Heritage High School Athletes of the Month are honored

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Menifee 24/7 is pleased to honor Athletes of the Month for the months of December and January 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.

Sophia De La Torre received high praise from girls water polo coach Lucky Stephenson. “Sophia’s relentless determination and outstanding performance in the pool has stood out this season,” he said. “Renowned for her powerful shot, she ranks second on the team in goals and leads in steals, demonstrating her skill and tenacity. Her passion for the game and unwavering drive make her a standout leader and an exciting player to watch. Sophia’s dedication to excellence continues to inspire her teammates and propel her to new achievements.”

Sierra Maxwell, a standout in girls basketball, has delivered incredible performances this season, averaging 19.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 6.2 steals per game. As the team captain, she leads by example both on and off the court. She finished Semester 1 with a solid 3.4 GPA and has signed with Division 1 college Liberty University.

Victory Joice, a key player for boys basketball, ranks second on the team in scoring and rebounding and leads in steals and assists. “Now in his second year as a starter, Victory has proven to be resilient, dependable, and a fierce competitor,” said coach Nyron Jones. “Known for his consistent work ethic, he is one of the team’s hardest workers. Victory also excels academically, maintaining a GPA above 3.0.”

In a hard-fought match for Heritage girls soccer against Rancho Verde, Lexie Jimenez showcased her talent with 2 goals and 1 assist. She’s having an outstanding season, leading the team with 24 goals and 13 assists. With her exceptional speed and skill, she’s a constant threat from anywhere on the field.

Joshua Ruiz, a standout boys soccer player, delivered a crucial goal to tie the game against Citrus Hill High School. Known for his dedication and work ethic, Joshua consistently gives 100 percent effort every time he steps on the field.

Arianna De La Torre secured her first varsity wins of the girls wrestling season, marking a significant milestone. Her coach said she is a joy to have on the team, consistently demonstrating dedication, persistence, strength, and fearlessness. Arianna’s positivity and encouragement uplift her teammates every step of the way.

Jacob Dalton, one of Heritage's top boys wrestlers, achieved an impressive eighth-place finish at the Damien Classic held at Damien High School in December. He has had an outstanding season so far, placing second at the Andrew Pena Tournament at Irvine High School and seventh at the Tournament of Champions at Sonora High School. He boasts an exceptional 26-6 record this season. However, Jacob’s true strength lies in his humility and character, both on and off the mat. His success is a testament to his dedication to the sport rather than a definition of who he is. Outside of wrestling, Jacob continues to excel academically, maintaining a GPA above 3.0.

As captain of the girls water polo team, Taylor Gruender's determination and focus have set the tone for her team’s incredible season. Taylor’s unwavering drive and leadership helped lead her team to the league championship for the first time in school history. With her determination and eagerness to win, Taylor continues to inspire her teammates to push past limits and chase greatness.

In January, Lakaila Trimble of the girls basketball team averaged 11 points, 10 rebounds, 3.5 steals, and 3.2 blocks per game. Since joining Heritage, she has made a significant impact on the team.

Anthony Contreras is currently third in scoring for boys basketball and leads the team in made 3-point field goals. A fearless competitor, Anthony is always prepared and ready to perform at his best. He consistently uplifts and encourages his teammates, embodying true sportsmanship. Off the court, Anthony excels academically, maintaining a GPA above 3.0.

Yahaira Sevilllano of the girls soccer team scored two goals in a victory over Orange Vista, showcasing her versatility. As a leader of the defense, she has been exceptional at reading the flow of play and positioning herself perfectly. After winning back possession, she plays a crucial role in initiating the offensive build-up.

Joseph Stephenson of the boys soccer team provided two crucial assists to secure a hard-fought tie against Canyon Springs High School. As a key player and team captain, Joseph has been a true leader throughout this soccer season.

Summer Knight of the girls wrestling team is undefeated in league dual matches and has placed in the top four at two varsity tournaments. Despite her small stature, Summer is a true powerhouse. She has faced tough challenges this season but consistently gets back up and keeps fighting. Her relentless determination and fierce spirit make her a true Patriot.