By Halle Nottage
Every year at Peninsula College, six athletes are selected to receive one of three awards: The Sigmar Award for two soccer players, the Fiero Award for two basketball players, and the McMullen award, for two returning female players from either sport offered at PC. The Sigmar and Fiero Awards have similar criteria, and go to the players that made significant contribution to their sport here at PC. The McMullen award goes to two returning female players who fit these four criteria: Inspiration, dedication, accomplishment and ambassador.
Sterling Penniston-John – Wally Sigmar Award
Sterling Penniston-John, a sophmore, contributed massively to the men’s soccer team’s defensive line, as well as his nose for last-minute goals. He helped change the game for athletes here at Peninsula through his on the field work as both a starter, a captain, his off field work as a member of ASC and his hard work in the classroom. All of this helped him to become an NWAC All-Star 2 years in a row, as well as landing him a scholarship at Utah Valley University. On playing at Peninsula, Penniston-John says, “Playing at Peninsula College has allowed for me to grow and develop my game so that I was able to achieve a Division I scholarship. For academics, it has allowed me to realize what I truly love doing and has aided me into picking the right career path which is Exercise Science.”
Halle Watson – Wally Sigmar Award
Halle Watson, a sophomore, has been nothing short of impactful during her time here at PC, helping her team to an NWAC championship. She was recently received as an All-American player, which is a very competitive, very high-ranking award that very few players ever receive. She also did extremely well in the classroom, all of which played into her receiving a full-ride scholarship to the University of San Francisco in the fall. On playing at PC Watson says, “Playing at Peninsula has changed my athletic career and academic future, because it has given me the opportunity to play division one soccer and get my education fully paid for.”
Nyair Cleveland – Art Fiero Award
Nyair Cleveland is a sophomore who transferred to Peninsula and made an immediate impact within the men’s basketball program. He is a natural leader and trailblazer, as he is the first in his family to graduate from college. On playing at Peninsula, Nyair says, “It helped me to become a better person inside and outside of school. It also helped me keep my passion going for basketball. Furthermore, it helped me decide that in the future I want to help kids who struggle in alternative schools, and set an example for them, because if I can make it so can they.”
Casandra White – Art Fiero Award
Casandra White, a freshman, has become an inspiration to all following her overcoming of a torn ACL. Not only did she return to the sport, she returned as an impactful player. On the court she contributed largely to the team’s winning of the North Division, and off the court she was solid in the classroom and participated in ASC as President. Through hard work and dedication she returned better than ever. On playing at Peninsula, White says, “ PC has been a great place for me to grow athletically. Playing at a four year has always been my dream, and Peninsula has given me the opportunity to be in that position. As for academics, I am undecided, but I have so many resources around me that will point me in the right direction of my future career.”
Samantha Olivera – McMullen Award
Samantha Olivera, a freshman, came to Peninsula after a sudden turn of events, being recruited a mere two weeks before the women’s soccer team was required to be here. She was the leading goal scorer this past year, making massive impact on the field, which was highly inspirational considering it was her first season back from a torn ACL. Off the field, she helped organize a fundraiser for the team, joined ASC, and constantly supported her teammates endeavors. She was nothing short of remarkable this past year. On playing at PC, Olivera says, “Playing at Peninsula has made me appreciate not only the game more but life. Living in this beautiful part of the state has allowed me to grow and be myself along with meeting great people that will forever be in my life. And it has made me appreciate the game more since I had my first season back after tearing my ACL and being able to bounce back to becoming a smarter player along with understanding that it could potentially be my last game since tomorrow is never guaranteed.”
Sunshine Vicente – McMullen Award
Sunshine Vicente, a freshman, came into PC as a firestarter. Throughout the basketball season, and throughout the offseason she remained relentless, constantly putting in extra hours on the court to better herself. With every game she continued to get better and continued to score more points, helping the team to North Division Championship. She became a friend to anyone who crossed her path, as well as an inspiration to others to work hard. On playing at PC Vicente says, “ Playing at PC has changed the way I play the game I love. The coaches and the team has always been around to help with either school or a personal problem. My learning has gotten way better being at PC. The teachers here are really helpful and they actually care about you. Since I’m an athlete the teachers make sure to really pay attention to my work because they want me to play games.”