Shawna Nunes received numerous awards throughout her coaching career with Ceres High School's varsity girls basketball program.

Her crowning achievement was being selected Sac-Joaquin Section Model Coach of the Year in 2004-05.

Nunes was named one of the 20 recipients of the Norm MacKenzie Rookie Athletic Director of the Year Award at the 45th Annual California State Athletic Directors Association Conference on April 12 in San Diego.

"It's an honor and surprise to get the award," said Nunes, who completed her 18th and final season of coaching at Ceres High following the 2010-11 school year and has filled the position of athletic director at her alma mater for three years. "It means a lot to me. I can't do the things I've done without help."

Ceres High principal Linda Stubbs highlighted some of Nunes' accomplishments as athletic director.

"This award is very prestigious and only given to 20 recipients in the entire state," Stubbs said. "Shawna represented our section, our league and our school very well at the conference, but more important are all the great things she does on a daily basis for our athletes, their families, and our school."

"Shawna has implemented an athletic newsletter that keeps parents and athletes up to date on current hot athletic topics, rules and healthy lifestyle choices," Stubbs added. "She has been instrumental in developing a district-wide athletic handbook, has created consistent guidelines for all coaches, and has worked closely with the community on different programs that benefit the youth of Ceres. Because she is an advocate for athletes and coaches, our facilities have been upgraded, and our student athletes are missing less time from core classes because of early release."

Nunes, with assistance from Phil de la Porte, led Ceres High's girls basketball team to a 365-142 overall record, one section championship, six league titles and 15 playoff berths in 18 years.

The Bulldogs were a model of consistency under Nunes' guidance.

Nunes graduated from Ceres High in 1981. She earned nine varsity letters, including four in track and field, two in basketball and volleyball, and one in cross country. She was named the school's top female athlete her senior year.

A lifelong Ceres resident, Shawna was voted 2010 Ceres Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year.

"It means a lot to represent Ceres High," Nunes said. "There's a great staff here. Everybody helps me. This school is my home."