The graduating class of female student/athletes of 2016 from Analy and El Molino High Schools will be remembered for their many accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom.
The athletes selected in this issue were among the best and brightest of their class and all had one thing in common they represented their school and teams with tremendous talent, dedication and sportsmanship.
Although there were too many seniors to list, we congratulate all of the athletes for their accomplishments and pay tribute to a few with words and pictures. The following is part-1 of a two part series. Next week: a salute to the boys.
(1) Versatility – Analy’s Saja Spearman-Weaver never met a sport she couldn’t excel at, enjoying a star-studded high school career in volleyball, basketball and softball. A strong middle blocker, she was a force at the net for the playoff bound volleyball team. She dominated in the post to lead Analy to a pair of basketball titles, and turned in an MVP caliber season as the pitching ace on the league champion softball team this spring. (Greg Clementi)
(2) Drive – El Molino’s Madison Dean was among the best athletes of her graduating class in a sparkling four-year varsity soccer and basketball career for the Lady Lions. Part of a sister act with identical twin Emily, Madison was a tenacious midfielder, helping lead the Lions to the 2015 NCS semifinals in the best season in school history. She was also a skilled guard and varsity mainstay on the basketball court. (Michael Lucid)
(3) Production – Analy’s Mackenzie Evangelisti enjoyed a great, four-year run on the varsity softball diamond, taking her place among the best hitters in the league. A sure-handed outfielder, Evangelisti was at her best with a bat in her hands, compiling a batting average of over .400 in leading the Lady Tigers to an SCL title and yearly trips to the NCS playoffs. (Greg Clementi)
(4) Power – Analy volleyballer Julia Sullivan was among the most feared players in the Sonoma County League during a strong, multi-year run as an outside hitter, leading the Tigers in nearly every offensive category. Along the way her teams were perennial title contenders and made annual visits to the North Coast Section playoffs. (Michael Lucid)
(5) Leadership – Emily Dean was the other half of a tremendous sister act for El Molino in an equally stellar four-year varsity athletic career, carving out her own reputation among the league’s best in soccer and basketball. A skilled leader on and off the court, Dean represented her team and school with great distinction. (Greg Clementi)
(6) Skill – Analy’s Sami Zepponi was simply one of the best soccer players to don a Tiger’s uniform in a decorated four-year varsity run, leading her teams to four straight Sonoma County League titles. A skilled and relentless midfielder, Zepponi was a perennial All-Leaguer and a two-time league Most Valuable Player. (Greg Clementi)
(7) Determination – El Mo’s Sierra Fiddler was a strong contributor on Lion’s softball teams in a solid, multi-year varsity career, rising to become one of the best players in the program. A steady second-baseman, Fiddler also had a knack for the big hit, batting .326 this year in finishing among the team leaders in hits and runs. (Greg Clementi)
 (8) Speed – Analy swimmer Lani Auva’a had few peers during a stellar four-year varsity career, finishing up among the school’s best ever. A multiple individual league champion in butterfly and freestyle events, Auva’a was a perennial North Coast Section qualifier, making a trip to the CIF State Championships as a member of the relay team. During her tenure, Analy won four straight league titles. (photo provided)
(9) Consistency – Analy’s Sarah Brown was a player every coach would love to have in a strong multi-year run on the varsity basketball team. A guard that was equally adept shooting from the perimeter or driving to the basket, Brown averaged seven points and five rebounds per game. Her leadership on the court could not be measured, leading the Lady Tigers to a pair of SCL titles. (Michael Lucid)
(10) Discipline – Analy’s Madison Beckett graduated as one of the best golfers in school history following a four-year All-League career for the Tigers. Along the way she was a medalist at the Sonoma County League Tournament, made yearly trips to the NCS Tournament of Champions and led the Tigers to four league titles. (photo provided)
(11) Strength – El Molino’s Emma Cilley was a force to be reckoned with, whether battling for a basketball or in the track and field throwing circle. A strong rebounder and defender on the basketball court, Cilley was at her best in the track arena, where she emerged as one of the top discus and shot put throwers in the Redwood Empire. (Michael Lucid)
(12) Motivation – Analy’s Lexi Mudd was a three-year All-League libero and team captain for the Tiger’s volleyball program, rising to become the premier defender in the Sonoma County League. Along the way she led Analy in most defensive categories and made yearly appearances in the NCS playoffs. Next fall, Mudd will be reunited with legendary coach Bear Grassl at Sonoma State University. (Jean Fruth)
(13) Longevity – El Mo’s Anamaria Morales will be remembered as a fierce and productive competitor and a four-year mainstay on the Lion’s varsity soccer team, exuding both skill and leadership. Last fall, Morales was a driving force on the best soccer team in school history, helping the Lions advance to the North Coast Section semifinals. (Greg Clementi)
