Holman, Mellano share field hockey MVP award

Seniors Devon Holman and Kathleen Mellano shared the Most Valuable Player honors presented at the Fallbrook High School field hockey team banquet held December 1 in the Zion Lutheran meeting hall.

Holman and Mellano were selected by their teammates to share the Most Valuable Player honors. Holman was a forward and Mellano played defender for the Warriors.

“I like having a couple in each category if that’s how they vote,” said Fallbrook coach Kathy Waite.

Two Warrior seniors also shared the Most Inspirational Player honors: forward Emily Badillo and defender Liz Green. Junior Patty Gonzalez was selected as the team’s Most Improved Player.

Badillo was also given the Coaches’ Award for her dedication to team development. Robin Badillo was honored as the Team Mom while Greg Coppock was presented with the Team Dad award.

Junior varsity awards were also given at the banquet. Kylie Little earned the Most Valuable Player award, Chloe Bright was presented with the Most Improved Player honor, and Michelle Valencia received the Most Inspirational Player recognition.

“Just well deserved, and great to honor so many players,” Waite said.

Coppock also put together a video of season highlights, and each of the varsity players was given a copy of the video. The banquet served as the first of consecutive events for Lizzy Eskue and Lauren Hughey, who left the banquet for the Fallbrook Christmas Parade and wore their team uniforms on the float sponsored by St. John’s Thrift Shop and displaying the field hockey team banner.