NDB’s annual sports banquet occurred on May 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Moore Pavilion. On this annual and well-deserved night, student-athletes were recognized for their dedication to their sport, and they were able to reflect on their seasons.
Athletes and their families were welcomed to the event and enjoyed dinner catered by Epicurean ahead of the ceremony. Those who won awards for their outstanding performances received awards, and while most of the teams’ respective banquets took place earlier, these special athletes were also recognized on this night on a bigger level.
“The nice thing about the sports banquet is it gives an opportunity for all the teams in all the seasons to recognize the accomplishments of the sports that weren’t taking place during their season,” said Director of Athletics Christina Okubo ‘96. “It’s a really good way to kind of celebrate all of the team’s accomplishments collectively at the end of the year, just to recognize the hard work and the effort of all the teams.”
The night honored each season, starting with cross country, flag football, golf, tennis, volleyball, and water polo in the fall season. Then, those in winter sports – basketball, soccer, and wrestling – were highlighted for their dedication and teamwork. Members of cheer and pom, both year-round sports, were also commended for their resilience, while spring sports, including beach volleyball, lacrosse, softball, swim, and track & field, were praised as well.
Some of the awards earned by the athletes in each sport included Most Valuable Player, Most Inspirational, and Most Improved, along with an additional coaches’ award voted by the coaches themselves. The night also allowed varsity student-athletes who obtained a 3.5 GPA or higher this past school year to receive a scholar-athlete award for their hard work in school while also demonstrating commitment to their high school sport.
“The Sports Banquet is always super fun to get to see all the coaches and my teammates again,” shared senior Genevieve Land. “I also love the food provided by Epicurean, they do such a good job each year, and it’s so impressive to see all of the hard work that all the athletes have put in all year and get to recognize everyone’s dedication to their sports.”
In addition to all of the team awards, there were a few larger-scale awards presented to senior athletes who have gone above and beyond. Both the Season of Sport and Scholar Athlete awards were given to Lauren Zerella, while the Tiger of the Year award was claimed by senior Allison Lui. Another senior, Adrianna Cirina, was surprised that her uplifting spirit granted her the Allison Huber award.
“I’m very shocked. I was not expecting it. I am very humbled and grateful for this opportunity,” said Cirina. “I’m just really proud of the time that I put into cheer and the dedication and passion I poured out. It’s been very rewarding and I’m really sad to leave.”
Additionally, each senior student-athlete received a framed version of their sport’s senior banner photo as a souvenir to remember their time spent at NDB and the teams they played with. Many senior athletes who attended the event were glad to get together with their teams one last time before graduating.
“The sports awards banquet went very well,” explained senior Vicky Wang. “I was so happy to be there celebrating everyone’s accomplishments. I love my teammates and I wish them the best.”
The event served as a fitting conclusion to a year of dedication, perseverance, and athletic achievement. By bringing together athletes from every sport and season, the evening highlighted not only individual and team successes but also the strength and unity of the entire NDB athletic community.
From heartfelt cheers to well-deserved recognitions, the banquet was a celebration of passion, hard work, and school spirit. As the night came to a close, athletes, families, and coaches left with lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for the powerful impact of sports at NDB.
