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What is "Matador
of the Year"?
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Monta Vista chooses an outstanding male athlete, and an outstanding female athlete, at the end
of each school year to represent us as our Matador of the Year. These athletes represent the
best that Monta Vista has to offer: excellent sportsmanship, outstanding leadership, and
superior ability. Who will be this year's Matadors of the Year?
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Matador of the Year
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Matador of the Year, 2011-2012
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Justine Young
Justine Young played field hockey and softball. In field hockey, she was voted team captain as a senior
and earned first team all-league for her dominant play. Her phenomenal speed enabled her to intercept
passes and shut down the opponent's offense.
As a softball player, Justine was a four year varsity starter, two time SCVAL defensive player of the
year and SCVAL First team All-League. She has a career .380 batting average and over 50 stolen bases.
Her softball coach, Ray Texeira, says, "As a coach you can count yourself lucky when a player comes
along with Justine's ability, but beyond the athletic ability is a young lady that is willing to give
her all for the team. Her speed, arm strength and swing will fade in time; however, her character will
last a lifetime."
Justine will attend and play for Baylor University.
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Kevin Bishop
Kevin broke Monta Vista's school records in the 1600 meter and 3200 meter (1600M and 3200M) which had
stood since 1983, and holds the school record in every significant cross country course. Kevin won the
CCS title in the 3200 meter during his junior year and was all-Northern California for cross country
as a senior. In his final track season, he ran the mile in an amazing 4:12.91.
Kevin will be competing in track and field for Stanford University next year, and he will be a great
addition to both the team and academic community.
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Michael Whittaker
Michael Whittaker was a three year football starter for Monta Vista. He played fullback, tight end and
inside linebacker his senior year. He led the football team in tackles, had over 400 yards rushing, and
was a dominant blocker at tight end, paving the way for two 1,000 yard rushers. Michael was selected to
be a captain by his peers.
In wrestling, Michael was a four year letterman and was selected as team captain by his peers. He was the
CCS representative for the 191 pound weight class.
Michael had an outstanding football and wrestling career and his leadership will be missed. Not only did
Michael perform at a high level athletically, he maintained a perfect grade point average while doing it.
Michael will attend Cornell University in the fall.
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Matador of the Year, 2010-2011
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Alex Bagdasarian
Alex was a 3 year MVP and Team Captain of the Water Polo team, and a 3 time CCS qualifying swimmer.
These achievements alone put Alex at or near the top of the aquatics program for the past decade.
Alex's value as a leader, however, surpassed that of his individual ability. He led by
example, always pushing his own limits, and he was always ready to speak with team members that
weren't putting in reasonable effort. He was the spark for the swim team, as well as the water polo
team. Alex bled purple and gold during his 4 years at MV, showing an immense amount of team pride and
support. His vibrant personality and intensity were qualities the aquatics program really rallied
behind.
Coach Carl Canning stated "I have no doubt that Alex will grow into a successful young adult.
Alex was extremely close to Ron Freeman. He handled Ron's passing with a great deal of maturity,
and put a grieving aquatics program on his shoulders. I cannot say enough about this young man, he
is truly special. I could not imagine there could be a more deserving student-athlete for Matador
of the Year."
Alex is now playing water polo at UC Davis.
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Alex Chiu
Alex was arguably the most dominant athlete on campus during her four years at Monta Vista. She
played varsity volleyball for three years and varsity basketball for four, and during that time
collected numerous accolades. Coach Colin Anderson said "Alex is neither loud nor demanding, but earned
her teammates' respect (and her opponent's fear) with her on-court strength." She was awarded
multiple team and league MVP awards, including being voted as the most valuable player of her
basketball team three out of four seasons. During her basketball playing career Alex amassed nearly
1500 points and over 1200 rebounds, averaging 14.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. Coach Sara
Borelli said "Despite being an amazing athlete,not to mention a stellar student and awesome artist,
Alex is an extremely humble individual and understands the importance of team chemistry as it relates
to team success". Alex flourished as a leader on and off the court during her time at MV.
Alex is currently attending Washington University in St Louis.
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Matador of the Year, 2009-2010
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Jacquie Stuart
Jacquie played both varsity soccer and varsity field hockey for three years. In soccer,
Jacquie earned all-league accolades in both her junior and senior years. According to
coach Alan Kute, Jacquie is our school's best two-sport athlete. She's a very solid and
tough defender who battles each and every game. Field Hockey Coach Denise Eachus states
that Jacquie was incredibly smart and offensive minded as a center back. Tackling the
opponent was usually not necessary for Jacquie because she often intercepted the ball from
the other team when a pass was made. Jacquie was selected 2nd team All-league,
and was voted Co-Most Valuable Player by her teammates.
Jacquie is now attending the University of Oregon.
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Kranti Pedadda
Kranti ran varsity cross country and track for three seasons. As a senior, Kranti was the
league champion in the 1600 and 3200 meter races. In cross country, he was an all-CCS
selection and a state qualifier. According to Coach Jeff Payne, Kranti is a great example
of hard work, integrity, and looking out for team members that need guidance. Last fall,
an incoming freshman in cross country said "I want to be the next Kranti Peddada!"
Kranti is currently attending Washington University in St Louis and studying medicine.
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Matador of the Year, 2008-2009
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Justin Rahn
During his time here Justin helped to lead both the Football and Baseball teams to league
championships and CCS playoff berths. He won numerous All-League and MVP awards during his
tenure here at Monta Vista.
According to Coach Mueller: "Outstanding 2 sport athlete. Most
exciting period from my perspective was when he threw a winning touchdown pass in Portland
Oregon with no time left on the clock. Very cool customer on the field."
According to Coach Sullivan: "Justin is a pure athlete. When he sets his mind to it, he can
do amazing things."
Justin is currently at Saint Mary's College on a baseball scholarship.
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Shandon Rovetta
During her time here Shandon was a leader to both the Field Hockey and Soccer programs, ending
her high school career with a CCS Championship with girls soccer. She won
numerous All-League and MVP awards as well during her tenure here at Monta Vista.
Coach Eachus said: "I'm not sure there are enough words that can accurately describe Shandon's
contribution to the field hockey team. Shandon has been a standout Varsity Field Hockey player
since the 10th grade, and has been a consistent starter for the past two seasons. Her biggest
contributions can't be measured in goals and assists, but in the confidence she inspired in her
teammates."
Coach Kute said: "I have never coached a player, really this is not hyperbole, who had it all
like she does. Size, strength, ability, personality, attitude, and character sum it up.
She comes alongside every player to encourage them, never a foul word, never a discouraging word,
never a putdown - and always supportive and helpful. She was truly the anchor of our team and an
excellent example to others. I wish she was staying or a clone or had younger sisters in her mold.
She will be missed by all."
Shandon is currently attending Cal Poly SLO on a soccer scholarship.
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