Menifee 24/7 honors Heritage High Athletes of the Month

From left: Matthew Mason, Jake Aldama, Danica Doskocil, Kaia Van Slyke, Taylor Gruender. 

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Menifee 24/7 kicks off the new high school sports season by honoring Athletes of the Month for August at Heritage High School. Honorees were selected by the coaches of their respective sports and were recognized with a presentation of certificates and photo opportunity on campus.

One of the stars of the girls volleyball team is Kaia Van Slyke. The Patriots are 6-6 overall headed into a showdown with Paloma Valley today.

Van Slyke was selected “for her dedication and hard work on and off the court,” said coach Diamonique Brogan. “She inspires anyone she touches the court with and it’s amazing to see her growth. She leads the team in many ways and utilizes everything she learns.”

The school’s honoree for girls tennis is Danica Doskocil. “She’s a team leader, senior, keeps the team in order and is always a positive influence,” said her coach.

Junior defensive standout Matthew Mason has a team-leading 16 total tackles for the football team, which is 1-1 heading into Friday’s home game against Knight.

“He’s a tremendous underclassman with outstanding leadership qualities,” said coach Rich McClure. “During the first two games this year, he averaged 8 tackles with 2 assists. His contribution to our defense is more than the statistics indicate. He is charged with making adjustments on the field and has become a student of the game.”

Golfer Taylor Gruender had the best score in her team’s first girls golf match, said coach Michael Mattison.

Representing the boys water polo among this month’s honorees is Jake Aldama.

“He is our team captain with 18 goals, 2 assists, and 3 steals for the month of August,” said his coach.