25TH ANNUAL ACADEMIC ATHLETIC AWARDS

It was another successful year for Fullerton College Athletics, and the department was happy to host the 25^th Annual Academic Athletic Awards in the Hornets Nest on Tuesday with many student-athletes being honored for their accomplishments on the field of play and classroom.

The 2023-24 year was a good one for FC with football, men's soccer, men's basketball, and softball winning conference titles. Playing in the Southern California Regionals were football, cross country, women's golf, men's soccer, women's water polo, men's basketball, baseball, track, men's tennis, and softball. In fact, two teams are competing in for a state title in softball and men's track this weekend. The Hornet softball team went 21-0 in the Orange Empire Conference and now have 40 wins with 5 losses heading into the big dance. The team is looking to make history by winning state for only the second time in school history (1980 State Champs under Margo Davis).  FC men's track & field will feature the 400M relay team of Samuel Okerson, Ethan Chao, Thaddeus Justin Jones, and Leland Smith at the 3C2A State Meet. 

With all the team success, it was only fitting that Athletic Director Scott Giles honor the student-athletes that truly made a difference on their respective teams. Many individuals were recognized for their selfless leadership qualities, character, and hard work in the classroom.

A Special Recognition award was given to retiring Dean of Physical Education Dr. David Grossman, who will be greatly missed for his unwavering support to the faculty, staff, and student-athletes. In the last twelve years, Fullerton College Athletics have benefitted tremendously under Dr. Grossman's leadership.

The Academic Athletic Awards was the brainchild of beloved former Head Football Coach Gene Murphy who poured his heart and soul into furthering the education of Fullerton College student-athletes. Athletic Director Scott Giles has done an excellent job in keeping the torch lit for Coach Murphy's tradition by creating an atmosphere on campus where students-athletes are rewarded for their efforts and given the proper tools to help further their success not only on the playing field but also in life.

Click here to view photos from the 25th AA Awards.

The 2023-24 FC Academic Athletic Award Winners

Donna Cherry Most Inspirational Player Award – Amelia Hahs, Women's Volleyball

Margo Davis Innovator Award – Cassidy Hornung, Softball

Bud Dawson Character Award – Sebastian Acosta, Men's Volleyball

Ed Carroll Leadership Award – Brandon Nunez, Football

Mike Steinkellner Scholar Athlete Award – Payton Babineau, Softball

Arthur Nunn Multi Sport Award – Laura Valdivia, Women's Soccer and Women's Lacrosse

Christian Wood Athletic Achievement Award – Angel Sevillano, Men's Soccer

Jim Bush Memorial Track & Field Award – Steven Castro, Men's XC / Track & Field

Lt Stephen Douglas Joyner Award – Elvis Vakapuna, Football

Nick Fuscardo Award - Landon Runge, Baseball

Dr Philip McFarland Memorial Award –

Bill Chambers Athletic Trainer Award – Julie Garcia

Edgar Clark Character of a Man Scholarship – RJ Banks, Men's Basketball

Colleen Riley Memorial Women's Basketball Scholarship – Tia Jaquias, Women's Basketball

Bob Lenard Memorial Women's Basketball Scholarship – Sarah Shaw-Brody, Women's Basketball

Debi Woelke Scholarship – Jasmine Arnold, Women's Basketball

Hal Sherbeck Memorial Football Scholarship – Erik Hehl, Football

Mike Sgobba Memorial Baseball Scholarship – Justin Redfern, Baseball

Hornet Award (female) – Riley Jackson, Women's Water polo

Hornet Award (male) – Jeremiah Davis, Men's Basketball

FC Student-Athletes of Distinction – Laura Valdivia (W. Soccer/Lacrosse), RJ Banks (M. Basketball), Tadan Smith (football), Malique "Kash" Amos (football) FC Student of the Year

Female Scholar Athlete of the year – Toni Ballestero, Women's Basketball

Male Scholar Athlete of the year – Ethan Gibbs, Baseball

Coach of the Year – Crystal Aguirre and Marian "Speedy" Mendoza, Softball

Female Athlete of the Year – Jordan Elias, Softball 

Male Athlete of the Year – Misael Gonzalez, Soccer

Special Recognition – Dr. David Grossman

ONCE A HORNET, ALWAYS A HORNET