Ty Peters named Kinesiology Student of the Year for Southern California

Chaffey College women's basketball player Ty Peters has been named the Kinesiology Student of the Year from the California Community Colleges Physical Education, Kinesiology, and Dance Association (CCCPEKD).

The award recognizes outstanding achievement and leadership in Kinesiology and Dance. Recipients must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be sophomore-ready for transfer, and demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, and service in college or community activities related to Kinesiology or Physical Education.

A sophomore from Rialto, California, Peters maintained a 3.75 GPA while serving as a two-year team captain and earning IEAC Second Team All-Conference honors. A two-time academic all-state honoree, she was also invited as a panelist by the EVOLVE Club, to discuss female student-athletes to discuss equality in women's sports.

She has collected and donated 200 toys through Panther Care and Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). Donations were distributed to various campus organizations including Next Up, a program supporting current and former foster youth with resources like books, supplies, transportation, tutoring, food, and emergency housing.

Peters, along with her teammates, raised $525 for cancer research through the women's basketball annual "Pink Game." She also led an initiative to distribute roses and write affirmation letters to Chaffey College students and staff, aiming to reduce social stigma around mental health. 

Peters aspires to one day become a college basketball coach in Southern California. She will continue to obtain her bachelors degree in kinesiology while competing in basketball. 

“Ty is incredibly deserving of this recognition. She’s been instrumental in creating a strong foundation in our program that is rooted in team cohesiveness and community involvement, states head coach Kendyl Rizea. ‘She has been a team captain for the past two years and really left her legacy with the Chaffey college women’s basketball team. Her future is bright and this scholarship will allow her to continue using her talents to give back.”

PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM TY PETERS:

I started playing basketball in grade three and I realized how therapeutic dribbling an orange ball and shooting it through a hoop could be. Basketball has always been my outlet to release the stress. Growing up in Canada and moving to another country as a high school senior, was hard to process. In an unfamiliar environment I struggled with depression, and isolated myself. Joining the girls’ basketball team was familiar to me and it felt like home. I was awarded All-Conference and MVP. I focused on my academics, and I was able to achieve straight A’s. I have excelled in my college academics and maintained a GPA of above a 3.5, while being a full-time student and student athlete. I was named as an Academic All-State student athlete both freshman and sophomore year.  

Basketball has always kept me grounded. The Chaffey College Women’s Basketball Team has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons. As a two-year team captain, I experienced leadership that will prepare me for life after basketball. I faced challenges, learned patience and practiced self-control. Being a leader can be hard at times, but it is a testament to my resilience and personal perseverance.  

In the future, I would like to pursue a career in coaching. My college coach has inspired me to continue being a leader for young women. I have had to overcome many challenges in my life, but they have made me into the person I am today, and I know that challenges will not stop me from chasing my dreams. 

 This scholarship opportunity will help me to afford books and supplies for my junior and senior year. To achieve my career dreams, I must complete my bachelor's degree. It is not easy to get a basketball scholarship - roster spots are rare and competitive. I know I will make my family proud, as the first person in my immediate family to earn a bachelor's degree. But most importantly, I will make myself proud.