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 October 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.

Sophomore golfer Ava Carrillo has made the most of her two years in the sport, said coach Travis Hodge.

“She has really excelled both in the classroom and out on the course,” Hodge said. “Academically, she has gotten only A's and B's despite taking advanced classes and is an excellent student. On the course, Ava has made first team all-league both years she has played for us.

“She also was a main contributor in our Mountain Pass League team championship in 2023, as well as our Ivy League team championship this season. She recently shot her 9-hole best score (37) at Menifee Lakes a few weeks ago. Ava is determined to improve herself as a player and hopes to play college golf one day.”

Sophomore Chase Mankin was honored as Athlete of the Month from the Bison boys water polo team.

“As a sophomore in high school, Chase has truly emerged as a standout player on the water polo team,” said coach Hailey Badham. “His dedication to the sport is evident in his relentless work ethic during practices and games.

“Chase's passion for water polo shines through in his strategic thinking and quick decision-making, making him a valuable asset to the team. Out of the pool, he balances academics and athletics with grace, inspiring his peers to strive for excellence both in the classroom and in the water.”

The football team’s honored athlete is senior offensive guard Alfonso “Fonzi” Alvarado.

“Fonzi has been a force on the offensive line,” said coach Adam Contreras. “He has played multiple positions and has done a tremendous job. Fonzi takes pride in everything he does on and off the field. He is a great teammate and has been voted team captain by his team.

“It is a tough job being an offensive linemen. They are in the trenches and it is not a glorious position. Fonzi was able to get some of the limelight when he scored a 20-yard touchdown on a scoop and score.”

Sophomore cross country runner Diana Flores has been a standout all season, said coach Josh Cagwin.

“As a first-year cross country runner, Diana, a.k.a “Gangsta D,” has already made an impact on our team,” Cagwin said. “Known for her work ethic and exceptional mental toughness, Diana pushed herself from the start, standing out to her team.. Her determination paid off when she won a JV race, earning her a well-deserved spot in the varsity girls' rotation. At the Mt. SAC Invitational, Diana proved invaluable, scoring for our varsity team and demonstrating her readiness to compete at a high level. We appreciate Diana for all her hard work!”

Cagwin also has praise for Zeke Orozco of the boys cross country team.

“Zeke has been a critical piece on our varsity team this season, showing a lot of growth and dedication,” the coach said. “At the Mt. SAC Invitational, he stepped up as our second scoring runner, helping to lead the team to a strong fourth-place finish. With an improved work ethic and a determination to excel, Zeke is quickly establishing himself as a leader on the team. His commitment and progress throughout the season have been inspiring, setting a great example for his teammates.”

Sophomore Catalina Loven has been a consistent player all season for the girls volleyball team, said coach Morgan Spencer.

“Catalina has been an excellent example of a leader on campus and on the volleyball court,” Spencer said. “She has demonstrated to me that she is adept at managing a large workload, while also giving 110 percent every day on the court. Her attitude and mindset does her credit in everything she does, as she maintains a positive outlook every day. Her mental toughness allows her to be a leader on and off the court, and I am so excited to see her continue to grow in the years to come. I'm so proud of you, Cat! Keep up the great work!”

Natalia Mattar is the honoree from the girls tennis team.

“Natalia has been on the tennis team since the school opened and has been a huge piece each year,” said coach Tyler Baca. “Off the tennis courts, she has this huge smile and personality. On the court, she comes ready to play and in game mode. She is someone I can count on to win two or even three sets each time we play. On her senior night last week, she won all three sets with a huge smile on her face and then cheered on her fellow teammates.

“She is someone I wish I could keep on my team forever, but sadly, she is graduating this year. For the past four years, she has made an example of what it means to be a Liberty Bison tennis player and helped build this school program from the very beginning.”