Seniors Tavai and Myszkowski win Athlete of the Year

tumblr_oy4xhmTB5z1u2sxh2o2_r1_540 — Senior Jonah Tavai falls into the endzone for a touchdown. Mira Costa seniors, Jonah Tavai and Karina Myszkowski were selected as the Outstanding Male and Female Athletes of the Year at the All Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 31.

Alde Nguyen

Online Managing Editor

Through hard work and years of mastery in their respective sports, Tavai and Myszkowski were awarded the title of Mira Costa’s Athletes of the Year.

Mira Costa seniors Jonah Tavai and Karina Myszkowski were selected as the Outstanding Male and Female Athletes of the Year at the All Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 31 at the Mira Costa Auditorium. Both individuals were granted this award for their contributions in the sports of football, rugby, track for Tavai and indoor and beach volleyball for Myszkowski.

“I feel very proud to be recognized for the male athlete of the year,” Tavai said. “I am so grateful for everything my coaches, comrades, the parents of my teammates and for everyone who has helped me get to where I am.”

Tavai proved to be a prominent Mustang athlete, being highly ranked in each individual sport and participating in extremely competitive tournaments. According to Tavai, he had played varsity track, football, and rugby for his entire high school career.

“I have also been given the opportunity to participate with numerous all-star clubs and lastly with the all American team,” Tavai said. “I have traveled all across the world including London and British Columbia.”

Tavai helped bring the Mustangs’ rugby team to a state championship, and place top eight nationally. Tavai also placed second in the CIF Finals for track and field and was named the ‘most valuable player’ for his football team all three years.

“My goal is that I’ve just been a positive role model for the team and the other mentors,” Tavai said. “I’m always coaching the other players whenever I can and am there when they have questions for me.”

Myszowki, a right side and hitter, on the girls indoor and beach volleyball team has helped the Mustangs win the IBVL title all four years of her career. The team also won the State Championships for the past two consecutive years.

“I’m thrilled because there are so many outstanding athletes at Mira Costa and it is truly an honor,” Myszkowski said. “Mira Costa is known for having incredibly talented sports teams and I’m so grateful to have gotten to be a part of it. I’ve tried my best to make an impact on all the teams I’ve been a part of and be the best student I can be.”