2021-22 Spirit of Sport Award Winners Announced
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Nicholas Dominici (Vintage High School, Napa), Sarina Lee (Culver City High School), Caitlin Perry (Whittier Christian High School, La Habra), Asjia Roberson (Redondo Union High School), Leighton Tarke (Sutter Union High School), and Corbett Vander Feer (Tulare Western High School) were named the recipients of the prestigious CIF Spirit of Sport Award for 2021-22 school year. These six statewide winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship, an award, a commemorative patch, and be recognized at the spring CIF Federated Council luncheon on April 8, 2022, in Burbank.
The CIF Spirit of Sport Award recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm, are active in school and community service, and exhibit leadership qualities. The principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm are the operating principles of the CIF and have been adopted by the 1,609-member high schools throughout the state.
“These recipients reflect the positive elements of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm, reinforcing the value of education-based athletics,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “I congratulate these student-athletes on this prestigious honor.”
Fall Honorees
Nicholas Dominici is a four-year member of the cross country and track and field teams at Vintage High School as well as a four-year choir participant in the school music department. He is also involved in student government as the current ASB President and has served all four years as the Commissioner of Athletics. Additionally, Dominici volunteers in his community with Relay of Life, Youth Leadership Academy of Napa Valley, and Abode Homeless Outreach to name a few.
“When I joined cross country as a lowly freshman, I truly had no clue what I was doing. I was in a new school, surrounded by new faces, playing a sport I knew nothing about, but I immediately found a home on the cross country team. My teammates took me in…,” said Dominici. “Through this open embrace, I learned the true power of inclusion. Now, as a senior, I have the power to show the underclassmen on my team the same kindness I was shown. Each and every day, it is my goal to make sure everyone leaves practice knowing they are an important part of our team, that they are truly accepted, and most importantly that they have the support of their family on and off the track.”
Sarina Lee is a four-year member of the varsity volleyball team at Culver City High School, serving as captain as a senior. She is also a CSF member, on the Principal’s Honor Roll, and is the two-time organizer of the yearly Dig Pink fundraiser for breast cancer research and awareness at CCHS. Lee is also a nine-year member of the Girl Scouts which includes spending countless hours volunteering in her community.
“Sportsmanship to me is one of the most important aspects of sports. True, healthy, and fair competition can only be obtained with great sportsmanship,” states Lee. “Without sportsmanship, fair games become extinct. When there are no fair games, the true spirit of sport is lost.”
Winter Honorees
Caitlin Perry is a four-year member and two-year captain of the girls soccer team at Whittier Christian High School. Additionally, she is a member of CSF, National Honor Society, Link Crew, school choir, and volunteers her time through various organizations at WCHS.
“Playing soccer has taught me the value of choosing to intentionally find joy and contentment in the midst of challenging situations,” states Perry. “Having a positive attitude and being content with the circumstances is something that has helped me in all areas of life. …Additionally, I’ve also learned how to define success. Success doesn’t have to depend only on the score. Success can also depend on the effort and growth shown by individuals and the team as a whole.”
Leighton Tarke is a three-sport athlete and team captain at Sutter Union High School participating in soccer, baseball, and football. Currently, he is ASB President and has previously served as class president his freshman through junior years. Additionally, he is a part of CSF, currently serving as treasurer, and is also part of DECA and Interact at SUHS. Tarke is also involved in Sutter Buttes 4-H Leadership and volunteers with the 4-H Youth Development Program in Sutter County.
“Sports has taught me how to be a leader and a good teammate,” states Tarke. “…As a captain for my football team I learned what a true leader was and how I needed to fill that role. I learned that my voice, my passion, my expectations, and my commitment can truly have an impact on a group.”
Spring Honorees
Asjia Roberson is a four-year member of the girls lacrosse team, serving as team captain from 2020-22 at Redondo Union High School. A seven-time Principal’s Honor Roll honoree and AP Scholar, she is also a part of the California Junior Scholarship Federation, Key Club, and National Honor Society at RUHS. Roberson also volunteers in her community with Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, and Project Experience Gratitude.
“I define ‘Spirit of Sport’ as encouraging and supporting others being their absolute best whether on or off the field,” states Roberson. “I exemplify ‘Spirit of Sport’ in all areas of my life whether with my team, friends, family, or with my community service. I believe this makes me grow as a person every day.”
Corbett Vander Feer is a member of the swim team at Tulare Western High School. Additionally, he is passionately involved in Tulare FFA holding leadership roles and receiving several awards and honors.
“Sportsmanship means many different things to me, but the most important meaning to me is being able to accept what happens during a game, practice, and life,” states Vander Feer.
Additionally, the CIF will select a boy and girl Section winner, for each season of sport, from all submitted applications to receive $500. A list of all Section recipients will be announced on www.cifstate.org at a later date.