2022-23 CIF Spirit of Sport Award Winners Announced

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Matteo Diaz (San Rafael High School), Shade Satica (Lassen High School), Ubadinaobi Egeonu (AIMS College Prep), Gianna Karkafi (San Marino High School), Sheri Lin (Terra Linda High School), and Weber Lin (Arcadia High School) were named the recipients of the prestigious CIF Spirit of Sport Award for 2022-23 school year. These six statewide winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship, an award, commemorative patch, and be recognized at the spring CIF Federated Council luncheon on April 28, 2023, in Burbank.

The CIF Spirit of Sport Award recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor_sm, are active in school and community service, and exhibit leadership qualities. The principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor_sm are the operating principles of the CIF and have been adopted by the 1,615-member high schools throughout the state.

“Congratulations to these student-athletes on this prestigious honor,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “These recipients represent the essence of education-based athletics.”

Fall Honorees

Matteo Diaz is a four-year member and two-year starter on the water polo team and a four-year member of the swimming team at San Rafael High School, where he also serves on the Student Athletic Leadership Council. Additionally, Diaz participates with the Marin Swim League and serves as a coach and swim instructor. He was a delegate for the American Legion California Boys State and is an officer in several clubs and organizations at SFHS, including serving on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Diaz is also involved in his community as a member of the Beyond Difference National Teen Board, the Spahr Center Youth Advocacy Coalition, and the Student Leaders' Antiracism Movement (SLAM!).

“Through consistent work and dedication, I have found success, both in and out of the pool,” states Diaz. “I pour my heart into everything I do, from school to community service…Athletics have taught me how to maintain mental toughness and never give up, no matter what.”

Shade Satica is a two-sport athlete at Lassen High School participating in volleyball and basketball. She served as captain of the volleyball team, winning multiple awards, and was the basketball team MVP every year. She is also a four-year member of the Future Business Leaders of America and served as Student Body President as a junior and senior at LHS. Additionally, Satica has mentored and coached youth volleyball and basketball and is an official for the community basketball league.

“Through participating in interscholastic sports, I have made countless relationships and learned many lessons I will never forget,” states Satica. “While being an athlete, my coaches have instilled a strong work ethic and leadership skills in me that I wouldn't have appreciated without the routine and dedication to which I am conditioned. Interscholastic sports have played a major role in my life growing up and I am grateful for the opportunities and lessons I learned along the way.”

Winter Honorees

Ubadinaobi Egeonu is a three-sport athlete at AIMS College Prep serving as basketball team captain all four years, a two-year volleyball team captain, and joined the soccer team as a senior. As a junior and senior he also served as the AIMS School Site Council Secretary and AIMS Student Government Association Executive President and Executive Vice President. Egeonu is also a two-time recipient of the National African American Recognition Award and was on the Superintendent’s List all four years. Additionally, he is a member and leader of All Tied Up Youth, a non-profit dedicated to helping and providing 13–21-year-old young men networking opportunities for future success.

“Participating in interscholastic athletics has taught me an abundance of valuable life lessons that have not only helped me to excel in my athletic endeavors but have also equipped me with the wisdom and knowledge to navigate through life with greater success, ease, and vision,” states Egeonu. “My experiences in sports have helped me develop discipline, teamwork, and time management skills, helping me to be a well-rounded individual who is ready to take on the challenges of the world and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Gianna Karkafi is a three-sport athlete at San Marino High School serving as basketball team captain as a junior and senior, participating in track and field as well as joining the cross country team as a senior. She is involved in many clubs and organizations at SMHS including the Medical Youth of San Marino as treasurer and events coordinator, LEO Club, Red Cross Club, SMHS Science Team, CSF, and is the founder and president of the Middle East Club. Additionally, Karkafi is the Executive Vice President, California Regional President, and Overseas Coordinator of the International Youth Tobacco Control, she also founded Books for Lebanon and is an ortho/neuro post-surgical volunteer at Huntington Memorial Hospital.

“Being a leader in my sport has contributed to much of my growth throughout my high school years, teaching me life lessons on how to be a better person and how to achieve my goals (even outside of the world of athletics) and I am very glad to have made a difference,” states Karkafi.

Spring Honorees

Sheri Lin is a multi-sport athlete at Terra Linda High School participating in track and field, basketball, flag football, and soccer throughout the years, and served as a team manager of the football team as a senior. She is also a photographer for TLHS sports teams and is a two-year member of CSF and the Asian Student Union. Additionally, Lin is a Campaign Manager and intern at Marin Against Youth Abuse, tutors various subjects, officiates and coaches youth flag football, and volunteers her time with the Society of Wilderness.

“Sports have shaped many of my values like perseverance, leadership, and teamwork,” states Lin. “Participating in interscholastic athletics has given me the ability to apply the lessons and values I’ve learned not only in my life but to the lives of others. I‘m grateful for the opportunities that sports have provided me and am committed to passing on these lessons to the next generation as a coach.”

Weber Lin is a three-sport athlete at Arcadia High School serving as team captain of the track and field and cross country teams as a senior, while also participating in soccer. He is a member of the AHS Mathematics, Applied Engineering, and Science Bowl teams, participated in Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra throughout high school, and serves as the senior class secretary. Lin is also involved in his community as an Eagle Scout and a member of the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra. Additionally, as part of a 2020 COVID response initiative Lin created and led a project that 3D-printed PPE for frontline workers which distributed 3,100+ pieces worldwide.

“My source of joy, running has literally and figuratively shaped me into the person I am today," states Lin. “Beyond high school, I will continue running and applying these life lessons to become a more cheerful, collaborative, sportsmanlike, and welcoming leader.”

Additionally, the CIF will select a male and female Section winner, for each season of sport, from all submitted applications to receive a $1,000 scholarship. A list of all Section recipients will be announced on www.cifstate.org later.