The 2020 - 21 College of the Desert (COD) women’s basketball team continues to set the bar for excellence despite a year of uncertainty. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, COD, along with most of the women’s basketball programs opted out of playing games this season. Regardless of not spending one quarter of competition, the women’s basketball program continues their success off the court. On Monday, the California Community College Women’s Basketball Coaches Association(CCCWBCA) announced four freshmen Roadrunners to the 2020-21 Academic All-State team. The four freshmen named on the team are Annabelle Amador, Dakota DeLa Torre, Miranda Kelly, and Geraldine Padua.
A primary goal of the women’s basketball program is to continue pushing their athletes towards their degree or certificate. Head coach Kendyl Rizea states, “when it’s all said and done, it’s about our athletes becoming successful and productive members of Coachella Valley and beyond.” Coach Rizea, entering her third season as head coach believes that basketball is a vehicle for her athletes to achieve their goals. “Everything we do in basketball is purposeful in preparing them for successful lives afterwards,” she adds.
There have been many challenges that surfaced in 2020. One constant has been the support from the athletic department from the top down. All resources, such as the Tutoring and Academic Skills Center (TASC) remained accessible to all students in need of assistance. Furthermore, the team implemented mandatory study hall hours in which itself brought the team closer. “What I found to be very evident from our players is how well they all held each other accountable. Whether it was study hall or projects, they always communicated with each other and the coaching staff about time they needed,” states Rizea. “Each of our recipients who are being recognized has put in a lot of work, effort, and attention into their classwork this year. Some even went above and beyond, often tripling their required study hall hours. They were organized and kept academic as their priority.”
Freshman Annabelle Amador with a 3.77 GPA is a two-sport athlete that also competes for the softball team. Rarely having a day off from November through March, she has embodied the meaning of dedication to her craft and the program. “Having to compete in two sports takes a lot of discipline and is quite challenging,” states Rizea. “She has met every challenge in stride and with grace. Her characteristics and the ability to juggle two sports on top of a strong academic performance is a testament to her self-discipline and dedication.”
Freshman Dakota De La Torre is being honored with her 3.74 GPA. DeLa Torre shows genuine love and support for her teammates. “Dakota is someone that has bought into the values and ethics of our program,‘ adds Rizea. “I am most proud of her for the constant support she provides her teammates. She also is a tremendous singer and has a love for music. She recently performed the national anthem at each of our home games.”
Freshman Miranda Kelly, 3.68 GPA, was the recipient of this year's Roadrunner Award. The award is given to the player who understands the importance of doing the little things well. Kelly is dependable, a hard worker, and always carries a positive attitude. The team felt that Miranda understood that mentality and deserved recognition for her efforts. “We could always count on Miranda to be in the right place at the right time,’ states head coach Rizea. “She embodies hard work and a positive attitude, which was both evident with the accolades she is receiving.”
Geraldine Padua, 3.58 GPA, is an all conference honorable mention and team captain. Despite injuries, Padua took the role as one of the point guards on the team and continued to persevere. “She always leads by example on and off the court,” states Rizea. “She is someone we depend on and alway brings a presence of calm in the program.”
The COD program, despite the daily challenges of this pandemic, is finding a successful way to navigate their students to success. College athletics should always be about the betterment and advancement of the student-athlete. With coach Rizea at the helm, the COD women’s basketball team is a program to keep an eye on.