Jayson Casias and Janessa Godinez have been named Central Valley High School’s Male and Female Golden Hawk award recipients, respectively, from the class of 2023.
Their names will be printed on a banner inside the campus gymnasium, along with Ruben Valenzuela (2022), Julia Roton (2022), Isaiah Hidalgo (2021), Isabella Pelayo (2021), Thomas Carrillo (2020), Aryanna Jimenez (2020), Ryan Palecek (2019), Brianna Quiroz (2019), Estevan Barragan (2018), Nayeli Pelayo (2018), Oso Fregoso (2017), Blanca Espinoza (2017), Moses Ghiorso (2016), Mikayla Mabie (2016), Jaron Dickson (2015), Heaven Simon (2015), Ja’Quan Gardner (2014), Lexy Cordova (2014), Abraham Navarro (2013), Malynda Lomeli (2013), Daniel Ochoa (2012), Drucella Miranda (2012), Tyree Jones (2011), Alyssa Long (2011), Vince Lopez (2010), Amanda Lopez (2010), (Trevor Mew (2009), Julie Calderon (2009), Mike Tubera (2008) and Latrisha Jordan (2008).
“It’s definitely a big accomplishment to be recognized as one of the best athletes in my class,” Casias said. “It’s something I had to work for. It’s also an honor to be on the same banner as Ja’Quan Gardner. He’s the best football player to play at Central Valley.”
“I’m super happy,” Godinez stated. “I always wanted my name up there. I knew what needed to be done. All my hard work paid off.”
Godinez earned eight varsity letters during her prep athletic career, including four in softball, three in softball and one in basketball.
“I’m pretty satisfied with my personal growth,” she said. “I enjoyed the times and moments I had with my teams.”
Godinez starred at pitcher and on offense while leading Central Valley’s softball team to record heights this spring.
The Hawks compiled a program-best 19-4 overall record.
Central Valley claimed its first-ever league title. The Hawks won the Central California Conference championship outright with a near-perfect 11-1 mark.
Central Valley also participated in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs for the first time.
“We had a great season,” she said. “We changed the way Central Valley softball is looked at. I’m super proud of my team. Our chemistry was great. That’s one of the reasons we did so well. We played for each other.”
Godinez was named to the CCC First Team.
She posted a 17-3 record with a 3.90 earned-run average and 94 strikeouts in 1162/3 innings.
Godinez batted .421 from the plate with one home run, one triple, eight doubles, 16 RBIs, 38 runs and 19 stolen bases.
“I really did surprise myself,” she said. “I’m not a pitcher. I did my best for my team and coaches. My girls always had my back, offensively and defensively.”
Godinez also experienced success with longtime teammate Allie Peterman.
“Playing with your best friend is the best thing ever,” Godinez said.
Godinez’s older siblings Raul (class of 2011) and Yescenia (2016) both played multiple sports at Central Valley.
“There was never any pressure to be as good as them,” Godinez said. “They set high standards. I always saw them grind. It was motivation. I couldn’t have done this without them. Everything I learned came from them. I always tried to fill their enormous shoes.”
“My little brother is a soccer player,” she added. “He’ll be in the eighth grade. I’m excited to see what he does in the future.”
Godinez will attend Stanislaus State and major in liberal studies.
She had a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 at Central Valley.
“I’ve played softball since I was 6,” she said. “It’s time to hang up my cleats. I’m going to miss it. But I’m ready to be able to do other things. I have my own embroidery business. I’m really into fashion and sewing.”
“I want to be an elementary-school teacher,” Godinez added. “Maybe back here in Ceres. I still want to stay around the sport (softball) even though I’m not playing.”
Casias earned three varsity letters, including one in football, basketball and baseball.
He was a student-athlete at Central Valley senior and junior years.
“I really wish I was here all four years,” said Casias, who spent his sophomore year at Ceres High and attended ninth grade at Central Catholic. “It’s a great school. I enjoyed being around the coaches, athletes and students.”
Casias excelled at receiver during his final season of football.
He caught a team-leading 40 passes for 773 yards and five touchdowns as the Hawks amassed a 2-8 overall record and finished seventh in the CCC standings (1-5).
Casias earned CCC honorable-mention recognition.
“It was definitely a great experience being out there and showcasing what I can do,” he said. “I achieved more than I thought I would. It was honestly shocking. I had the will to get better. We wanted to make playoff but didn’t.”
Casias averaged 14.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game at center for Central Valley’s sixth-place basketball team (8-20, 2-10).
He ranked first on the team in rebounding, and second in scoring and steals.
“I’m satisfied with my performance,” said Casias, who earned an invitation to play in the Second Annual 209 Students With Aspiring Goals (SWAG) Senior Showcase All-Star Basketball Game this past month in Atwater.
Cases batted leadoff and started in left field for Central Valley’s fourth-place baseball squad (14-13, 5-7). The Hawks fell one win shy of qualifying for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.
He collected three doubles, 10 singles, five RBIs, nine runs and four stolen bases in 26 games.
“I enjoyed playing,” he said. “I was where I wanted to be once league started. I wish we would have won more games.”
“It was definitely a roller coaster,” Casias stated while talking about his high-school career. “Being a three-sport athlete, you lose your entire summer if you want to be dedicated to every sport. You can’t have family vacations. There’s continuous work to get better and where you want to be. It worked out in the end.”
Casias earned a football scholarship to the University of La Verne, which is located in Southern California.
He’ll major in kinesiology.
“I’d love to pursue something in sports,” he said.
