Many coaches at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table’s Press Luncheon were eager to highlight the dedication of their student-athletes this season — especially those who are playing multiple sports at the same time.
“I see first hand the things these kids have to go through everyday, and it really is a testament to the athletes and the sacrifices that they’re making for their teams,” said Dos Pueblos softball coach Mike Gerken. “I hope all coaches recognize the sacrifices that all of your two-sport athletes are going through right now.”
San Marcos Softball
Coach Jeff Swann highlighted the growth of Izabella Velasquez this season, and said she’s really come into her own this year.
“She came in as a timid freshman, but she plays with great confidence now,” said Swann. “She hits the ball really hard, and she’s our number one outfielder this season.”
Swann also brought two-sport athlete Kamilah Morales, whose versatility and positive attitude have greatly benefited the softball team this season.
In a recent game, Swann asked Morales to lead-off just hours before the first pitch. Morales did well enough to stay at the top of the batting order in the following game, and hit a lead-off home run to give San Marcos an early lead.
Dos Pueblos Baseball
Following an incredible 17-strikeout performance on the mound, sophomore pitcher Ryan Speshyock was the sole Chargers player in attendance on Monday.
“I knew he had struck out five of the first six batters he faced, but I didn’t realize he had struck out 17 until after the game,” said coach George Hedricks.
But beyond his performance last Friday, Hedricks praised Speshyock for his leadership as a sophomore.
“We’re a very young varsity team this year, and he and the other younger guys have really stepped up and taken on a much bigger role,” said Hedricks.
San Marcos Baseball
Royals coach Wesley Ghan-Gibson first introduced sophomore Cole Schoenwetter. Despite receiving seven hours notice that he was starting on Wednesday against rival Santa Barbara, the sophomore pitched three shutout innings, and touched 90 mph on two occasions with his fastball.
Next, Ghan-Gibson talked about junior second baseman Nathan Lynk, a player he stated is “one of the best defenders in the league.”
For the season, Lynk is hitting .270 with nine stolen bases.
San Marcos holds a 13-3 record on the season, and is 7-2 in league play, one game behind first-place Santa Barbara.
Bishop Diego Softball
The Bishop Diego softball team has a saying in practice: “If Lily Simolon can catch it, it’s an out.”
Coach Al Cerda praised the defense and athleticism of Simolon, a player whom he stated always practices at 100%. Cerda also discussed an amazing diving catch that she made on Saturday.
He said while the opposing coach initially doubted whether the ball was caught, Simolon’s teammates knew immediately that she made the catch.
Cerda also singled out junior catcher Jenna Hayes for her attitude and versatility on the field.
“She’s just a great athlete, great person, and a great student,” Cerda said.
San Marcos Girls Tennis
Coach Jonny Sapp praised the versatility of freshman Jolie Mardiat, a doubles player who has been forced to step in and play singles for the team in just her first season.
“The girls never gave up and showed true grit this week, especially (Mardiat),” Sapp said. “We couldn’t have done it without her stepping up in the third singles position.”
Sapp then focused on Natasha Gill, the athlete of the week.
“She learned from her losses earlier this year and won the Channel League individual tournament,” Sapp said.
San Marcos Volleyball
Coach Roger Kuntz brought three players who have played an integral role in the team’s 6-1 record on the season: Hansen Streeter, Aiden Pazier and Colin Earls.
He said Streeter is one of the team’s starting setters despite being only a sophomore. In last week’s match against Dos Pueblos, he clinched the victory with a solo block.
Earls also sets for the Royals.
“Both of our setters do an outstanding job for us,” Kuntz said.
Finally, Kuntz praised Pazier, his 6-5 middle blocker.
“Opponents have had to adjust to our middles because they’re that good, and that’s freeing up our outsides,” said Kuntz.
San Marcos faced off against Santa Barbara in a crucial league battle on Monday night.
Carpinteria Track
Coach Van Latham brought Vincent Rinaldi, the male athlete of the week
Rinaldi broke the school record for both the 100 and 200 meters at the Russell Cup, leading Carpinteria to a team victory for the first time since 1999.
“He’s always been fast, but we’ve had trouble keeping him healthy,” said Latham. “In September, he would show up to the track at 5 a.m. to practice, and that dedication has really paid off.”
San Marcos Boys Swim and Dive
Coach Peera Sukavivatanachai first praised senior diver Noah Block for his contributions to the team throughout his time in the program.
“He has a tremendous talent and work ethic,” said Sukavivatanachai. “He’s self-motivated and always there to support his teammates.”
The coach then highlighted the ability of junior Asher Steelman to provide support and energy for his teammates.
“We have a varied set of skills on our team, and he’s able to connect with every single one of them,” Sukavivatanachai said.
Finally, Sukavivatanachai brought up senior Peter Frisell, an elite swimmer who will be attending Chapman University in the fall to play water polo.
San Marcos Girls Swim and Dive
Coach Brian Roth first introduced Sophia Panossian, a 4.5 GPA student who Roth stated is “getting better and better every day.”
“The way she carries herself and motivates the team is really contagious,” said Roth.
After spending nine years as a gymnast, Abbie Mintz is in her first year diving for San Marcos, and Roth praised her for her willingness to try and do new things on the diving board.
Roth also highlighted the team-first attitude of Holly Woodhouse, a swimmer who will “swim anything.”
Dos Pueblos Softball
Coach Mike Gerken brought two members of what he calls “probably the fastest outfield in town:” Leila Chisholm and Ashley Gerken.
“[Chisholm] is lightning fast,” he said. “She gets great reads on balls in the outfield, and she can steal a base at will.”
Chisholm also plays a key role on the Dos Pueblos basketball team.
Gerken then introduced his daughter, Ashley, a player who can play every position on the diamond.
“She pitches, she catches, she’s our starting right fielder and a first baseman in certain situations,” he said. “She’s not necessarily going to play short or second, but she probably could.”
San Marcos Boys Tennis
The Channel League-champion Royals are 11-0 on the season, and coach Jarrod Bradley brought two key contributors to the team this year: Jed Greenwald and Roman Suzuki.
In his freshman year, Greenwald is the singles champion for the Channel League.
“He’s 22-1 on the year, and probably the smartest tennis player I’ve ever coached,” said Bradley. “He has pinpoint accuracy and he uses his brains and his speed.”
Bradley said Suzuki has been pivotal in the team’s recent success.
“You don’t even realize how fast he’s moving on the court,” said the coach. “He can play singles and doubles for us.”
Santa Barbara Swim and Dive
“We talked earlier about two-sport athletes, and these are all two-sport athletes,” said Santa Barbara coach Mark Walsh of the four athletes he brought.
Walsh introduced Allison Bartholomew, a versatile swimmer who has already made CIF consideration times in the 50, 100, and on the relays. She also plays water polo.
Walsh also praised Juju Martinez do Amaral, a swimmer who missed the water polo season because she was playing on the Brazilian Olympic team.
Next season, Martinez do Amaral will be continuing her water polo career at UCSB.
Walsh also highlighted two boys swimmers and water polo players: Bronson Blix and Jordan Hayes.
“Not all of our guys who play water polo love swimming a lot,” said Walsh. “These guys came in and were really good role models and leaders for our team.”
Dos Pueblos Swim
Coach Kendall Kuga highlighted the character and achievements of senior swimmer Andrea Bish.
“I’m pretty confident she will make CIF for us this year,” said Kuga. “She’s a great distance swimmer for us who works hard every day.”
Outside of the pool, Kuga praised Bish’s commitment to the team, stating that she shows up two hours early to every meet to help set up.
Bish will be swimming at Pomona Pitzer next year.
Brandon Victor is a Noozhawk contributing writer. Contact him at sports@noozhawk.com.
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