Published July 20th, 2011
Campolindo Sports Earn Top Honors
By Caitlin Graveson
ESPN Rise named Campolindo the California Division III School of the Year for its athletic accomplishments this year. This is Campolindo's second year taking top honors, the first coming for the 2004-2005 season.
Campolindo won numerous NCS titles, qualified for the post-season in almost every sport and earned two state titles in 2010-2011. With returning players, the Cougars look to be just as dominant in the coming season.
The Cougars boast two state championship teams in girls' cross county and girls' volleyball, making Campolindo the only school to capture two girls' state titles.
Junior Carrie Verdon, and her 21-second victory, helped the Cougars take the title by almost two-minutes. Verdon then moved on to the Nationals where she finished 19th overall. Verdon returns for her senior year with the goal of breaking into the top ten at Nationals and leading her team to yet another state championship.
Boys' cross country finished second in the NCS finals and fourth in the state championships. Led by junior Thomas Joyce, the top finisher for Campo, the Cougars should be ready for the 2011 season.
The girls' volleyball team upset Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) to capture the state championship three games to two. Cathedral had three consecutive years experience in the state championships, but Campolindo remained unfazed. Senior hitter Mary Vaccaro was named the Finals MVP. With half the team graduating, the Cougars will be balanced with fresh faces and experienced players when the season starts this fall.
The baseball team also garnered top honors for the Cougars. Campolindo recorded its second straight CIF North Coast Section championship. With big plays from sophomore Brett Stephens and junior pitcher James Marvel, the Cougars should be ready to fight for a third straight final come spring.
Girls' basketball earned a 25-win season and reached the Northern Regional D III semi-finals before losing to Sacramento by four points, 58-54. Juniors Annalise Ito and Mallory Brown along with sophomore Lauren Hickey will return to lead the Cougars' run.
Boys' soccer secured a NCS Division II championship with a win over rival Acalanes, finishing with a 20-1-6 record.
Campolindo boys' volleyball also took the NCS Divison II championship, finishing with a 32-6 record.
Girls' water polo earned the Division II NCS championship with a victory over rival Acalanes to finish with an 18-9 record.

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