The female athlete of the year, Roni Gordon, was the team captain of the women’s basketball team and will be continuing on to UCLA in the fall.

The sophomore from Woodland Hills chose City College because of its attractive campus, athletic opportunities and a chance to get into a four-year university.

“I really felt that the culture of the school encouraged a deep concern for the well-being of each student, both personally and academically,” Gordon said. “I have greatly benefited from the outstanding faculty and counselors at SBCC.”

Gordon is a communication major and although she is uncertain about her future career, she thinks that by continuing her education she will find her calling.

However, she will not be playing basketball for the Bruins.

“I definitely plan on participating in their intramural basketball team, because I am not ready to give up basketball,” she said.

As the captain of the Lady Vaqueros, Gordon helped lead them to a second place finish in the Western State Conference.

She said that she gained leadership skills, made lifelong friends and learned important life lessons.

All her contributions to the team, along with her academic achievements have earned helped earn her earn a prestigious title.

“I am deeply honored to be named female athlete of the year,” Gordon said. “Playing on the team has brought me an incredible amount of joy and personal fulfillment.”

She credits her coaches and teammates for part of her success.”Of course, it would not have been possible without my wonderful teammates and coaching staff,” she said.

Other than playing basketball, Gordon likes to spend time with family and friends, go the beach and participate in religious activities. She also likes traveling and learning about different cultures.

“I spent some of my time last summer traveling throughout Israel,” she said. Gordon said that her experience at SBCC was “wonderful and life changing.”

Also, she said that the friends and personal relationships she has made while playing on the team helped its chemistry.

“[Tournaments] gave us a chance to really get to know one another,” Gordon said. “These genuine friendships that have formed amongst us will definitely continue throughout the years.”