BREONNA MARTINEZ NAMED SOCAL KINESIOLOGY STUDENT OF THE YEAR

The California Community College Physical Education, Kinesiology and Dance organization named Breonna Martinez Kinesiology Student of the Year for Southern California. The award, which honors students who show outstanding leadership or service as a student related to kinesiology or physical education, comes with a $500 scholarship. "I was shocked when I learned that I had won the award and it showed me that I am capable of doing many things despite what I went through in my past," Martinez said.

Martinez, who graduated in May and is transferring to La Sierra University, said she and her family moved 13 times in 13 years during her childhood due to financial challenges. But with basketball, she found stability and motivation. Martinez began playing in the fourth grade and has competed continuously since then, except during the pandemic. During her time at Chaffey, Martinez was team captain for two years and named Inland Empire All-Conference Player, among other honors. She served as a panelist for Club Evolve, sharing her experiences as a female student-athlete and about equality in women's sports. She and her teammates helped collect 200 toys that were distributed to the children of in-need students during the holidays.

Women's Basketball Coach Kendyl Rizea said she was extremely proud of Martinez for winning the award. She said Martinez has succeeded at balancing the physical, emotional and psychological demands of succeeding on the court and classroom. "It's been a pleasure getting to know her over the last two years and see the growth she has shown while overcoming each challenge she has faced," she said. Martinez plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in kinesiology at La Sierra and aspires to become a firefighter.