The Morro Bay High School Athletic Booster’s Club named four student athletes for recognition as Athletes of the Month for December 2023, honoring two boys and two girls who are intricate members of their respective sports teams.
“The Athletic Boosters,” the group said, “solicit each of the coaches to nominate an athlete of their that exhibits outstanding athletic skills but also demonstrates excellent character. The Athletic Boosters would like to congratulate Jane Hotaling from the Girls’ Soccer Team; Tailer Morrison from the Girls’ Basketball Team; and Justin Campbell and Sergio Mendoza from the Boys’ Basketball Team.
Girls’ Soccer
Senior, Jane Hotaling, was named Athlete of the Month for the Girls’ Soccer Team.
Varsity Girls’ Soccer Team Coach, Kim Wishon said of her senior captain, “Jane Hotaling is a captain through and through. Chosen by her team, she exhibits all the qualities of an excellent captain; leadership on and off the field, knowledge of the game, perseverance, grit, kindness and encouragement.”
Hotaling, who received a scholarship to play soccer in college at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., is at the heart of her team’s offense.
“As our attacking midfielder,” Coach Wishon said, “she has the tenacity to win 50/50 balls, send beautiful through balls, defend at all costs and on top of all that, is our leading goal scorer.
“She is a true team player, encouraging others and at the same time pushing herself to be better.”
Coach Wishon added, “Jane is an important part of our team and will be sorely missed next year. Go Wildcats!”
Girls’ Basketball
Girls’ Basketball Team leader, Tailer Morrison, was named an Athlete of the Month for December 2023 at Morro Bay High School.
Girls’ Basketball Coach, Alex Engel honored Tailer Morrison as the team’s Athlete of the Month. “Tailer,” he said, “has been averaging 15.4 points per game, and 10.3 rebounds per game while helping lead our team to a 6-3 record to start the season. She was also selected to the All Tournament Team at the SLO High Mullahey Holiday Classic.
She leads the girls on and off the court. “Tailer is also a captain of our team,” Coach Engel said, “and has been a great leader on the court and in the classroom. Tailer is incredibly dedicated and hardworking, and exemplifies everything our basketball program is about!”
Boys Basketball
Boys’ Basketball Team Coach, Emily Dunn, named two of her charges for honors — Justin Campbell and Sergio Mendoza.
“In his senior season,” Coach Dunn said, “Justin Campbell has seamlessly stepped into his role as captain. He not only leads the team with an average of 15 ppg, but also exemplifies outstanding leadership in his role as point guard.”
Campbell had a monster game in the school’s early-season tournament, the Harding Invitational. “In the game against River City High School, at Morro Bay’s Harding Invitational Tournament,” Coach Dunn said, “Campbell led the team with 26 points and six rebounds, showcasing his 3-point shooting ability and strategic expertise.”
He strives to bring his teammates together. “Justin’s impact extends beyond statistics, fostering a team environment that thrives on unity and determination.”
She added that Mendoza, “has shown his unwavering commitment to giving 100% effort in each game he plays. Sergio not only contributes an average of 10 ppg but also showcases an exceptional defensive flair with an impressive two steals per game.”
Defense is his strength. “Sergio’s defensive ability,” the coach said, “positions him as the driving force behind the team’s formidable defense, making him a standout player on both ends of the court.”
Estero Bay News congratulates the December 2023 Athletes of the Month and wishes them and their Pirate teammates much success this year and the future.
Photos submitted.
