Hoover, Crotty named Mira Costa athletes of the year

Eric Brodkin

Executive Sports Editor

Seniors Cole Crotty and Jacqueline (JJ) Hoover won the Athlete of the Year award at the annual All-Awards ceremony on May 31. The two athletes were recognized for their impressive  and memorable athletic careers at Costa. 

Crotty received Costa’s male athlete of the year award after his outstanding performance during this football season. Crotty ended his career at Costa with 1,999 receiving yards along with 21 total touchdowns. Crotty led his team to an 8-3 record during his senior season, which was Costa’s best year since 2015. 

“I give all the glory to God for helping me reach this milestone,” Crotty said. “I would not be where I am today without him, and I am grateful for his faithfulness in my life. My family, friends, coaches, and teammates also played significant roles in my athletic experience. I am so thankful for everyone who was a part of the journey at Costa, and I will never forget my time spent here.”

Along with football, Crotty was on the baseball team and the varsity track and field team. This spring, he was able to compete in the track and field CIF championships. According to Crotty, he has had many experiences at Costa, but his favorite moments came from his senior year. 

“Road trips to Fresno and captaining the varsity team my senior year were some of my favorite moments during football,” Crotty said. “Competing in the track and field CIF championships was an awesome experience in the spring as well. I have enjoyed every moment of Costa sports, and I am very grateful for these last four years.” 

Although Crotty’s athletic career at Costa is over, his football career isn’t. Crotty is committed to Johns Hopkins University to play Division Three football. According to Crotty, he is excited about the academic and athletic opportunities. 

“I am excited to continue my academic and athletic career at Johns Hopkins in the future,” Crotty said. “I hope to continue the tradition of excellence that has been set in the Hopkins football program and graduate with a degree in economics.”

Hoover received female athlete of the year after her play this season as the goalkeeper for the girls varsity soccer team. She led the team to a 12-3-6 record in her senior year and a second-place finish in Bay League. 

“I was very shocked and surprised when I saw that I had won Costa’s female athlete of the year,” Hoover said. “I was also very honored due to the fact that Costa is a strong school in athletics. I was happy that all my hard work and dedication were recognized!”

Apart from soccer, Hoover also participated on the varsity track and field team. According to Hoover, she is grateful to have supportive coaches in both sports that push her to be the best. As Hoover’s career at Costa comes to an end, she will leave Costa with many memorable moments to reflect back on. 

“My favorite memory was when we beat Temecula Valley High School in the first round of playoffs, one moment that I feel was pivotal,” Hoover said. “In the last 10 minutes of the game, we were winning 2-1 but Temecula Valley had the ball the whole half and just kept shooting. As a goalie, this was very stressful, and I had to remain calm and confident in myself and the team that we could do this. When the referee blew the whistle, it felt like one of the best feelings I have ever felt and was such an achievement for our team.”

Hoover will be continuing her athletic career at Loyola Marymount University, where she will play on the women’s soccer team. According to Hoover, her hopes are to one day play in a professional league. 

“In my athletic career I will be playing soccer at Loyola Marymount University, and I hope to earn the starting spot as a freshman,” Hoover said. “Starting as a freshman is a very rare thing at the college level. It will be difficult based on the high level of talent and skill, but I will be working hard over the summer to try to put myself in the best position to earn the starting spot.”