Menifee 24/7 honors Liberty High Athletes of the Month

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Menifee 24/7 is pleased to honor Athletes of the Month for September 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.

Andriea Ellis was recognized for her efforts with the girls cross country team.

“Only a sophomore, Andie has been Liberty's top runner in every race this season, consistently setting new personal records and breaking school records along the way,” said coach Josh Cagwin. “Her exceptional performances have been instrumental in leading the team to a current top 10 ranking in CIF Southern Section Division 1. Andie's dedication has made her a standout athlete, and we’re excited to see what more she will accomplish this season.”

Consistency is the key word to describe senior Juan Juarez of the boys cross country team.

“JJ has been the cornerstone of the team’s success as Liberty's top runner in every race this season,” Cagwin said. “He has delivered standout performances, including leading the team to a third-place finish in their race at Woodbridge, where he set both a new personal and school record. He also played a crucial role in helping the team secure a fifth-place finish at the Desert Twilight Invitational Championship Race in Arizona. His consistent performances and leadership have been pivotal to the team’s success this season.”

Cael Hansen was recognized for his leadership of the boys water polo team.

“Cael is one of the two athletes who have been a part of the program since it began,” said coach Hailey Badham. “Currently serving as captain, he exemplifies outstanding leadership. His unmatched energy consistently elevates the team's spirit, fostering a positive environment and bringing smiles to those around him. Cael's personality significantly influences the team's dynamics, and his commitment to leading by example while uplifting his teammates is truly commendable. His resilience is evident as he confronts challenges head-on, consistently overcoming obstacles with determination and grace.”

Sophomore Marianne Angel Alonzo has quickly made a name for herself on the girls tennis team.

“Angel has done something that no one has ever done in my coaching or playing career,” said coach Tyler Baca. “Last year she did not make either the JV or varsity team but made it her goal to make it this year. After a summer of hard work and preparation, she was not only able to make varsity, but she earned a starting position as a sophomore.

“She is what you want as a head coach. Angel works hard, listens, and applies what she is taught to make her one of my top players this year on a team that lost only one senior last year. I can go on and on about Angel, but overall she is an amazing tennis player and person and definitely deserves to be recognized for all the hard work she has put in to get her to where she is today on this team.”

Paige Rash was selected by her coach to represent the girls volleyball team.

“Paige has been an excellent example of a leader on campus and on the volleyball court,” said coach Morgan Spencer. “Despite battling an ongoing injury from previous years, Paige has shown resilience and determination by exhibiting her abilities to bounce back and continue being a valued member of her volleyball team. Her leadership reaches beyond the volleyball court as well.

“As a teacher's assistant, she assists freshmen with their biology classwork, encourages them in their extracurricular activities, and serves as an excellent role model. I am so proud of Paige and what she has accomplished thus far this year, and I look forward to her accomplishments in the future.”

Golfer Jamie Rose Bustos has set a positive example on her team and with her academics, said coach Travis Hodge.

“Jamie has been a varsity starter for our Liberty girls golf team since the school has opened,” Hodge said. “In 2022 she was the Mountain Pass League Champion and has made first-team all-league every year she has played. Off the course, Jamie excels in the classroom, boasting a 4.5 GPA while taking AP and college level courses. She also heads the knitting club on campus that meets at lunch a few times a week.”

Matthew Ramirez has been an integral part of the football team this fall, said coach Adam Contreras.

"Matthew has proved to be a leader on this team," Contreras said. "He has been voted team captain by his teammates and has lived up to that title. Matthew is a two-way starter and has worked extremely hard this off-season to earn those spots. He is a team player, maintains a positive attitude, and leads by example. Matthew has taken care of business on the field as well as maintaining a 3.83 GPA. Matthew is very deserving of player of the month and his qualities prove he is an asset to the team."