The Yucca Valley High School Trojan Boys Varsity and Junior Varsity soccer teams celebrated the end of the season with a banquet Saturday at Yucca Valley High School.
Coach Jorge Rodriguez began the evening by awarding players with the Scholar Athlete Award, given to those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Among those mentioned was Senior Daniel Goddard – who was named Yucca Valley High School’s Valedictorian, achieving a GPA higher than 4.0. Varsity letters were also handed out.
Coach Jorge Rodriguez awards Alan Campos with the prestigious First Team All League CIF Award.
Both Coach Jorge Rodriguez and Adan Mendoza took turns reflecting on the season and thanking parents, students, family members and sponsors for their contributions. Assistant coaches Lee Slack and Active-Duty Marine Justin Vaughan were given signed soccer balls and plaques in recognition of their volunteer work.
Players were also given the opportunity to read thank you messages at the podium, many thanking their parents for their support, their coaches and teammates.
One of the highlights of the night included the announcement of the First Team All League CIF Award, which is voted on by all of the coaches in the CIF division for a player’s outstanding performance in their position. Of those nominated among the schools, Junior Alan Campos was given the title and honor. Angel Ramirez and Carlos Santos-Rodriguez were also given honorable mentions.
Team voted awards were given to the following players: Varsity MVP: Alan Campos Varsity Defense Player: Brody Arnold Varsity Most Improved: Griffin Hilderbrand Junior Varsity MVP: Landon Gradilla Junior Varsity Defense Player: Jake Fenenoz Junior Varsity Most Improved: Fernando Linares
Coach Jorge Rodriguez named Senior Kyler Harlow for Varsity’s Coach’s Choice Award, while Coach Adan Mendoza named Sophomore Joey Rapazzo as Junior Varsity’s Coach’s Choice Award.
Coach Jorge Rodriguez expressed his gratitude for the season, saying, “I want to thank our coaching staff for their dedication to our team, to the parents for their support, and to the amazing student athletes who inspired me.”
Coach Adan Mendoza reflected on this year’s successes and is looking forward to another year of development and progress for the YVHS Boys Soccer program, which begins again in August.
