Fernando Galvan made a name for himself during his lone season on Ceres High’s boys volleyball team. The senior outside hitter earned Western Athletic Conference recognition for his outstanding play this spring.

“He showed what hard work and dedication will do,” Bulldogs’ leader Kelly Heese said. “If you’re willing to put in the effort, changes will come.”

Galvan, Ceres High teammates Ismael Pulido and Jael Mendoza, and Central Valley’s Garrett Akiona, Malik Pawlovich and Nicolas Garcia were honored during the WAC’s year-end head coaches’ meeting in April in Ceres.

“I’m extremely happy we were able to get some of our boys recognized,” Hawks’ coach Julio Madrigal said. “The other coaches saw their commitment, leadership, temperament and abilities.”

Galvan and Akiona were both selected to the WAC First Team.

Galvan embraced the role of team captain for the 2026 season.

“He was a great leader,” Heese said. “He was a very competitive young man. He constantly asked questions. His mindset made a big difference. He was more confident.”

Akiona, a senior team captain/setter, garnered WAC recognition for the second year in a row.

“He got better as the season went on,” Madrigal said. “He was creative on offense. The last thing you want to do is be predictable.”

Pawlovich, a sophomore utility player, was named to the WAC Second Team.

“I could put him in different spots,” Madrigal said. “He played everywhere. He even set.”

Pulido, Mendoza and Garcia were honorable-mention selections.

Pulido, a senior, contributed at middle hitter.

“The one thing I loved about Ismael was he was very receptive to coaching,” Heese said.

Mendoza, a senior, logged playing time at opposite hitter.

“Jael matured into an incredible volleyball player,” Heese said. “His hitting was very consistent. He was always ready to compete. He was energy on the court. The guys fed off of him.”

Garcia, a senior opposite hitter, earned WAC honorable-mention recognition for the second straight year.

“He got so much better getting on top of the ball and finishing across the court,” Madrigal said.

Ceres High (6-8) and Central Valley (3-11) placed fifth and seventh, respectively, in the 2026 WAC standings.

Galvan, Pulido, Mendoza, Akiona and Garcia graduated from high school earlier this month.

“I don’t know how you replace them (Akiona and Garcia),” Madrigal said. “They competed and held themselves to a high standard. They were respectful to their teammates, the competition and the officials.”

“They (Galvan, Pulido and Mendoza) will be missed,” Hesse stated. “They were the leaders on the court.”