2024-25 CIF Spirit of Sport Award Winners Announced
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Brock Buak III (Union Mine HS), Riley Clarke (Saint Francis HS, Mountain View), David Cox (Riverdale HS), Lauren Gravitt (Whittier Christian HS), Addison O’Brien (Fred C. Beyer HS), and Adrianna Zuber (Tri-City Christian School) were named the recipients of the prestigious CIF Spirit of Sport Award for 2024-25 school year. These six statewide winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship, an award, commemorative patch, and be recognized at the spring CIF Federated Council luncheon on April 4, 2025, in Oakland.
“The CIF Spirit of Sport Award is a testament to the exceptional character, leadership, and dedication of our student-athletes,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “These honorees not only excel in their sports but also serve as role models in their schools and communities, demonstrating integrity, sportsmanship, and a commitment to service.”
The CIF Spirit of Sport Award recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm, are active in school and community service, and exhibit leadership qualities. The principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm are the operating principles of the CIF and have been adopted by the 1,633-member high schools throughout the state.
Fall Honorees
Riley Clarke, a two-sport athlete at Saint Francis High School, Mountain View, is cross country team captain and a track and field team leader. He is also a Pride Student Union Board Leader, TEDxSaint Francis Speaker and Director, member of the Athletic Director’s Council, and Affinity Council, and is the ASB Spirit Commissioner.
“As I’ve celebrated team victories and losses; personal records and disappointments, I’ve come to understand that the most important aspect of high school athletics is the family created around them,” states Clarke. “Being a team leader, I aim to not just unite our team, but to make our team a family.”
Addison O’Brien, a three-sport athlete at Fred C. Beyer High School, Modesto, is captain of the water polo and soccer teams and participates in swimming. She is also involved in Leadership Academy Stanislaus County, serves as Adventure Club President, and has assumed various roles as part of ASB Student Leadership in her four years at FBHS. Additionally, she is also involved in her community as a Swim Instructor/Lifeguard, a junior volunteer at Memorial Medical Center, and as a Veterinary Assistant.
“Education-based athletics have profoundly shaped my identity and sense of belonging,” states O’Brien. “From my first day in the pool to my final CIF playoff game, I was given countless opportunities to connect, compete, and grow- not just as a student-athlete, but as a person.”
Winter Honorees
Brock Buak III is a three-sport athlete at Union Mine High School, El Dorado, and captain of the wrestling, football, and baseball teams. Additionally, he is President of the National Honor Society and Key Club, Captain/Cadet Commander of the Civil Air Patrol, and 2nd Lt./Executive Officer of the California Cadet Corps.
“Athletics taught me that true success is measured not by individual achievements but by the legacy you leave in the growth and success of others,” states Buak. “As I look to the future, I carry these values with me, committed to making a positive impact wherever I go.
Lauren Gravitt is captain of the soccer team at Whittier Christian High School, La Habra, and previously participated in volleyball for three years. She is also involved with Link crew and musical theater at WCHS and is part of the chapel/worship team. She currently serves as ASB President and is a member of the National Honor Society.
“My team is more than just the 16 girls I play with,” states Gravitt. “My team are all the people who have guided me, loved me, believed in me, and taught me that winning isn’t always about the final score being in your favor… Winning is about having people touch your life in a way you will never forget, and in that, I win.”
Spring Honorees
David Cox is captain of the baseball and basketball teams at Riverdale High School. Additionally, he is ASB Vice President and is a member of CSF, Block R, Leadership, Link Crew, and FFA.
“One specific lesson education-based athletics has taught me is to not take anything for granted,” stated Cox. “After tearing my ACL last basketball season, this lesson impacted my life beyond sports. As a result of my coach’s compassion and motivation, I was able to make a full recovery in time to play basketball and baseball my senior year.”
Adrianna Zuber is captain of the track and field team and Tri-City Christian School, Vista, and has also participated in girls flag football, soccer, cross country, and volleyball. She is a member of the CIF San Diego Section Advisory Council, is President of the National Honor Society, and Editor-in-Chief of the school yearbook. Additionally, she has served as a junior lifeguard captain.
“The support I received from my coaches and teammates inspired me to give back to others,” states Zuber. “The CIF Advisory Council allowed me to advocate for student-athletes, ensuring they have the same opportunities to grow and succeed. I’m thankful for the empowerment I received throughout my journey, and it motivated me to help others find their voices.”
Additionally, the CIF will select a male and female Section winner, for each season of sport, from all submitted applications to receive a $1,000 scholarship. A list of all Section recipients will be announced on www.cifstate.org later.