GONZALES — As the school year comes to an end and this year’s group of senior athletes turn in their equipment, Gonzales High School has recognized the top male and female athletes of the year for the 2021-22 season.
Gabe Mendez was named Male Athlete of the Year. Starting from fall to the end of spring, Mendez was a three-sport athlete and always one of the top players on his team.
During football season, Mendez made the Mission Division All-League second team while collecting 629 yards with five touchdowns. Although the basketball season didn’t go well, he was voted to the Santa Lucia Division All-League first team.
Finally, Mendez was placed on the varsity baseball team for his senior year. Since his freshman year, he was always on a competitive team. Out of the three years he was on the baseball team, Gonzales has had a winning record.
Bryanna Perez was awarded Female Athlete of the Year. For as long as Gonzales High has been around, it’s hard for a player to make history during their time at the school, but Perez found a way by helping break a streak in volleyball and softball.
Perez was part of the softball team that made the playoffs this year for the first time. She finished the season near the top in hits, home runs and RBIs for the Lady Spartans.
Helping the Gonzales softball team reach the playoffs for the first time is an incredible accomplishment, but what Perez did during volleyball season was history making.
During her senior season, the Lady Spartans broke their playoff drought while also winning the Santa Lucia Division title for the first time. Gonzales finished with a 10-1 league record and 13-5 overall.
Not only did Perez make the All-League first team, she also was voted MVP of the Santa Lucia league.
