Central Valley’s Mason Whitworth and Brooklynn Steeley have been named the Courier’s Male and Female Athletes of the Year, respectively, for the spring sports season.
Hawk standouts Noah Maldonado and Selah Chesney were selected as Male and Female Newcomer Athletes of the Year.
Whitworth joined elite company this year by becoming just the fourth baseball player from Central Valley to earn Most Valuable Player honors in conference play.
The senior shortstop followed in the footsteps of Chris Garcia (2025), Gabrial Lopez (2021) and Ruben Casas (2013).
“Mason was our heartbeat, offensively, all season,” Central Valley leader Brad Bussard said. “He was our most consistent and clutch hitter throughout the year. He really set the tone for us.”
Whitworth batted .419 from the plate with two triples, two doubles, 15 RBIs, 25 runs and six stolen bases against Western Athletic Conference competition.
“He took a huge jump from sophomore to junior year,” Bussard said. “Senior year, we expected that. He works hard in the weight room and at practice. He puts in work outside of school.”
Steeley also made program history by becoming the first softball player from Central Valley to be voted Most Valuable Player during conference play.
The junior starred at pitcher and logged playing time at first base.
She was also a major contributor on offense.
“I definitely thought BB (Brooklynn) was the best player in our league,” Hawks’ head coach Jimmy Bates stated. “It was nice seeing the other coaches agree with that. She worked really hard for it (MVP).”
Steeley batted .609 from the plate with two home runs, two triples, 11 doubles, 32 RBIs, nine runs and five stolen bases.
Steeley posted a 7-1 record at pitcher with a 3.18 earned-run average, 43 strikeouts, 12 walks, one no-hitter and one complete game in 55 innings.
“BB (Brooklynn) had an amazing year,” Bates said. “She did everything for our team.”
Maldonado was selected to the WAC First Team for his outstanding play in baseball.
The sophomore compiled a perfect 6-0 record at pitcher with a 0.90 ERA, 33 strikeouts and 14 walks in 31 innings.
“Noah should have been Pitcher of the Year,” Bussard said. “He was 100 percent the best pitcher during league play.”
Maldonado also contributed on offense.
He batted .400 from the plate with one triple, one double, six RBIs and three runs in 10 games.
He had no strikeouts in 20 at-bats.
He made no errors while posting a 1.000 fielding percentage on defense.
Chesney was a major contributor on Central Valley’s softball team as an underclassman.
The freshman shortstop was voted the WAC’s Offensive Player of the Year.
“I was surprised,” Bates said. “It was cool seeing her get that recognition as a freshman. She’s a special player.”
Chesney batted. .574 from the plate with one home run, three triples, six doubles, 16 RBIs, 28 runs and eight stolen bases.
She didn’t strike out a single time in 47 at-bats.
“Selah was a really hard out,” Bates said. “She constantly put the ball in play.”
