Eagles Recognized as OCADA Athletes of Character

SMCHS students Jillian Torres ’25 and Leo Francis ’25 were among those recognized by the Orange County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA) as Athletes of Character this year.

OCADA selects athletes based on their sportsmanship and leadership efforts and has been honoring student-athletes across the county for years. Torres and Francis were invited to a banquet to celebrate their accomplishments, along with dozens of other Orange County high school athletes.

Jillian, a softball standout heading to the University of Notre Dame to continue her academic and athletic pursuits, says she is “honored” by this recognition.

“This award represents not just my efforts in sports but also recognizes the values I strive to live by every day,” she gratefully expressed.

Leo will be attending the University of Pennsylvania to continue his track and field career while furthering his education.

“It meant a lot to be recognized for who I am as a person on top of what I have accomplished in athletics,” he said.

SMCHS Athletic Director Annie Garrett ’04 says this OCADA recognition speaks to the overall excellence--related to athletics but also related to character--present on campus.  

“It’s always great to see our students being recognized for their athletic ability, but it's even more meaningful to see them acknowledged for the quality of their character,” Garrett said. “People like this make our school special, showing that true excellence goes beyond just performance.”

Congratulations, Jillian and Leo!