Menifee 24/7 honors Liberty High Athletes of the Month

From left: Trent Hallis, Lilly Webb, Zihong Sun, Gavin Stephens, Josh Verdan, Savannah DeGroot, Katherine Lee.

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Menifee 24/7 kicks off the new high school sports season by honoring Athletes of the Month for August at Liberty 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.

Freshman Savannah DeGroot had a great August for the girls cross country team, said coach Josh Cagwin.

“Savannah has made an immediate impact on our varsity cross country team, showcasing her talent and dedication right from the start,” Cagwin said. “At the Cool Breeze Invitational, she was Liberty's second finisher and placed an impressive 7th overall in a field of 205 girls. Her performance was instrumental in helping Liberty secure the Varsity Large School Team Championship. Savannah's hard work, determination, and team spirit make her a standout athlete and a valuable member of our team.”

Junior Josh Verdan was Cagwin’s pick from the boys cross country team.

“Josh has shown dedication and perseverance, earning his spot on the varsity team this season through hard work and determination,” Cagwin said. “At the Cool Breeze Invitational Championship race, he achieved an incredible nearly 3-minute personal course record, a testament to his commitment to improvement. Josh's performance played a key role in helping his team move up 10 spots from last year's race. His drive and team-first mentality make him an invaluable asset to our team.”

Senior Lilly Webb was selected for her value to the girls volleyball team, said coach Morgan Spencer.

“Lilly is an excellent example of a leader on campus, balancing several AP courses as well as fulfilling her responsibilities as a captain of our girls varsity volleyball team,” Spencer said. “She has shown me that not only has she mastered her own ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, but has extended that knowledge to her "little sisters" in the volleyball program. She has taken these lower classmen under her wing and is helping them get a handle on high school. I am so proud of Lilly and I know that she will do great things this year, and in her future.”

Sophomore Katherine Lee is a positive influence on the girls tennis team, said her coach.

“Katie exhibits all the qualities you would expect in a student and athlete. While being ranked 13th in her class and maintaining a 4.0 GPA, she still works day and night to perfect her craft in tennis. She brightens up every day with her personality and then turns on game mode when matches come. Katie is one of one and continues to be an important part of our amazing team.”

Football coach Adam Contreras can’t say enough about junior Trent Hallis, who has starred for the Bison in their first two wins this season.

“Trent has worked extremely hard in the off-season to set himself up for a successful junior season,” Contreras said. “He runs the ball with vision and authority and leads the team with 5 touchdowns, 4 rushing and 1 receiving. Trent also is the team leader with 221 rushing yards. My favorite qualities about Trent are his work ethic and his competitive nature, and his commitment to his teammates."

One of the leaders of the boys water polo team is junior Gavin Stephens.

“Gavin has been an incredible part of our team, being one of the two athletes who have been with us since starting the program here at Liberty,” said coach Hailey Badham. “His leadership and dedication have led the team to forming a culture that will last for years to come. His drive to lead his team to greatness has allowed him to teach those around him what is expected of an athlete. His directives to his team during practice have made a tremendous impact on the team, taking the time to bring in the underclassmen and have the patience to teach them the skills they need to be a successful water polo player.

“I have enjoyed every year of being able to watch Gavin develop as not only a water polo player but as a young man who I cannot wait to watch succeed in the future.”

Representing the girls golf team among the honorees is sophomore Zihong Sun.

“Zihong is an outstanding student-athlete who is really excelling this season,” said coach Travis Hodge. “She is a straight A student who takes pride in every assignment she turns in. On the golf course, she recently finished in a three-way tie for first place in the Riverside Poly Tournament and shot -1 in her last home match. Zihong spends countless hours practicing and is determined to play Division 1 College golf.”