THE JSERRA CATHOLIC High School athletes who distinguished themselves or their teams in extraordinary fashion were celebrated for their achievements at JSerra’s 5th Annual JESPY Awards.
JSERRA ATHLETIC DIRECTOR CHRIS LEDYARD SPEAKS DURING THE MAY 29 JESPY AWARDS. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
In a ceremony akin to the Academy Awards, the JESPYS took place May 29 on the main field, kicking off a weekend of graduation festivities.
“The 2024-25 school year has been another phenomenal year for JSerra, one that continues to shine a light on our student athletes and coaches,” athletic director Chris Ledyard said.
The most prestigious award was for the male and female athlete of the year. To be considered, the athlete must have competed in their varsity sport(s) and “brought a level of excellence in that sport.”
The Female Athlete of the Year was Shea Gonzalez who starred on the Lions girls flag football team. Gonzalez, who scored 38 touchdowns in 27 games, leading the Lions to a league title and a berth in the playoffs. She was named to the All CIF-SS Division 1 first team, the all-county first team and was co-MVP of the Trinity League.
JESPY AWARD WINNER, SHEA GONZALEZ: GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.
“It feels great, knowing the great competition I was up against,” Gonzalez said. “It’s just crazy to actually win it.”
The Male Athlete of the Year was Lions soccer player Gavin Allegaert. Allegaert scored 21 goals and had 10 assists, playing a key role in the Lions undefeated season and the Trinity League championship, CIF SS Open Division title and Southern California Division 1 Regional title. Allegaert was named CIF SS Open Division Player of the Year, Trinity League MVP and was an all-county first team honoree.
JESPY AWARD WINNER, GAVIN ALLEGAERT: BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.
“I just feel honored to be selected out of all the great athletes that are at the school,” said Allegaert, who is taking his game to UC San Diego. “Walking up for the award felt like an out of body experience.”
The achievements of several other JSerra athletes and teams were also highlighted.
They include:
■ Eight Lions teams won Trinity League Championships – girls cross country, girls flag Football, boys water polo, boys soccer, girls lacrosse, girls track and field, girls beach volleyball and boys tennis.
■ Girls cross country won its fourth consecutive CIF Southern Section Division 4 title and its fourth consecutive CIF Division 4 state title.
■ Girls track and field won its third CIF Southern Section Division three title.
■ Boys water polo won its third consecutive CIF Southern California Division 1 Regional title.
■ Boys soccer had a “season for the age,” the AD said, finishing at 20-0 and capturing the Southern Section Open Division title, CIF Southern California Division 1 Regional title, and the Trinity League title. Boys soccer coach Eric Kirsch was named the CIF Coach of the Year.
■ Tennis players Riley Anson and Brady Schaefgen won the CIF Southern Section Individual Doubles Championship.
■ Swimmer Luke Stark was one of JSerra’s valedictorians, and senior track and cross-country athlete Annalise Packard was selected as a salutatorian.
Additionally, Ledyard announced that more than 20 student-athletes received sacraments of initiation within the Catholic Church this year.
“Our student-athletes remain connected to a life centered around accepting Christ,” Ledyard said.
Two former JSerra athletes and one team were named to the JSerra Catholic High School Hall of Fame:
■ Juan Guiterrez (201, former JSerra boys Soccer standout
■ Luciana Shafer (2008), pioneer of the JSerra girls volleyball program
■ JSerra Girls Cross Country teams of 2010-12, who left a lasting legacy of competitive excellence.
The guest speaker for the festivities was Olympic Gold medalist Mike Eruzione, team captain of the United States Men’s National Hockey Team that defeated the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympic semi-final in Lake Placid, New York. The team went on to win the gold medal in the final over Finland. The victory over the Soviet Union has been said to be one of the greatest upsets in sports.
GUEST SPEAKER MIKE ERUZIONE ADDRESSES ATTENDEES OF JSERRA’S JESPY AWARDS HELD ON MAY 29.
“It was an accomplishment by a group of athletes who believed,” the Olympian said. “We believed in ourselves, but more importantly, we believed in each other. And that’s a great place to be.”
Eruzione added: “The athletes that who are being honored tonight probably talked about the same thing. There’s no better place to be than in a locker room with players and teammates who believe they can be the best and to be successful.”