Ayana Lopez from the softball team and Joseph Star of football were selected as the 2023-234 Coalinga College Student-Athletes of the Year after impressive seasons on the field and in the classroom. The pair were honored as part of the annual Celebration of Student-Athletes by the college on Thursday, May 9.

Lopez and Star, as well as 82 student-athletes that earned Honor Roll during the fall semester were recognized by Coalinga College President Carla Tweed and Director of Sport Operations Justin Berna.

Student-athletes that achieved All-Central Valley Conference accolades during the spring season were presented their certificates and awards while recipients from the fall and winter seasons were also recognized.

Ayana Lopez—Softball, Freshman #21
Psychology Major
4.0 Spring GPA—Dean's List
3.53 Cumulative GPA
WHCC Fall Athletic Honor Roll
.287 batting average, .327 slugging, 29 hits, .960 fielding percentage
2nd Team All-Central Valley Conference
National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete

Joseph Star—Football, Sophomore #65 Offensive Line
4.0 cumulative GPA over four semesters
1st Team All-Golden Coast Conference (2022)
Unanimous selection as 1st Team All-Golden Coast Conference (2023)
1st Team All-State Region 2 (2023)
CCCFCA selection as Academic All-American (2023)
WHCC Athletic Honor Roll every semester
Started every game for two years at left tackle
Committed to Mary University