GGUSD Board of Education Honors Athletes and Coaches of Character

• Friday, February 10, 2023

The Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) Board of Education recognized Athletes and Coaches of Character from each of the district’s seven comprehensive high schools at its meeting on February 7^th. The coaches and student athletes represent GGUSD’s award-winning athletic programs and serve as role models exemplifying integrity, sportsmanship and leadership in the classroom and in their sport.

GGUSD participates in three leagues – Garden Grove, Empire, and Golden West Leagues and fields over 22 sports with nearly 5,500 high school athletes.

“Congratulations to our 2022 Athletes of Character for meeting high standards both academically and in their sports,” said Board of Education Trustee Dina Nguyen. “We are also grateful for our amazing coaches who invest countless hours into making a positive impact in the lives of their athletes as well as developing competitive programs that have led to many CIF championships.” 

The Athletes of Character are student scholars who excel in academics, serve as leaders in their sport, and are role models in their schools. Congratulations to:

• Bolsa Grande: Catherine Palm, cross country
• Garden Grove: Sophia Martinez, tennis
• La Quinta: Allison Mai, basketball
• Los Amigos: Maysen Navarro, football and baseball
• Pacifica: Avery Stevens, soccer
• Rancho Alamitos: Max Smith, baseball
• Santiago: Savannah Gonzalez, volleyball, wrestling, and swim

The Coaches of Character have helped develop CIF league champions and teach students important skills like determination and confidence. Congratulations to:

• Bolsa Grande: Mark Vangrootheest, girls cross country, track and field
• Garden Grove: William Lou, tennis
• La Quinta: Jeff Nadeau, softball
• Los Amigos: Mike Solis, aquatics
• Pacifica: Brie Velton, cheer
• Rancho Alamitos: Sammy Macias, baseball
• Santiago: Melissa Adams, softball

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