On Friday, October 23, 2025, junior varsity girls volleyball player Sarafina Cabatic (10) and varsity football player Jayden Carmona (12) were the first student athletes to be awarded the Athlete of the Week award for their outstanding athletic performances and contributions to their teams this Fall sports season – Cabatic with her capability of delivering even while under pressure, and Carmona with his ability to adapt to different playing positions throughout the football season. This title was given to them by the Mills Boosters, a parent-run organization dedicated to supporting and funding Mills athletics programs and sports.
In the following weeks, this achievement continued to be given out to a multitude of hardworking student athletes who’ve shown excellence within their respective sports and demonstrated important values such as determination, reliability, and persistence during games, competitions, or even practices. Each recipient so far has been presented with a customized t-shirt, recognized through special mentions in the weekly sports roundup emails, and received a shout out and small awards ceremony during lunch times to commemorate their hard work.
As of November 14, a total of eight other individuals have earned this award alongside Cabatic and Carmona, including many members of the Mills varsity girls golf team. Their captain, Angelina Chen (12) was presented the Athlete of the Week award on November 6, alongside her co-captain, Kayli Tsang (12), and teammates, Christina Chen (10), Madison Capule (12), Irene Hur (9), and Katie Chun (12), who all had assisted in winning a PAL Championship as well as competed and placed 11th overall in CCS.
“I was not expecting to win the award at all,” Angelina Chen shared humbly. “[But] I think it was a nice surprise for my entire team!” She went on to talk about when she first heard the news, explaining, “We actually received the email, congratulating us that we were chosen to be Athletes of the Week a day after we returned from the CCS tournament, so it felt like a little reward for wrapping up a successful season.”
Christina Chen shared similar thoughts and feelings, expressing what it was like receiving the award for her. “I felt honored and happy because I did well this season and our team accomplished winning league champions for the first time in Mills girls golf history,” she exclaimed, “I felt like my hard work had paid off and I was incredibly proud of our team.”
On October 30, varsity boys water polo member Kyle Wong (12) won the Athlete of the Week award for his exceptional skill on both offense and defense during games, as did varsity cross country captain Chloe Amayun (12) due to the consistency and effort put into her running. “When I was chosen I was shocked because I also had no clue this was an award,” Amayun shared. “But I felt very honored to be chosen for such a respectable reward.” She also mentioned how receiving this honor made her feel “accomplished and recognized in the moment.”
All in all, the Mills Boosters Athlete of the Week Award is an amazing accomplishment, as it acknowledges exceptional athletes that deserve recognition for their outstanding athletic performances during their sports season. The Thunderbolt sends their congratulations to all recipients and hopes that winning this achievement remains an unforgettable memory they will treasure for many years to come.
