Menifee 24/7 is pleased to honor Athletes of the Month for March at Santa Rosa Academy. Honorees were selected by the coaches of their respective sports and were recognized with a presentation of certificates and photo opportunity on campus.
Orlando Landa-Wells is the Athlete of the Month in boys track and field.
“There are athletes who show up. And then there are athletes who show up, the ones who arrive with purpose, who linger after the lights go out, who understand that greatness isn’t built in moments of recognition, but in the quiet hours when nobody’s watching. Orlando Landa-Wells is the latter,” said coach John Hernandez.
“From the starting blocks of the 100 meters to the sand pit of the triple jump, Orlando has established himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile track and field athletes in Division 4. Currently ranked 10th in all of Division 4 in the triple jump, with numerous medals from invitationals and record-breaking performances throughout the season, Orlando has made an undeniable statement: he belongs.
“What truly sets Orlando apart is his unwavering commitment to his craft. He has made it his personal mission this season to become one of the top track and field competitors in our South Valley League and beyond. That commitment shows in every stride, every jump, and especially in the work he does when the stands empty and the lights dim. As a finalist for League MVP in both sprints and jumps, with League Championships just two weeks away, Orlando’s potential for a breakthrough performance is boundless.
“Yet what makes me most proud is witnessing Orlando’s growth not just as an athlete, but as a person. From his first year to now, the maturity, focus, and intentionality he brings is remarkable. He is an exceptional student and teammate who embodies everything we hope to see in a track star. I am honored to have him represent Santa Rosa Academy, and I have no doubt he will go far this season. Orlando, this recognition is well-deserved. Keep making an impact!”
The girls track and field Athlete of the Month is Scarlett Oakley.
“Over years and years of coaching, you have athletes who listen with their ears and then you have athletes that listen with their hearts, the ones who absorb every word of coaching, who trust the process completely. Scarlett Oakley listens with her heart!” said Hernandez.
“Since our cross country season together in the fall, I have had the profound privilege of coaching an athlete of a caliber I have rarely encountered in my 20+ years of coaching. Scarlett possesses that “Mamba Mentality”! She is not content with simply winning, but driven to dominate. As a freshman, she has established herself as the top 800m, 1600m, and 3200m distance runner in our league, finishing first in every league meet this season. She also anchors our 4x400m and 4x800m relay teams, which is currently ranked 6th in all of Division 4.
“Her medal-laden performances at our invitationals this season speak to her consistency and excellence. Currently a finalist and frontrunner for Distance MVP in the South Valley League, Scarlett has already made an incredible impact on our program, our league, and our region. What truly sets Scarlett apart is her complete dedication to her craft and her character. She brings everything you want in an athlete and everything you hope for in a person. The stamina, the speed, the grit, the mental fortitude of a champion, and the authentic kindness of someone destined for greatness both on and off the track.
“With CIF prelims on the horizon and her relay team positioned to advance farther than ever before, Scarlett’s potential is limitless. It is an absolute privilege to be her distance coach and an even greater honor to celebrate her achievements. Scarlett, you are exceptional!”
Golfer Thomas Little has been the driving force behind the team’s outstanding season, earning recognition as Athlete of the Month. A scratch golfer and team captain, Thomas leads by example with both his performance and leadership, said his coach, Montoya Gunn.
“Averaging an impressive 37.8 over 12 matches, he has consistently delivered for his team,” Gunn said. “His season includes 38 birdies and 132 pars, highlighting his ability to score while maintaining steady, mistake-free play.
“Thomas has also stepped up in big moments. He fired a 1-under-par round against Murrieta Mesa High School and followed it up with an outstanding 2-under-par performance against San Jacinto Valley Academy, proving he can compete at a high level against strong opponents.
“Thomas has helped lead Santa Rosa Academy to a 9-1-1 overall record and currently perfect 6-0 in league play. His leadership, consistency, and competitive edge make him a true cornerstone of the program and a deserving Athlete of the Month.”
Dylan Soules is the baseball Athlete of the Month.
“Dylan has been a consistent and impactful presence for our program in every phase of the game,” said coach Jeff Morabito. “Offensively, he is hitting an impressive .476 with a .593 OBP and a 1.069 OPS, consistently putting pressure on opposing pitchers by getting on base at a high rate and extending innings. He has scored 12 runs and has been a reliable table-setter in our lineup.
“On the basepaths, Dylan has been flawless, going 7-for-7 in stolen base attempts. His speed and instincts create constant pressure on defenses and help manufacture runs in key situations.
“On the mound, he has also been a steady contributor, posting a 2.86 ERA over 7.1 innings pitched. He competes in the zone, limits damage, and gives us valuable outs when called upon.
“Dylan is a high-IQ, team-first player who impacts winning in multiple ways and consistently does whatever is needed for the team.”
