Eagles Soar in Athletics and Academics

With a handful of graduates already competing at the collegiate level and more poised to join them, Valley View High School's (VVHS) athletic program finds itself earning a solid reputation. "Playing at the next level is the highest honor that a VVHS student athlete can achieve," said Principal Kristen Hunter. Valley View Athletic Director Garth Jensen said there are many former Eagles currently playing at various universities. Former football players Michael Koury and Hayden Hornsby are playing college ball; Koury at the University of Redlands and Hornsby at Kansas Wesleyan. Softball players Samantha Galarza and Natalie Sanchez are both playing locally in the Big West Conference; Galarza at Cal State Fullerton and Sanchez at UC Riverside. Jamilla Williams also stayed local, playing on the UC Riverside women's basketball team. Joining them in the collegiate level are soccer player Sarah Ortiz who will be going to McNeese State in Lousiana, teammate Alexys Andaya who is headed to Cal State Bakersfield, softball player Coralin Bates who will attend Ottawa University in Kansas, and football quarterback Abraham Nuno who will play at the University of San Diego. The group recently gathered on campus in front of coaches, VVHS staff, and family supporters to sign their letters of intent for their chosen colleges. Sarah Ortiz, the youngest of four children, has been playing soccer most of her young life. "I've been playing soccer for 13 years," said Ortiz who added that what draws her to the sport is the crowd and her love of running and spending time outdoors. Ortiz is inspired by U.S. National Women's Soccer starter Lauren Cheney and is motivated to do her best with support from family and friends. Ortiz, a lifelong Moreno Valley resident will be moving out of state on an academic and athletic scholarship to the McNeese State in Louisiana where she will pursue a degree in Kinesiology in hopes of one day opening her own physical therapy business. "This is a blessing for me, having a school and the support of my family, friends, and all those who know me at VVHS and in Moreno Valley," said Ortiz who gave a shout out to her team, Legend FC. Soccer coach Jessica Calderon shares, "I have been coaching Sarah for four years. She has grown tremendously since her freshmen year. One of her biggest attributes is that she is always willing and unafraid to try new things, especially when it comes to improving her play. She has a big personality and is one of the loudest players on and off the field (in a good way). Not only is Sarah great technically and tactically but also is a leader on this team and in the classroom." Soccer player Alexys Andaya will be attending Cal State Bakersfield. Coralin Bates, the oldest of three children has loved softball since she was 5 years old. "I like the whole team aspect of it and how you have to work hard for what you get," added Bates. The lifelong Moreno Valley resident says of her grandfather who passed away when she was in the 7th grade, "He was my biggest supporter and encouraged me to do the best I could do, no matter what I did." Now, years later, Bates will be moving to Kansas in mid-August to pursue a degree in Exercise Science Ottawa University with the end goal of becoming a physical therapist. Shaunice Harris, who has been coaching Bates since last year shares, "A quote that comes to mind that reminds me of Cori is 'talent wins games, hard work wins championships.' She is such a hardworking dedicated individual." Abraham Nuno is a star athlete on and off the field. Since he was 9, Nuno has played football and his passion for the sport has only strengthened throughout the years. "I love the adrenaline and excitement of the game," said Nuno. As the oldest of five children, Nuno will be the first to attend college in his family and he wants to set a good example for his younger siblings. "I want to start a positive example and be a great role model for my younger siblings and show them with hard work they will succeed." Nuno says he is always striving to be better, never settling for less and admits that his father inspires him. "He keeps me focused and always reminds me hard work will pay off. He has taught me always to give 100 percent and play to the best of my ability." That determination and work ethic has payed off not only on the football field but in the classroom as well. Nuno is ranked 10th in his class and has held an above 4.0 GPA throughout high school. The San Diego native - he moved to Moreno Valley when he was five - will return to San Diego when he moves into the dorms at the University of San Diego. He is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and hopes to one day join the FBI. PE teacher and head football coach Dan Lyons says that Nuno has put a stamp on the quarterback position at VVHS with his maturity, ability to set a goal and achieve it, and by being a fierce competitor. "Abraham is one of those student athletes that will be successful in anything he sets his mind to. I expect him to be successful in the classroom and the football field for the Toreros," added Lyons. Ortiz, Andaya, Bates, and Nuno aren't the only athletes who will continue to play the sports they love. Basketball player Taylor Long, volleyball outside hitter Lauren Purdom, and cross country runners Diana Rubalcava, Tristian Arrieta and Taylor Arrieta will all continue to play their respective sports throughout their college years, although they have not yet chosen schools. Long was chosen last month to be a McDonalds All-American, one of only nine such nominees statewide. Purdom is narrowing her selection down from amongst four choices: Northeastern University and Wentworth (both in the Boston area), Bloomfield (New Jersey) and the University of Redlands. She said her decision will be based on her final feel for the campus based on visits and what she's able to glean from talking to the coaches. "Wherever I go, I'm excited to keep playing because I feel like I'm destined to play college," said Purdom, who has been playing for four years. Valley View offers a total of 17 boys and girls sports, with about 850 students active in on-campus sports. "We are very proud of all of our students who continue to get their education while playing the sports that they have dedicated themselves to," said Principal Hunter.