A multi-sport standout during her senior year at Ceres High School, Marissa Renteria earned Most Valuable Player honors while starring in a pair of all-star games.

Renteria started at quarterback and safety en route to leading the Blue Team to a 20-12 win over the Gold Team in the First Annual Merced County Girls Flag Football All-Star Game on June 14 at Veterans Stadium.

Fueled by Renteria’s energetic play at point guard, the Red Team cruised to a 63-46 victory over the Blue Team at the 27th Annual Six County Senior All-Star Game on April 27 at Modesto Junior College.

“I just feel honored,” she said. “I never saw myself doing this.”

Renteria accounted for three touchdowns, including two passing and one rushing, while earning MVP honors on the gridiron.

“It means everything to me,” she said. “It’s the first flag football all-star game in this (area) ever. Our mindset was we wanted to win. I knew the other team was going to be good.”

“It was bitter-sweet,” said Curtis Hulstine, Ceres High’s head coach and the Blue Team’s offensive coordinator. “I was super excited to be her (Marissa’s) coach again and I was sad that was the last time. She’s an awesome kid and stellar athlete. She’s one-of-kind. We’ll definitely miss her next year.”

Renteria also intercepted a pass on defense.

“I was very appreciative to play in that level of a game,” she said. “I was a little rusty. I could have played better. I felt a lot of pressure to spread the ball around (on offense) and not just make it about me.”

Renteria totaled 16 points on her way to earning MVP honors on the hardcourt.

“I surprised myself,” she said. “Before the game, I was very nervous. I didn’t know how I would perform. As the game went on, I got more comfortable. For me, winning was more important than my individual performance.”

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Ceres High/Red Team head coach Megan McGill stated. “She’s an incredible athlete. She was able to highlight her skills in the game. She was able to shine because she was surrounded by other talented players.”

“If she (McGill) wasn’t there, I would have been more nervous,” Renteria added. “I was the only girl from Ceres High. I felt a little bit of pressure. I wanted to do well. To be able to have that outcome, I felt thankful.”

Renteria was named Ceres High School’s Bulldog Female Athlete of the Year for the 2023-24 academic year.

She had a cumulative grade-point average of 3.16.

“I’m grateful for everybody that supported me throughout my seasons,” she said. “I had a lot of fun. Making connections with people was the most enjoyable part. They helped me get better.”

Renteria was voted the Western Athletic Conference’s MVP during the Sac-Joaquin Section’s inaugural season of girls flag football this past fall.

A dual-threat quarterback, Renteria totaled 2,161 yards and 34 touchdowns. She passed for 1,323 yards and 27 TDs.

She rushed for 838 yards and seven scores.

She totaled 16 interceptions on defense, including five versus Mariposa.

She returned two of her three picks for TDs against Lathrop.

“She set a really high standard,” Hulstine stated. “It’s going to be hard to find someone to replace her. We were very lucky to have her.”

Led by Renteria, the Bulldogs amassed an 18-3 overall record, claimed the WAC title with a perfect 7-0 mark and qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-I playoffs.

The Bulldogs fell one win shy of advancing to the section championship game.

“I’m grateful we had the opportunity to play a new sport,” Renteria said. “It was fun but also stressful at times. I didn’t have all the answers. My teammates supported me.”

Renteria was selected to the WAC First Team for the second year in a row as Ceres High’s girls basketball program enjoyed its best season to date since 2012-13.

She averaged 14.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 steals and 1.7 assists per game for the Bulldogs, who posted a 21-8 overall record, finished second in the WAC standings (11-3) and qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

“She’s always led by example,” McGill said. “This year, she became a lot more vocal. That was what we were hoping to get out of her.”