Ava Montesdeoca has been named Ceres High School’s 2024-25 Female Bulldog Athlete of the Year.

“I found out the night of scholarship night, and hearing my name announced was such a special moment,” she said. “At first, I was nervous but once (athletic director) Mr. Bussard started listing off my accomplishments, I had a feeling it was me. It meant a lot, especially knowing how many other talented and hardworking girls were in my class. I felt truly honored to be recognized, and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to represent CHS in this way. Lastly, I was really emotional knowing I’d be able to show this award to my Tata, who is and always will be my biggest fan. Seeing him so happy was such a bittersweet moment.”

Montesdeoca earned eight varsity letters during her prep athletic career, including four in softball, two in soccer, and one in track and field and volleyball.

“Honestly, it comes down to the hours of hard work, dedication, and all the support I’ve received along the way,” Montesdeoca said when asked what she attributed her success to. “From the start of my freshman year, earning this award was something I dreamed about, so I knew it would take extra effort, not just during practice, but outside of school, too. I’m especially thankful for all the coaches I’ve had across volleyball, soccer, track, swim, and of course softball. Coach (Mike) Corsaut has been one of my biggest supporters since day one. He always encouraged me to push myself and reminded me to always have fun. And knowing my favorite principal, Mrs. McNeill, was supporting me, I definitely couldn’t let her down. But she was proud regardless. And of course, my family has been my rock through it all, always showing up being the most supportive and best family I could ever ask for.”

Montesdeoca’s main sport was softball.

The middle infielder batted .572 from the plate with 11 home runs, 14 triples, 31 doubles, 95 RBIs, 50 runs and 69 stolen bases in 94 career games.

Montesdeoca was voted the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year during her final season with the Bulldogs.

She batted a career-best .609 with three homers, seven triples, seven doubles, 30 RBIs, 41 runs and 19 stolen bases.

A three-time, first-team WAC honoree, Montesdeoca earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American recognition as a sophomore.

She was named to the NFCA Second Team.

She batted .605 with three homers, two triples, 10 doubles, 24 RBIs, 41 runs and 17 stolen bases.

Montesdeoca’s softball teams also experienced success. She led Ceres High to three conference titles and four playoff berths. The Bulldogs had overall and league records of 66-36 and 48-8, respectively.

Montesdeoca enjoyed her best season to date in soccer this past winter.

She was selected to the WAC Second Team for her outstanding play at forward.

She collected three goals as Ceres High compiled an 11-7-3 overall record, finished second in the league standings with a 9-2-2 mark and qualified for the playoffs for the 10th year in a row.

Montesdeoca was a member of Ceres High’s track and field team junior year.

She placed eighth in the 100 with a time of 13.38 seconds at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-IV Finals. She set a personal record (12.95) in the prelims.

She finished fourth in the event (13.32) at the WAC Finals.

Montesdeoca contributed at right side hitter in volleyball in the 11th grade.

“I definitely feel like I exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I always tried to give my all whether it was pushing myself during a game or making sure I was lifting up my teammates. I stayed loud, positive, and just tried to enjoy every moment. My coaches set high goals for me, which gave me that extra drive to keep going. More than anything, I just loved being active and creating memories with my teammates.”

Montesdeoca had a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 at Ceres High.

“The biggest challenge for me as a student-athlete was definitely balancing everything,” she said. “Learning how to manage my time and put school first was something I had to figure out along the way. There were moments I struggled, but I learned and grew from those experiences.”

Montesdeoca will continue her softball career and further her education at Stanislaus State.

She’ll major in business.

“I’m excited for this next chapter and grateful for everything that led me here,” she said.