CIF - CENTRAL COAST SECTION
333 Piercy Road
San Jose, CA 95138
408-224-2994 www.cifccs.org
April 22, 2020
CONTACT: Marco Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Assistant Commissioner
2019-2020 CCS Scholar-Athletes Honored
CCS Scholar-Athlete Scholarship
The Central Coast Section has announced the 14 recipients of the CCS Scholar-Athlete Scholarships for the 2019-20 school year. These exceptional student-athletes were nominated by their schools and put forth to their leagues for selection. One male and one female were selected from each of the leagues that make up the CCS. The applications from these females and males were then submitted to the CCS Scholarship and Awards Committee. Below are 14 of the scholarship winners, who will each receive a $500 scholarship at the CCS Scholar-Athlete Awards Breakfast:
Anushka Savla, Leigh High School Annika Lin, Carlmont High School Kylie Gutierrez, Pacific Bay Christian School Emily Melvin, Harbor High School Melissa Lee, Fremont High School Tevah Gevelber, Castilleja School Nicole Oliva, St. Francis High School
Evan Franco, Branham High School Milad Shafaie, Carlmont High School Jeffrey Chin, Salinas High School Diego Sotto, Pacific Bay Christian School Paul Rosa, Wilcox High School Jeffrey Taylor, The King’s Academy Jassen Yep, Archbishop Mitty High School
Joyce Ridgway Memorial Scholarship
Joyce Ridgway served as a leader in the development of Women’s sports in the CCS and the CIF. Due to her tireless
determination and dedication to enhance and expand the opportunities for girls in sport, a scholarship is offered annually to a deserving female high school senior who exemplifies the characteristics of leadership, determination, dedication,
self- sacrifice and integrity that is reflective of Joyce Ridgway’s character and contributions. The following exceptional
female student-athlete will be honored at the Scholar-Athlete Awards Breakfast as the winner of the $500 Joyce Ridgway Memorial Scholarship:
Allison Li, Lynbrook High School
Jeff Lamb Scholarship
Jeff Lamb from Milpitas High School was a teacher, a coach and an athletic administrator during a career that spanned 42 years. During his tenure, he coached 77 different seasons, most of them in three sports; Girls Volleyball, Girls Basketball, and Softball. Coach Lamb provided guidance and support to his student- athletes on and off the court and field of play. Coach Lamb has been recognized as the State Athletic Director of the Year, State Volleyball Coach of the Year, CIF Model Volleyball Coach, CIF Distinguished Service Award and with the CCS Distinguished Service Awards. In all 42 years of service, Coach Jeff Lamb has held true to his passion and commitment to mentoring other coaches and athletic directors to help student athletes achieve and enjoy athletics at the highest level. Ideal candidates for the $500.00 Jeff Lamb Scholarship are student-athletes who have exhibited an interest in becoming a teacher/coach and eventually attain leadership in the Athletic Director role .
David Ornelas Jackson, Silver Creek High School
CCS Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year
The CCS Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year were chosen from the pool of 16 student-athletes put forth by their leagues. Through a review of their applications as well as an interview, the following two student-athletes were chosen for this honor. These two students reflect the very best of the CCS. They are talented athletes within the Section,
earning numerous accolades as well as celebrating team success. They are outstanding students with high GPA’s,
impressive test scores, while taking rigorous course loads. They shine within their communities and serve others through volunteer work. The following two outstanding student-athletes will be honored as the CCS Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the CCS Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, each receiving a $1,500 scholarship at the CCS Scholar-Athlete Awards Breakfast:
- Sophia Sanico, York School
- Dillon Danner, Santa Cruz High School
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CCS Female Athlete of the Year Award Winner
Sophia Sanico, York School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Boys Water Polo (No girls program at York), 1 year Volleyball, 3 years Soccer, 1 year Lacrosse and 3 years Swimming. Activities & Honors: 4 years Student Leadership, 4 years Orchestra, 4 years French Honor Society, 3 years Choir, 2 years Project Light Charity, Water Polo Co-Captain & First Team AllLeague, Rookie of the Year in Volleyball and Soccer, MVP Defense Soccer.
GPA: 4.13
College plans: Considering UCLA, New York or Santa Clara University
Major: History
“Sophia is a sincere and kind young woman blessed with integrity, purpose, honesty, and a strong desire to help her fellow men and women. Sophia is a model citizen on our campus, in the classroom, in athletics, and most importantly in each day of her daily life. She is a spiritual,
int ellectual, and deeply moral young woman.” Steve A. Peters, Athletic Director.
CCS Male Athlete of the Year Award Winner
Dillon Danner, Santa Cruz High School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Football, 4 years Basketball, and 4 years Baseball. Activities & Honors: School Site Council Student Representative, Student Activities Representative, Volunteer Assistant Youth Baseball and Recreational Basketball Team, Wharf to Wharf Race Volunteer, Scotts Valley Little League All-Stars Baseball Tournament Volunteer, PCAL-Cypress Offensive Football Player of the Year, 2019 Division 5 CCS Champions, Team Captain, 2ndTeam All-league Catcher, SCHS Athlete of the Year.
- GPA: 4.31
- College plans: College of Idaho Major: Business Administration
“In my 20 years as an Athletic Director I would put him at the top of my list as one of the most well- rounded student athletes I have ever had the pleasure of being around. Dillon’s academic honors are just as i mpressive as his athletic achievements.” Erik Redding, Athletic Director.
Joyce Ridgway Scholarship Award Winner
Allison Li, Lynbrook High School
Varsity Sports: 3 years Water Polo, 2 years Basketball and 3 years Swimming Activities & Honors: California Scholarship Federation, Literary Magazine Vertigo, Spanish Club, Photography Club, 110 hours of community service through CSF for various charities. Coach’s Award and 4 years Scholar-Athlete.
- GPA: 4.0 College plans: UC Davis or UC Santa Barbara
- Major: Biological Sciences
“Allison is very loyal to her teammates. To her, they have become a “smaller community or family
during my high school years.” This is so mething I want for all of the student athletes on my campus. This is something that you get from participating in sports. I have seen Allison grow and mature for the last four years of high school. I cannot think of a better candidate for the Joyce
Ridgway Memorial Scholarship.” Jennifer Griffin, Athletic Director.
Jeff Lamb Scholarship Award Winner
David Ornelas Jackson, Silver Creek High School
Varsity Sports: 3 years Water Polo, 3 years Soccer, 2 years Track & Field, 1 Year Football Activities & Honors: Dozens of community service hours for various charities, Latino Student Union, Black Student Union, All-League Water Polo, Soccer & Track, MVP Water Polo & Soccer, Team Captain Water Polo & Soccer.
- GPA: 3.1
- College plans: DeAnza College Major: Sports Marketing/Management
“David has embraced a belief, that, through sports, scholastic and community involvement, he can
have the biggest impact on his personal growth and, in the long run, have a positive impact on the world. I believe David will make positive contributions to society and leave a lasting mark on the
people he touches.” Eric Luescher, Athletic Director.
Female Scholar Athlete- Blossom Valley Athletic League
Anushka Savla, Leigh High School
Varsity Sports: 3 years Soccer
Activities & Honors: Senior Class President, ASB Fundraising Commission 3years, National Honor Society 2 years, National Arts Society, AP Scholar Athlete with Distinction, 2nd Team All-League
GPA: 4.3 College plans: Undecided Major: Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
“As a leader within our school community she was elected by her Senior class to be the Senior Class President. Anushka has been a true joy and pleasure to watch over the last four years as she has grown
as a player, person, and leader on Leigh's campus.” Jake Shaughnessy, Athletic Director.
Male Scholar Athlete- Blossom Valley Athletic League
Evan Franco, Branham High School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Cross-Country & 4 years Track & Field Activities & Honors: 3 years National Honor Society, 3 years Peer Tutoring, AP Scholar Award, National Hispanic Scholar. 4-year CCS qualifier in Cross-Country and two-time State Qualifier. 4 years All-League in Cross-Country and Track & Field.
- GPA: 4.21
- College plans: University of Arizona
- Major: Mechanical Engineering
“During his time at Branham, Evan demonstrated all the characteristics of a superb student -athlete. He
has represented himself, our programs, our league and our section with the highest level of dedication, sportsmanship and competitiveness. He is a shining example of what it means to succeed in the
classroom and as an athlete.” Landon Jacobs, Athletic Director.
Female Scholar Athlete- Peninsula Athletic League
Annika Lin , Carlmont High School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Tennis
Activities & Honors: First Violinist Peninsula Youth Orchestra, Certificate of Merit Branch Honors Piano, DECA Co-Founder, Girls Scout of America Bronze Silver and Gold Awards, French Tutor, 2 years Tennis Team Captain, 3 years All-League Tennis, MVP, USTA 8-time champion.
- GPA: 4.47
- College plans: Georgetown or UC Berkeley
- Major: Economics
“Throughout her time at Carlmont, Annika has disp layed all of the necessary characteristics of an
exemplary student athlete, with a high degree of character. From calling the ball that hit a corner of the
line, “In” on the tennis court to working with our homeless populations as part of the Buddhist
Foundation, Annika takes on challenges and experiences from many different aspects of life with
politeness in her voice and a smile on her face.” Patrick Smith, Athletic Director.
Male Scholar Athlete- Peninsula Athletic League
Milad Shafaie , Carlmont High School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Tennis
Activities & Honors: Key Club President, Kiwanis Special Games Organizer, Sports Leadership, Pediatric Trauma Program and UNICEF volunteer, National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar, Carlmont Hall of Fame Inductee, Junior Tennis Camp Coach, 3 years All-League Tennis, and Team Captain.
- GPA: 4.35
- College plans: UC Berkeley
Major: Applied Mathematics or Biophysics
“Along with being the example that his teammates can look towards, Milad is there for th em in many
different capacities. He provides advice during difficult times, leads practice and off-season workouts, and addresses the team with a pump up speech before every match. He is a natural leader, and his peers tend to gravitate towards him as a re sult.” Marcus Beltramo, Boys Tennis Coach.
Female Scholar Athlete- Private School Athletic League
Kylie Gutierrez, Pacific Bay Christian School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Volleyball and 4 years Basketball Activities & Honors: 4 years Student Government, Yearbook Staff, Tutor, Spiritual Ministry, Volunteer Food Drive, Basketball Defensive Player of the Year, Volleyball Most Improved, Volleyball and Basketball Team Captain
- GPA: 3.37
- College plans: Undecided
- Major: Psychology
“ Kylie’s passion and dedication to everything she does are evident not only in her character and
sportsmanship, but also in her work ethic in school, and extracurricular activities. Kylie demonstrates to me the poise and confidence that are essential not only in academics and athletics
but also as a strong leader in our community.” Natalie Talbot Ayres, Athletic Administrator.
Male Scholar Athlete- Private School Athletic League
Diego Sotto, Pacific Bay Christian School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Basketball, 4 years Baseball, 2 years Soccer, 1 year Cross-Country Activities & Honors: Student Body Secretary, Class Representative, Volunteer Trainer for AAU Youth Basketball Summer League, Caritas Program Treasurer, City Impact Volunteer to assist homeless population. Baseball All-League, Soccer All-League, Basketball CCS Finalist & State Qualifier
- GPA: 4.12
- College plans: Santa Clara University
- Major: Business
“ No one matches Diego in terms of teamwork, passion and pure work ethic. He is a constant inspiration to me because whatever the task, big or small, Diego is up for the challenge.” Head
Varsity Basketball Coach Mark Bermudez said. “Diego is a class act. He is a dedicated, hard
worker, and diligent with all activitie s including schoolwork.”
Male Scholar Athlete- Pacific Coast Athletic League
Jeffrey Chin, Salinas High School
Varsity Sports: 3 years Football, 2 years Golf, 1year Track & Field Activities & Honors: Volunteer Youth Football Program, National Honor Society Vice President, California Scholarship Foundation, AP Scholar, 3 years Football All-League, Offensive and Defensive MVP, 2 years Golf, Track & Field League Champion 300 hurdles.
- GPA: 4.48
- College plans: Undecided
- Major: Undeclared
“Jeffr ey has over 150 hours of community service, with the majority of his hours giving back to the sports community at both the elementary and middle school level. Jeffrey remembers the role models that he had during those formative years, and now serves as an awesome example to those young
student- athletes.” Patty Lamar, Athletic Director.
Female Scholar Athlete- Santa Cruz County Athletic League
Emily Melvin, Harbor High School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Volleyball
Activities & Honors: AP Scholar with Distinction, 4 years Honor Roll, Mock Trial Team, Environmental Club, Student Leadership, Link Crew, Volleyball Team Captain and All-League, Twice SCCAL Champions.
- GPA: 4.29
- College plans: UC Santa Cruz
- Major: History
“Emily embodies the best of what we want in our student athletes. A strong desire to become the best she can be and a positive member of her team. She gives back to her community in deeds and with her time. Her love of volleyball has given her opportunities to coach at youth clinics and at the elementary and middle school levels. Emily sees opportunities to be of service to others and takes those
opportunities.” Athletic Director Hollis O’Brien.
Female Scholar Athlete- Santa Clara Valley Athletic League
Melissa Lee, Fremont High School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Wrestling & 3 years Track &Field Activities & Honors: Link Crew Founder, 4 years School Site Council, 4 years National Honor Society, 3 years California Scholarship Board Member, Wrestling 2-time CCS Champion, 2-time CIF All-State, Pan America Silver Medalist and Six-time USA Wrestling California State Champion.
- GPA: 4.0
- College plans: Stanford University
- Major: Computer Science
“Melissa started her “Yes We Can” program last summer as a way to inspire young girls to wrestl e
in a traditionally male dominated sport. Melissa chose to cut back her summer wrestling schedule so that she could get her initiative off the ground more quickly with assemblies, girls only practices and serving as a volunteer coach. I think this selflessness shows what a special person Melissa is and that
she sees a larger purpose can be had through her athletic success.” Jason Townsend, Athletic
Director.
Male Scholar Athlete- Santa Clara Valley Athletic League
Paul Rosa, Adrian C. Wilcox High School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Baseball, 4 years Football, Track & Field Activities & Honors: ASB Class Council, Outstanding Leader Award, Outstanding Citizen Award, Homecoming King. 4 years All-League Football and League MVP and 2018 State CIF 3A Champions, 3 years All-League Baseball.
GPA: 4.2 College plans: Chapman University Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
“In a world where kindness is an increasingly important attribute, Paul M. Rosa practices his own
advice- “Just be nice to people” - in his daily life and interactions. His strong leadership shines in and out of the classroom and on and off the field. Paul leads by example in his words and actions.
We are proud he is a Charger.” Kristin Gonzalez, Principal.
Female Scholar Athlete- West Bay Athletic League
Tevah Gevelber, Castilleja School
Varsity Sports: 4 years Cross-Country, 4 years Track & Field, 1-year Soccer Activities & Honors: 4 years School Social Justice Club, 4 years Current Events Club, 2 years Riddle Club, 9th Grade Peer Advisor, 11th Grade Castilleja Women Learning Award, 10th Grade Margarita Espinosa Award, Diller Teen Award, and Carol Hyde Inspiration Award. 2-Time CCS D5 Cross-Country Champion and 2-Time CIF State Medalist, Team MVP, All-League Track & Field.
GPA: 4.07 College plans: Undecided
Major: International Relations or Political Science
“Tevah not only makes herself better, but she truly makes her teammates better. There are 4 critical elements to be illustrated to define true sportsmanship: good form, the will to win, equity, and fairness. Tevah is a complete balance of all 4 of these elements and more, including her courage to work hard and respect the game. She loves her teammates, friends, family and Castilleja
community.” Mary Jo Pruitt, Director of Athletics
Male Scholar Athlete- West Bay Athletic League
Jeffrey Taylor, The King’s Academy
Varsity Sports: Basketball and Baseball
Activities & Honors: National Honor Society & California Scholarship Federation Seal bearer.
GPA: 4.23 College plans: Undecided Major: STEM related
Jeffrey Taylor overcame a devastating and catastrophic injury that nearly left him paralyzed. He regained his ability to walk and went on to earn multiple MVP awards and both basketball and baseball. High School counselor Rebecca Threewitt said. “Among high performing individuals, most
often, one or two talents stand out. In Jeffrey's case, he is good at everything. What does stand out to me is his humility and steady, even-keeled personality. Jeffrey stays on top of his commitments without
fanfare, and he has the heart of a champion.”
