Lancers Athletics

Sunny Hills High School

Featured Athletes

February Female Athlete of the Month

Name: Justis Simpson

Sport: Basketball

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Movie: Finding Nemo

Justis, why do you enjoy basketball? “I enjoy basketball because it challenges me physically and mentally.”

Coach Weinreich, why did you choose Justis as athlete of the month? “Justis is our team leader in practices as well as games. Not only does she lead our offense through her scoring ability, but she is also a very important defensive presence on the court.”

February Male Athlete of the Month

Name: Max Thurman

Sport: Boy’s Basketball

Favorite Color: Turquoise

Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction

Max, why do you enjoy basketball? “I enjoy basketball because it makes me forget about anything that’s going on in my life.”

Coach Ok, why did you choose Max as athlete of the month? “Max scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 2nd round CIF game vs. Alemany. Max finishes his career at Sunny Hills as the all-time leader in 3-point baskets made in a game (12), season (134) and career (284).”

January Female Athlete of the Month

Athlete of the Month (January)

Name: Sarah Gauthier

Sport/Position: Girl’s Soccer/Forward & Outside Midfield

Favorite Color: Blue or Pink

Favorite Movie: Titanic and Notebook

Sarah, why do you enjoy soccer? “I really enjoy soccer because I get to spend time doing what I love with my friends who are also on the team. Soccer is also good because it keeps me in shape and we win a lot!”

Coach Gordon, why did you choose Sarah as athlete of the month? “Sarah deserves athlete of the month because she has continued to be the leading goal scorer on our team!”

January Male Athlete of the Month

Name: Kevin Pelayo

Sport/position: Boy’s Soccer/right coverback

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Movie: Happy Gilmore

Kevin, why do you enjoy soccer? “I love soccer because it has been a passion of mine since I was little.”

Coach Schade, why did you choose Kevin as athlete of the month? “Kevin was nominated by his teammates to be athlete of the month.”

November Co-Athlete of the Month

Name: Ala Valenzuela

Sport: Cross Country

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite Movie: Elf

Ala, why do you enjoy cross-country? “I’ve done cross country since freshman year and I love being on the team.”

Coach Scott, why did you choose Ala as athlete of the month? “Ala has lead us to league finals this year and last year along with making it to CIF this year and last year.”

November Co-Athlete of the Month

Name: Samantha Wekall

Sport/position: Volleyball/ Middle blocker

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Movie: About Time

Samantha, why do you enjoy Volleyball? “I like the competition and running plays and spiking the ball. It’s a faster paced game so things get pretty intense in the moment.”

Coach Tuaniga, why did you choose Samantha as athlete of the month? “Sam always has a good attitude on and off the court and she is always willing to listen to the coaches.”

October Athlete of the Month

Name: Griffin Simonton

Sport/Position: Football/ Fullback and Defensive End

Favorite Color: Navy Blue

Favorite Movie: Goonies

Griffin, why do you enjoy Football? “I like it because I like being on the field and hitting and being with my friends and just being an athlete. Also, shout out to my friends, family and girlfriend for always being at my games supporting me and always being there for me.”

Coach Caffrey, why did you choose Griffin as athlete of the month? “He has played excellent football for the first three games and has been a huge part of our success.”

September Female Athlete of the Month

Name: Esther Lee

Sport/position: Girl’s Tennis

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Movie: Up

Esther, why do you enjoy tennis? “I love tennis because it helps me to become determined to strive for my goals. Tennis has been a very big part of my life since I was four years old and I hope to play tennis for many more years to come.”

Coach Peterson, why did you choose Esther as athlete of the month? “Esther has the most wins out of everyone and she has been playing the best individually so far.”

September Male Athlete of the Month

Athlete of the Month (September)

Name: Nick Loomis

Sport/Position: Water Polo/Goalie

Favorite Color: Metallic Blue

Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings 3

Nick, why do you enjoy water polo? “I enjoy playing water polo because the sport is a great opportunity to be a leader and push my own limits.”

Coach Nighswonger, why did you choose Nick as athlete of the month? “Nick has averaged 9 saves a game through our first six games of the season. Nick also has 7 assists and has been instrumental in getting our counterattack started. Nick is a fantastic team leader and an excellent presence in the pool.”