By Madeleine Coate
Sports Editor
Stacy Cruz
Staff Writer
While Costa’s annual All-Awards Assembly mainly recognizes academic success, top athletics also receive their time in the lime light. Costa Administrators named Corine Bain and Raphael Lawson-Gayle at the ceremony on May 28 as the winners of the female and male Athletics of the year award, respectively.
Bain received the award for accomplishments in volleyball. Lawson-Gayle is a dual athlete who was honored for his performances in both football and track.
“It felt amazing to be recognized by my peers, teachers and coaches,” Bain said.
Bain competed on the girls varsity volleyball team for each of her four years at Costa. With a 4.5 grade point average, she committed to Harvard University on a fully-paid volleyball scholarship her junior year.
“Last season had its ups and downs, but overall it was a great experience, and I think this team grew closer together to make the season memorable,” Bain said.
As the 2011 Daily Breeze selection for girls volleyball player of the year, Bain played on the Surf City volleyball club team in Huntington Beach as well as the Mizuno Long Beach club team. She is ranked 19 in the state and 72 in the nation. Costa ended this years volleyball season with a 21-10-0 record overall.
“It was hard to manage my time with frequent tournaments on the weekends and practices after school,” Bain said. “I have worked hard this year in my academics and also volleyball. I’m so happy that my hard work has paid off in such a big way.”
Bain was a member of the all CIF first team in 2011. She was also the Most Valuable Player in 2011 in Bay League with multiple all-tournament awards. Bain does not intend on pursuing volleyball professionally after graduating from college.
“I chose Harvard so I would have opportunities in the business world,” Bain said. “I can’t wait to finish my career at an Ivy League where it will be competitive but also fun.”
During Lawson-Gayle’s last year as wide receiver and defensive back on Costa’s varsity football team, he accumulated 294 total receiving yards with two touchdowns and 21 catches. Costa’s overall record for this year was 4-7. Lawson-Gayle received offers from Concordia College in Alabama for Football, but he chose to attend El Camino Community College for a semester to figure out his future.
“He is by far the best athlete at this school,” teammate senior Joshua Qerbash said. “I think he is the best in the South Bay. He deserved the award the most out of anyone.”
In the 2013 track season, Lawson-Gayle finished first in the Division II California Interscholastic Federation championship in the long jump event at 24 feet and 9.75 inches.
“I am proud of Rapheal for breaking records in track and for qualifying for Masters meet in Cerritos,” teammate junior Kaela Hornstra said.
Lawson-Gayle broke the school record for the 100-meter dash, previously held at 10.99 seconds, at 10.97 in the CIF preliminary round. He is ranked 209 in California and 2,338 in the nation for this event.
“They’re both dedicated and deserve to be recognized for their athletic achievements in their four years,” varsity football coach Ray Lee said.
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