IUSD student-athletes and coaches made a resounding impact at several high-profile county athletics awards this season, bringing home top honors across multiple sports.
Pacific Coast Conference Athletes of the Year
Samuel Bowman and Cooper Stearns, both from Irvine High School, were named Male Athletes of the Year for the Pacific Coast Conference at the annual Orange County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA) Athlete of the Year Awards Ceremony.
Both dual sport athletes, these students were recognized for their numerous athletic accomplishments and leadership in their respective sports–Bowman in swimming and water polo, and Stearns in golf and basketball.
Stearns went on to win the highly coveted OCADA 2025 Ken Fagan Male Athlete of the Year Award. This award, named after Ken Fagans, the third CIF Southern Section Commissioner, pays tribute to outstanding athletic achievement and character. During Fagan’s 21-year tenure, CIF grew from 218 to 458 schools and expanded its sanctioned sports from 11 to 22, laying the foundation for the way high school athletics exists today. Stearns’ selection for this prestigious award reflects his extraordinary high school career, which includes seven league MVP awards, over 2,000 career points in basketball and numerous victories in amateur golf tournaments.
OC Register’s Boys Swimmer of the Year and Swim Coach of the Year
Derek Hitchens, a senior at Northwood High School, was named The Orange County Register’s Boys Swimmer of the Year. In his final two meets, Hitchens exceeded county records in the 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke at the CIF Southern Section Division 1 finals and played a major role in the Timberwolves claiming a second state title. The combination of individual and team success makes Hitchens the Register’s O.C. Boys Swimmer of the Year, a first for a swimmer from Northwood.
University High School swim coach Ryan Vande Wydeven was named the Register’s Coach of the Year for guiding the Trojans to the Pacific Coast League championship. After going 2-1 in league duals, University outdistanced eventual state champion Northwood and defending league champion Portola High School to claim the league finals meet with 718 points. With this win, Vande Wydeven guided Uni to its first league title since 2019.
OC Sports Awards Female High School Athlete of the Year
Bianca Morrell from Portola High School was honored as the Female High School Athlete of the Year at the inaugural OC Sports Awards, hosted by the Orange County Sports Commission at Angel Stadium. The event recognized the county’s outstanding athletic talent and accomplishments that have significantly impacted Orange County’s sports community. Morrell earned the accolade for her standout achievements in flag football, basketball, track and field and softball.
These honors represent the dedication, resilience and sportsmanship of our many student-athletes and coaches across the District. Congratulations to these competitors on their remarkable accomplishments and awards.Â