Culver City Observer -

Players Honored At Culver Softball Awards Banquet

The Culver City High Softball team held its 2013 awards banquet on Wednesday, June 19 in the school cafeteria.

It was a true grass roots, family affair with parents, players, coaches and school staff all contributing to the success of the event. A number of junior varsity players volunteered to show up early and transform the large room into a Centaur showcase complete with white table covers and blue balloons.

The menu was a feast of homemade cooking, salads, chicken, pizza and other tasteful goodies. The full room of attendees enjoyed the pre-ceremony dinner while a slide show highlighting varsity players in action was projected on a team-bannered wall.

Varsity Coach John Sargent and junior varsity Coach Jesus Ayon conducted the award presentations to both the varsity and junior varsity players with the help of assistant coaches Rick Hudson, Duane Briggs and Heather Hudson.

Special recognition went to the team’s moms and especially: Ms. Coleen Tracy, organizer; Mrs. Emerita Andrade, purchaser of team uniforms and team bags, and Ms. Cecelia Gebroe - helper. The Culver City Observer was also recognized for its coverage and support of the team.

Team captain and catcher Lisa Kamba was presented the team’s MVP award. Sargent spoke of her character, “Lisa Kamba is an outstanding student/athlete and has the most talent I’ve seen in a little package.

“She’s worked hard for everything she deserves. Lisa’s a three-year all-league first team member. This year she was my MVP.”

2013 Team Awards:

MVP - Lisa Kamba (C), Jr.

Co-Coach's Awards - Sabrina Perez (1B/3B), Fr. and

Melody Rodriguez (2B/C), Fr.

Co-Centaurs Awards - Breauna Dunlap (P/2B), Soph. and

Alex Thomas (CF/1B), Soph.

Most Improved - Imani Bell (P/3B), Fr.

All-Ocean League:

1st Team - Lisa Kamba (C), Jr.

1st Team - Sabrina Perez (1B), Fr.

2nd Team - Imani Bell (P), Fr.

2nd Team - Melody Rodriguez (2B), Fr.

The senior varsity members were honored for their valuable contributions to the program: Niclol Ville, Valentina Avincola, Bobbie Cervantes and Mychelle Hale. All four graduated from Culver City High, have been accepted by and will be attending universities and colleges in the fall.

Coach Sargent more than once stressed the importance of education to his players and their parents while giving praise and handing out the individual awards.

And he reiterated Kamba’s credentials, “Last year and her freshman year she was my most outstanding player. She leads the team in home runs and RBI. She’s a great leader but that ability of hers is just incredible. It’s something I’d like to continue to see from her next year.”