Editor’s note: Medical issues affecting our staff resulted in a delay in this announcement and in the combination of Athlete of the Month selections into one article for April and May. We apologize for the delay and for the fact that at this busy time at the end of the school year, some students were not able to attend the photo shoot. We hope you join us in congratulating all the athletes honored in this news article.
Menifee 24/7 is pleased to honor Athletes of the Month for April and May 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.
Swimmer Sophia De La Torre had an outstanding April, playing a key role in her team’s success during the Sunbelt League Finals, where her relay teams qualified for the Raincross Conference Finals. Building on that momentum, Sophia and her teammates advanced through the conference meet and secured qualification for the CIF Championships in both the 4×50 medley and 4×100 freestyle relays. Her relay teams went on to compete at CIF and advanced to Finals.
“This is an impressive accomplishment that reflects her athleticism, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure,” said coach Tatiana Coover. “Sophia is an incredible athlete. She’s competitive, versatile, and constantly striving to improve. She has a vibrant ‘firecracker’ energy that’s hard to match. She brings so much laughter and personality to the team, which is refreshing in such a competitive environment. She’s the kind of athlete who leaves a lasting impression not just because of what she accomplishes in the water, but because of the energy and spirit she brings to the team. She will truly be missed, and I have no doubt she will continue to do great things beyond high school.”
Tennis player Jacob Pobuda was a No. 1 doubles player with Isiah Smith. They finished in the top 5 in league for the season. He is a positive hard worker who is always working on improving his game, said coach Monty McIntosh.
Golf standout Taddeo Chavarria “works hard all week on improving his game, even in the off-season,” said coach Michael Bees. “He has a deep love and commitment for the game. The team would not be the same without you.”
Jalaia Pearce was one of the consistent top stat leaders for this season in STUNT and the main base for the past three years. “Jalaia is a hard-working, strong main base,” said coach Amy Frahn. “She never backs down from trying something new or difficult. She supports her flyers and provides strength and trust to her entire stunt group.
“Jalaia has never missed a practice or a game, and she works hard to always do better and show respect to her coaches and other teammates. She is passionate about everything she sets out to do and she absolutely loves this sport, her teammates, and her coaches. Jalaia is more than deserving of this recognition. “
Girls lacrosse player Emma Baker scored 5 goals in Heritage’s CIF match. She led the team in scoring for the month of April. She scored 17 goals, which is the most goals scored for Emma in any month in her career. That great month put with over 40 goals on the season, a new career high.
“Emma is a fierce competitor and gives her all during the match,” said coach Michael Mattison. “She has had a great season and we expect a strong senior season out of her next year.”
Franklin York was selected for his performances late in the season for the boys track and field team. Jade Cruz was similarly honored for her accomplishments with the girls track team.
Marcus Dillard led the boys volleyball team in assists. “Marcus is essential to ensuring the team can make plays and gave it his all in his final CIF game this season,” said coach Diamonique Brogan. “Marcus always works hard and continues to grow as a person and player.
“Marcus has been such a joy to coach. His presence will be extremely missed on and off the court. I’m not sure who will make me laugh as much as he did. To see his growth and dedication throughout the years has been an honor to be a part of. I know he will do amazing things in life. We’re so proud of him! Love ya, kid!”
Zebediah Downs concluded his senior swim season with accomplishments that are nothing short of outstanding. Throughout the season, Downs demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and athletic excellence, earning two automatic CIF qualifying times and securing his place at the CIF Championships. He was crowned Sunbelt League Champion in the 100 backstroke and continued to excel at the CIF level, competing in the boys medley relay and the 100 backstroke during CIF Prelims, ultimately advancing to the CIF Finals.
“His achievements reflect not only his hard work and perseverance, but also the commitment and passion he brought to the program every day,” said coach Shannon Stephenson. “Zeb has established a remarkable legacy for his teammates and future swimmers to follow. His coaches are extremely proud of all he has accomplished, both in and out of the pool, and he is truly deserving of recognition as Athlete of the Month. Zeb has been an exceptional leader, teammate, and competitor throughout his entire senior season. His work ethic, determination, and commitment to excellence have consistently set the standard for our program.”
Wade Johnson went 9 for 20 with 5 doubles in the month of April. This includes 2 3-hit games against Poly and Moreno Valley. He posted a batting average of .450 for the month and had 8 runs scored.
“Wade has shown leadership skills beyond those of any player on the team,” said coach Albert Zumaya. “No matter how far down or ahead the team is in a game, Wade does everything he can to keep the team’s energy up. He has sparked many of our rallies all season long. He deserves recognition for that alone.”
Tennis player Julian Chipres was the team’s most improved player, starting No. 2 doubles in CIF. “He had an amazing turnaround in effort and skill during this season,” said coach Monty McIntosh.
Golfer Isaiah Sanchez “is a hard-working person and willing to be a part of something he has never done before,” said coach Michael Bees. “The team is lucky to have him as a member.”
STUNT athlete Lainey Rodriguez “has emerged as an amazing flyer,” said coach Amy Frahn. “She is at the top for stats for the overall season. Lainey has been chosen as Athlete of the Month for STUNT because of her consistently positive attitude, dedication, and willingness to grow as an athlete. She is always eager to learn new skills and never hesitates to step onto the mat, taking on every challenge with confidence and determination.
“Lainey accepts corrections with maturity and uses them to improve, showing true coachability and commitment to the team. Her hard work, mindset, and overall athleticism make her an incredible teammate and a truly deserving Athlete of the Month.”
Swimmer Caleb Wonnell finished the season with an outstanding end-of-year performance, earning the title of Sunbelt League Champion in the boys 100 breaststroke. He also secured a spot in the CIF Prelims as part of the boys medley relay team.
“Caleb’s dedication, hard work, and commitment throughout the season have made his coaches and teammates incredibly proud,” said coach Shannon Stephenson. “We are excited to see all that he will accomplish in the year ahead. I am extremely proud of Caleb and the growth he demonstrated throughout this season. Caleb consistently pushed himself to improve and competed with confidence and heart. I look forward to seeing him continue to succeed both in and out of the pool next season.”
