Dos Pueblos High School senior Ashley Nayak has been named the school’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a recognition of her outstanding achievements both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Nayak received the award at a recent press luncheon, where local players and coaches gathered to reflect on the fall playoff season. This significant honor highlights Nayak's dedication to both academic excellence and athletic commitment, serving as a role model for student-athletes in the Goleta Valley community.
Nayak demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess during her time on the basketball team, serving as a three-year team captain. Her leadership and skill were recognized with All-Channel League Second Team honors. Under her captaincy, the Chargers basketball team advanced to the CIF playoff quarterfinals during the previous season, showcasing her impact on the team's competitive success. Her contributions were instrumental in the team's journey through the playoffs, marking her as a key player for Dos Pueblos.
Beyond her athletic endeavors, Nayak maintains an impressive academic record, achieving a 4.87 GPA. This high scholastic standing is a result of her rigorous coursework, which includes advanced classes such as AP Literature and AP Environmental Science. Nayak is also an active member of the DP Engineering Academy, further demonstrating her commitment to challenging academic pursuits. Her academic excellence has been nationally recognized, earning her the distinction of National Merit Commended Scholar, a testament to her intellectual capabilities and hard work.
In her acceptance speech for the Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, Nayak extended her gratitude to several key figures who supported her journey. She specifically thanked her coaches for their guidance, acknowledging their role in her development as a student, an athlete, and a person. Nayak also expressed appreciation for her teammates, parents, and brothers, crediting them for their continuous encouragement and support throughout her high school career. She emphasized the lasting friendships and memories she gained through her participation in basketball, reflecting on the deeper impact of sports beyond competition. Nayak shared a piece of advice from her coach, stating, "In ten years, you won’t remember if you won or lost, but you will remember laughing in the van." This quote encapsulates her perspective on the value of team experiences and camaraderie.
Ashley Nayak's award is the second of 11 Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognitions scheduled for the 2026-27 school year, part of a broader program to celebrate student excellence. The award program receives sponsorship from Marc Gamberdella of the Gamberdella-Spruill Group of Merrill Lynch, supporting the acknowledgment of these accomplished young individuals.
The recent press luncheon also highlighted other significant athletic achievements by local Santa Barbara-area athletes. Faith Harrison, a key player for the Chargers volleyball team, delivered memorable performances during the CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs. In a first-round sweep against Torrance, Harrison recorded 16 kills, five blocks, and three aces. She followed this with another strong showing in a second-round match against Temescal Canyon, where she contributed 12 kills, six digs, and one ace in a 3-2 victory. Harrison secured the match-clinching kill in the decisive fifth set, propelling her team into the quarterfinals.
Brandon Lee, representing the Royals water polo team, played a crucial role in securing an automatic berth in the CIF playoffs. The Royals needed two victories over Buena to achieve this goal, and Lee was instrumental in both matchups. In the first contest against the Bulldogs, Lee scored six goals, contributing significantly to an 11-8 San Marcos victory. This win forced a tiebreaker game for the final automatic playoff spot from the Channel League. In the subsequent tiebreaker game, Lee scored four goals, helping the Royals clinch their playoff berth with a 13-7 win, demonstrating his impact on the team's offensive success.
In collegiate sports, the Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) women’s water polo team has achieved a No. 1 ranking in the state. This top ranking follows their impressive 17-12 victory over No. 2-ranked Golden West on a recent Saturday. The Vaqueros, as the team is known, are set to host the SBCC Halloween Invitational this upcoming weekend. The tournament will take place at Santa Barbara High School, with the Vaqueros scheduled to begin their play against Orange Coast College on Friday at 4:45 p.m. This event offers an opportunity for local residents to see top-ranked collegiate water polo in action.
