcenilla and Coach DeWitt for not only teaching me about sports, but about life and how to be a better person. Thank you to the ABC Board for making this Athlete of the Year event special during such a crazy time.

Veronica Rojas - Athlete of the Year Girls' Basketball Nominee

Next year I will be going to El Camino and I won't be playing basketball. Playing basketball at Peninsula has taught me many things like communication, working with others and time management.
During this last season there were so many fun memories, but one of my favorites was our trip to San Diego. We had so much fun traveling and spending time together.

There are so many people who have helped me succeed. Thank you Mom and Dad for taking me to all the games and practices.

Thank you Coaches Harvey Kitani and 80/20 coaches, Scott Yamada, Scott Tojo, Ryan Hamada, Jared Lloyd, Pat Sakasegawa, Theo Hawkins and the coaches who have helped me along the way.

Catherine Nguyen - Athlete of the Year Girls' Water Polo Nominee

I will be attending University of California, Santa Barbara next year. I won't play on the school team, but I'll probably play club or join an intramural team. I played on the varsity water polo team for four years and swim for two and they have been some of the best parts of my time at Peninsula. I've learned hard work, teamwork, and met some of my best friends in sports. My favorite memory this season was making CIF division playoffs for the first time in 3 years. I'd like to thank all of those who've supported me for the past 4 years - my parents, siblings, coaches, and friends.

Kameamomilani Vierra-Lambert - Athlete of the Year Girls' Soccer Nominee

In the fall, I will be attending Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, where I will be studying Nursing.

Coming into high school I knew I loved soccer, and everyone else knew I did too. When I tried out for Pen's team I had no idea of the large impact this program would have on my life. My amazing coaches saw something in me that I didn't and put me on the varsity team as a freshman. What an amazing honor!

As my time on the varsity team passed my junior year came along and I was named co-captain of the team. I didn't know if I was ready for that role, but my coaches and teammates had faith in me and I learned to have faith in myself. I learned to have a new sense of confidence, how to be a productive leader, the real power of connections, and most importantly, that love makes a family not blood. Every single girl that I have gotten the privilege of playing with is one of my sisters, and I am forever grateful for the lessons they have taught me.

My favorite memory from my four years of playing on this team would have to be blasting music on the bus rides and making up fun dances to every song that came on. This team wouldn't be a team without my girls, so a huge thank you goes out to them for all of the good times and not so good times when we had each other's backs, and for making this school feel more like home.

Thank you to my amazing coaches who encouraged me and pushed me to be my best self,and gave me a purpose when I didn't feel like I had one. Lastly, thank you to my mom. When my dad passed away I wanted to quit soccer because I couldn't imagine myself playing without him in the stands, so I want to thank her for always being my biggest cheerleader and pushing me to follow my dreams.

Through the hours of practice, many games, too much time spent in the trainers' room, and the countless laughs that this program has given me I stand before you as the person I am today, a proud Panther who will be forever grateful for the girls' varsity soccer team.

Colin Macleod - Athlete of the Year Surfing Nominee

I will be attending San Diego State University in the fall where I will continue to surf on their team. I have had an incredible time on the surf team at Pen. I met some of my best friends through this team and my surfing ability improved greatly.

One of my fondest memories of the surf team is from one day in the middle of winter when the waves were really good. We all surfed that morning and had the best time ever so we decided that we would all go to a spot called The Cove to surf again after school. I got there and most of the team was already out so I paddled out as fast as I could. We all surfed until the sun set and it was one of the best surf sessions I've ever had.

Overall the Peninsula Surf Team has been a perfect place for me to grow and make friends. I'd like to thank my dad first of all because he is the one who got me into surfing and helped me all along the way. I'd also like to thank Coach Helmrich for improving my surfing and always giving me good advice. Finally, I'd like to thank everyone on the surf team for always being so supportive and fun. They are the best teammates I could have ever asked for.

Nicholas Sims - Athlete of the Year Boys' Swimming Nominee

I am planning to attend the University of California, Berkeley in the fall and participate in both club swimming and water polo. My experience playing sports at Peninsula was incredibly positive and I will cherish these memories for life. Through sports, I met some of my best friends and learned some important lessons such as channeling nervous energy into success, communicating with a team, and managing academics and free time.

One especially poignant memory of my Peninsula sports experience was during the 2018 Bay League Finals when I dropped 5 seconds in my best event and achieved first place in the final heat.

These achievements, however, would not be possible without those who mentored and guided me. I'd like to thank Swim Coaches Helmrich and Shari and Water Polo Coaches Kaye and Charles for their knowledge and love for their sports. Finally, I'd like to thank my loving parents for their support while I pursued athletics during my years at Peninsula.

Shea Smith - Athlete of the Year Girls' Swimming Nominee

I am beyond excited to continue my swimming and academic career at Chapman University in the fall. I know that I would not be where I am today without the guidance and support of my parents and coaches. I would especially like to thank Coach Shari and Coach Helmrich for all the fun meets and team activities as well as for constantly pushing me to strive for my best.

Being a varsity student-athlete at Peninsula has taught me the importance of teamwork, time management, and leadership. I know that competing for Peninsula has changed my life for the better and I will bring my experience to college in the fall as I continue my swim career.

Jason Nowacki - Athlete of the Year Boys' Golf Nominee

Hi everyone! Just wanted to say thank you to everyone that has helped me get here. I'd like to thank my Dad for introducing me to the game of golf and I'd like to thank Coach Van Enk for being an amazing coach all four years I spent as a part of the Peninsula Golf team!

Next year I will be going to El Camino College studying business administration and while I will play for fun as much as my studies allow, I will not be playing golf at the collegiate level.

Other than winning countless league championships, one fun memory that I would like to share is going to 7-Eleven after a match that we won, and we got Slurpees and the brain freezes that followed.

Kelly Beaupre - Athlete of the Year Softball Nominee

I will be attending Dartmouth College next year to play Division 1 softball. Playing varsity sports at Peninsula for four years has given me an outlet for my passions, and teams that have become my family. I am grateful to have had mentors and friends in my teammates, and the ability to grow as a leader through my sports.

Although season was cut short, I appreciate the memories we had on the field as a team. My favorite memories from this season were getting hyped up before games in warm up, listening to our eclectic playlist, and jumping into the on-deck circle for our pre-game cheer.

I am thankful for my parents and coaches and their constant support. Also, I am grateful for the trainers' help, which was invaluable the last two years.

Ryan Umbrell - Athlete of the Year Boys' Volleyball Nominee

My time as a competitive athlete has come to an end. This fall I will continue my academics at Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business.

My favorite part of playing Volleyball for Peninsula was making a lot of lifelong friends, winning a CIF championship and getting the CIF ring!

I want to thank my supportive parents and Coach Kevin.

Joshua Masuda - Athlete of the Year Boys' Tennis Nominee

I will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the fall and will be a member of the MIT men's tennis team. I am extraordinarily grateful for my experiences at Peninsula High given the rigorous academic options and excellent athletic opportunities that enabled me to pursue my ambitions at the collegiate level.

The camaraderie of the tennis team and reaching the CIF Division 1 State Championship were my most memorable highlights in high school. I am so thankful to Coach Hoeger and my teammates who helped shape my character and were an important part of my amazing high school experience. The memories and the lessons I learned from Peninsula will forever be a part of me!

Aiden Lieb - Athlete of the Year Boys' Track and Field Nominee

I will be attending and running for UCLA in the fall of 2020. Running at Peninsula is a time I will never forget. Every single person on the track team has a distinct personality and therefore there was never a dull moment at practice.

My favorite memory during my time at Peninsula was Bay League finals my junior year. I would like to thank my 2 private coaches Marieke Miller and Kelvin Gamble, my mom, and my two best friends Jake Williams and Josh Ling for supporting me throughout my years at Peninsula.

Kioto Shimamura - Athlete of the Year Baseball Nominee

This fall, I will continue my academic endeavor at the University of California Santa Barbara. Playing baseball at Peninsula has taught me the importance of perseverance and unity. The long off seasons in the fall and winter forced our team to grow closer, and served as prime grounds for friendly competition. As my coach used to say, "High tide raises all boats", and those few months brought out the best in us. Although many of my fondest memories of baseball were on the field, my favorite time would have to be the bus rides back after a big win. That postgame mixture of exhaustion and joy was my form of pure happiness. I would like to thank all of my selfless coaches who put the program before themselves, and the countless hours they spent dealing with my stubborn self. I would also like to thank my parents who sacrificed their time and energy to give me the chance to pursue the sport that I love. Finally, I would like to thank all of my teammates and opponents who pushed and challenged me to reach the best version of myself.

AJ Rosato - Athlete of the Year Boys' Lacrosse Nominee

This fall I will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder and trying out for the lacrosse team there. I have spoken with the head coach and he has expressed his interest in having me on the team, but I still have to make the team through a tryout.

My four years playing sports at Peninsula have been full of joyful wins and frustrating losses that will last in my memories forever. As a freshman I made the Varsity lacrosse team where I played against guys that were a foot taller and 50 lbs heavier than me. That year I made my way up the depth chart where I would either start games or be the next person in line after the starters at attack and midfield. The following year I was the leading goal scorer and named Offensive MVP. In my junior year I was named a Captain of the team, leading goal scorer, Offensive MVP, and 2nd team All-Bay League.

Throughout those years I created a relationship with the head coach, Lane Jaffe, which was very confusing, but powerful. Lane preached to never be complacent with my skill and there is always more I could do to be better. He also taught me that we don't play lacrosse to hit people or to make a fancy shmancy goal that will get recognition on Instagram. Instead, we play to entertain the Creator, whoever or whatever that be, and to give back to him for giving us the gift of everything. I've taken Lane's lessons to heart and there's no doubt in my mind that those words have made me the athlete and the person I am today. Unfortunately, after many years coaching at Pen, Lane moved on to coach at our rival school. When I heard this news I was devastated that he wouldn't be there through my senior year, but I am grateful for the lessons he taught me not only as a player, but also a person.

My senior year I decided to join the football team which was a very drastic change from lacrosse and I also had no idea how to play. I remember Coach Young trying to teach me some of the basics of the game and to my surprise "trips" was a set and not a play. Luckily I caught on quickly and became a starting receiver throughout the season. After football I was anxious to get back to the lacrosse team. We had a new head coach, Alexis Goeller, who took hold of the team and changed it for the better. He implemented new plays and sets which made our game much more simple and effective, which led us to a season the whole team could be proud of.

My favorite memory from this season was the first game. I had a pretty nasty stomach virus which made me sick four times during the game, but I was able to clutch the game winner in the last minute of overtime.

I would like to thank the trainers for helping me get back on the field after too many injuries, my coaches for giving me so much knowledge that I can take to the field and life, my parents for having endless support in everything I do whether that be sports, schooling, or my social life. And to my 2016 Huarache cleats that just keep digging with me through tournaments and seasons from sophomore year to now.

Catherine Channell - Athlete of the Year Girls' Lacrosse Nominee

I would like to start off by thanking my incredible coach, Mrs. Borstel, my parents, and all of my teammates for their guidance, support, and enthusiasm over the past four years.

I will be attending Loyola Marymount University as a Trustee Scholar this fall where I hope to continue to play lacrosse as an intramural sport.

Playing on Peninsula's lacrosse team has been an integral part of my high school experience. In addition to lacrosse, I've played soccer for Peninsula and can say that the community present on both teams is something not found in the classroom nor library, but a teamwork forged of common challenges and funny inside-jokes. I had the uniquely wonderful opportunity to be our glax goalie last year for the last of our league games after our full-time goalie received a concussion. The sheer terror and adrenaline of being shot on in goal and the moments of laughter that followed have made it my favorite memory of the team. It represented a time when I stepped out of my comfort zone and everyone else worked extra hard to help teach me, help each other out, and, of course, have a lot of fun. Coming away with bruises that spotted my legs like a dalmatian, it gave me a new perspective of my team's ability and effort. I will miss it so much.

Thank you again for everyone who has been part of my years here, I appreciate it more than words can express. Go Panthers!

Dana Goldstein - Athlete of the Year Spirit (Song) Nominee

Although I have officially cheered for the final time as member of Song, I will be attending the University of California Davis next year where I will cheer from the stands every chance I get.

My time on Song at Peninsula made me into the dancer and spirited student I am today. I'll never forget doing the Zoo Groove every game and performing in front of all my friends.

Thank you to my teammates, parents, coaches, and everyone else who have been around these past four years. It's been a good ride! Go Panthers!

Sarah McGuinness - Athlete of the Year Cheer Nominee

I will be attending The University of Kansas in the fall. Over the past four years I have met so many people through cheer who I have grown very close to. In addition to meeting great people, I've been taught a whole new level of responsibility and teamwork.

My favorite memory from this past year was the Remember the Titans night game at Pen. The stands were packed to the brim and the energy was crazy. It was a fun crowd to perform for, a good game and a great night.

I would like to thank my parents for their endless support coming to countless games and competitions. I'd also like to thank my coach, Kim Stoneman for all of the hard work and long hours she's put into the team. Lastly, I want to thank the Zoo for always showing up and having a good time.

Lana Hollingsworth - Athlete of the Year Varsity Dance Nominee

I will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall, and I will be joining a dance company at the school. My four years on the Varsity Dance team at Peninsula has changed me forever. It has taught me the power of teamwork, perseverance in the face of numerous obstacles, and most of all, enjoying the hard work I put into every practice.

One of my fondest memories from dance at Peninsula is when we went to finals at our dance Nationals with one of my favorite dances ever, Let It Be. We were so ecstatic, and we poured our hearts out on the dance floor, a feeling I will never forget.

Thank you to Ms. Hendrick, who has been the most inspiring coach these past four years, to all the parents who always showed us love and support, and to ABC for their generous contributions to the dance program.

Clarke Godbold - Athlete of the Year At Large Nominee

I will be going to Long Beach State and playing volleyball in the fall.

My best team memory is when we played in the semi-finals of the CIF State Championships and it was a home game in front of the packed ZOO.

Another memory is when we played against South my freshman year and got destroyed and I was so embarrassed. It changed my mindset and made me work hard so that would never happen again.

I'd like to thank my family, Coach B and Coach Kevin for sticking with me through highs and lows. I'd also like to thank Scott, the trainer, for always letting me come in early for treatment. I also want to thank all my teammates for all the laughs and making it a fun time on the court.

Caleb Hall - Athlete of the Year At Large Nominee

My time playing basketball at Peninsula has been a special four years competing on the court with people who quickly became some of my closest friends.

I want to thank my family for the support they provided, the coaches for their continual guidance and dedication to me and the program, and my teammates for the special moments we spent together playing as hard as we could in front of the ZOO...especially the moments playing our rival PV, which were games I will remember for the rest of my life. I have never experienced camaraderie quite like the teams I've played for at Peninsula, and for that I thank them.

Next year, I will be attending Cal Poly SLO as an engineering major and intend to try out for the team as a walk-on.

Alicia Carmona Cornejo - Athlete of the Year At Large Nominee

I will be attending Pomona College in the fall and will be playing on the Pomona-Pitzer Women's tennis team. Playing four years of varsity at Peninsula has been such a great experience and I will always cherish it. Being part of the team meant being in a wonderful family who always supported me. My favorite memory was winning my three matches in CIF semi-finals and allowing my team to make it to the finals where we ended up winning the championship.

I would like to thank all my coaches and parents for giving me these opportunities to succeed in tennis. I would especially like to thank my teammates for making my four years of high school tennis so memorable.

Troy Simpkins - Athlete of the Year Special Invite

Next year I will be attending the University of Southern California to study business. I hope to continue staying active by playing intramural or club sports. Playing sports at Peninsula has taught me what it is like to belong to a family outside of home. It has provided a platform for me to form relationships with some of my best friends.

One of the highlights of my high school career was traveling to Orlando, Florida for a basketball tournament. The tournament was fun, but it was the time off the court that I'll never forget. Trips like that are what make me love my teammates.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. My parents are my number one supporters and the reason I have achieved such success. I also want to thank my coaches for not only being my coaches, but my mentors and friends. If it weren't for the trainers, I wouldn't have made it as far as I did. As a fairly injury-prone person, I was always in need of the trainers and they always accepted me with open arms.

Jordan Quick - Athlete of the Year Special Invite

I will be attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the honors college and will be swimming as a part of their masters program. Swimming for Pen has been one of the best parts of my high school experience and has taught me so much about the importance of good leadership, showing up for your teammates, and how every second counts.

My favorite memory is from Bay League Prelims when one of my teammates got a hairbrush stuck in her hair and it took almost 40 minutes to get it out. It was truly a team effort to get it out and was the bonding we needed going into Bay League finals.

I'd like to thank my parents, coaches, and teammates for all the support and everything they've done for me these past four years.

Ashley Weiland - Athlete of the Year Special Invite

In the fall, I will be attending El Camino College and studying psychology with plans to transfer to a 4-year university.

Having the opportunity to be a part of the Peninsula Cheer team for four years has been amazing. Coach Kim has been a huge part of this. We have worked hard, had lots of fun, and have given back to our community. Being a part of this team has helped make me a well-rounded person and has given me leadership experience. I will always cherish my time at Peninsula and the time with my cheer sisters.

One of my best memories of this year was the night football game. Cheer hosted our junior Panthers, Peninsula Football had their first HOME night game in over 15 years, the stands were overflowing for the Remember the Titans game, and we won!

Thank you so much to Coach Kim, the Peninsula administration, my cheer team, my co-captains Sarah and Ana, classmates and friends, my parents, brothers, and extended family. You have all touched my life and made me the young woman I am today.

Ricardo Punsalan - Athlete of the Year Special Invite

I am extremely grateful to have received this nomination and blessed with yet another opportunity to represent Peninsula Athletics. When I stepped on the field two years ago as an official Panther, it felt less like a transfer and more like a reunion, and I didn't realize how much I missed the brothers that I grew up with. It didn't take long for me to feel like a true son of Peninsula High School.

My most memorable experience was playing football under the lights. It was great making history with the team and on a personal note, it was my first game back. Most importantly, I had family in the stands and on the field.

There aren't enough words to express how thankful I am of my coaches, trainers, doctors, and parents. Thanks to all of you as I continue my athletic career playing football and running track at Willamette University. Go Panthers!

Congratulations to all of these outstanding nominees.

This year's Athlete of the Year winners will be announced during a Zoom ceremony for the athletes and their coaches on Wednesday evening and shared with you by email on Thursday, June 4.