Downey Baseball

Coach Jess Gonzalez

Dear Seniors,

It has been a crazy four years. You guys have been through so much. The way you Seniors have responded this season has been amazing. I am so proud of all of you. Good luck to you all and I look forward to hearing from you guys soon

Thank you,

Coach Gonzalez

Downey Boys' Basketball

Coach Lonnie Shelton

I would like to personally congratulate the nine seniors on our Varsity basketball team on their 2021 graduation. It was a pleasure and an honor to coach all of you. Every one of you always gave your best effort and represented Downey High School in the best way possible. I can honestly say that in my 33 years as Head Coach of the Downey Varsity, I have never had a better group of young people than this senior group. They are all good students and quality young men. I have the utmost confidence that they will be successful in life in whatever they choose to pursue.

I will also remember them fondly for helping me achieve my personal 500 win milestone when we defeated Paramount on May 5^th of this season. Their positive reaction and their excitement in helping me achieve the 500^th win of my career is something I will never forget. I will be eternally grateful to them for helping make the moment very special to me.

Special commendation goes to the five returning seniors from last year. They represent everything Downey High School wants in a student-athlete, both on and off the court. Thank you to Captains Nathan Banuelos, and Nikolai Rabaya, as well as returning seniors Kyle Costello, Ryan Couso, and Brian Chavez. It has truly been my pleasure coaching you these last two years.

I do not want to forget our four first year seniors on this year’s team. Thank you to Jacob Cajigas, Bryan Aguirre, Victor Pantoja, and Julian Olvera for the many contributions you have made to our Program the last four years. You will always be valuable Vikings in our hearts and minds.

-Coach Shelton

Downey Girls' Basketball

Coach Nate Harris

Words cannot even begin to explain how proud I am of these eight young women who all spent four years in the Downey Girls' Basketball Program: Funmi Adefeso, Danyelle Almanza, Desirae Carrillo, Daniella Gomez, Hailey Harris, Allysha Howard, Lilia Ojeda, and Rachel Spinosa. This senior class was a very tight group right from the start. Their character, kindness, and selflessness has made coaching them an absolute joy. There is no doubt that this group of young women will experience success in whatever they choose to pursue.

-Coach Harris

Rachel Spinosa

Rachel will be continuing her athletic career in basketball at Life Pacific University. Rachel was a four-year varsity player and starter for Downey Girls' Basketball. Rachel served as team captain for both her junior and senior seasons. As a freshman, Rachel helped lead us to the CIF Division 2A Finals and to the second round of the Division 2 State playoffs. As a junior Rachel was selected as an All-League player in the San Gabriel Valley League. We wish Rachel the best as she continues her basketball career at Life Pacific University.

Allysha Howard

Allysha will be continuing her athletic career in bowling at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Allysha played basketball four years here at Downey while also competing in bowling at the highest level for her age group. Allysha is a two-year varsity basketball player and was team captain her senior year. We wish Allysha the best as she continues her bowling career at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Downey Cheer Seniors

Coach Ashley Rauls

Dear 2021 Cheer Seniors,

You are such an amazing and special group. It has been an honor to watch you grow over the past four years and be a part of your life along the way. I’ve been so proud of you all in every way. Not just for the championships and titles that you have worked hard to earn, but because of the responsible and good people that you are even when you think I’m not watching. You are a strong and resilient group of athletes who overcame every hurdle along the way during this uncertain year. Thank you for your commitment to the program and always trusting the process. Every single one of you have been an inspiration and contributed to the success of the program in some way. I hope the you will be able to apply the skills and experience from your time as a Downey cheerleader to your future and that it will always lead you to be your best. Good luck in your next chapter in life and I can’t wait to see what great things you accomplish! Never forget Downey cheer...once a Viking, always a Viking!

2017-2018 Freshmen- 1st Place USA Nationals; JV- 1st Place USA Nationals; Varsity- 1st Place USA Nationals Large Intermediate

2018-2019 Freshmen- 1st Place USA Nationals; JV- 1st Place USA Nationals; Varsity CIF Coed Division 1 Champion

2019-2020 Freshmen- 1st Place USA Nationals; Varsity- 1st Place USA Nationals Coed Advanced, CIF Coed Division 1 Champion

Priscilla Abeyta

4 year Cheerleader

Isabella Cabrera

4 year Cheerleader

Cheer Captain

Evelynn Canizales

1 year Cheerleader

Danielle Cuevas

3 year Cheerleader

Cheer Captain

Mckenna Davila

2 year Cheerleader

Rachel Del Pino

2 year Cheerleader

Penelope El

1 year Cheerleader

Deanna Figueroa

4 year Cheerleader

Cheer Captain

Kristen Flores

4 year Cheerleader

Maya Garcia

2 year Cheerleader

Heather Hernandez

2 year Cheerleader

Alexis Herrera

3 year Cheerleader

Briyannah Jermon

1 year Cheerleader

Melanie Lopez

2 year Cheerleader

Pamela Martinez

1 year Cheerleader

Anissa Offer

2 year Cheerleader

Kayla Pardo

4 year Cheerleader

Valeria Perez

3 year Cheerleader

Cheer Captain

Nataliee Reyes

2 year Cheerleader

Alexa Troncoso

4 year Cheerleader

Jacqueline Rodriguez

2 year Cheerleader

Leona Sapiter

2 year Cheerleader

Katherine Urrutia

2 year Cheerleader

Ariana Vasquez

3 year Cheerleader

Isabel Venegas

4 year Cheerleader

Downey Cross Country

Coach Bob Gleason

Viking Harriers, It was very disappointing that we were not able to have a season due to the pandemic. To my seniors, I'm thankful that I had an opportunity to coach you for the time that we had. I'm also thankful that you got to compete in T&F. Seniors, remember we will always be your extended family.

-Coach Gleason

Downey Dance Team

Coach Leslie Patterson

Dear Dance Team 2021 Seniors,

We all know this has not been the senior year you all dreamed about, but we hope that you feel that we have made the best of our time together. Thank you for your gratitude, positivity and leadership. You are all proof that love, understanding and acceptance are valuable traits to live by and they can get you through the toughest of times. We celebrate your dedication to the dance program and all the regional, state and national awards you have earned. We hope you feel all the pride and happiness surrounding you as you head off to college. You have all worked really hard for this moment and we couldn’t be more proud of you. Remember, no matter what life throws your way, you always seize it and turn it into something great. This is your spotlight moment…take it all in. We will never forget our 2021 Dance Team Senior Board. You have made a lasting impression on the program and in our hearts. May the success you have achieved today motivate you to even higher goals. We know you will come out on top no matter what you choose to do.

- Mrs. Patterson, Coach Cassie and Miss Alicia

2018 CADTD State Champs and USA Nationals Champions

2019 5-USA National Champions, Judges Award and Best Choreography Award

2020 Top 3 finishers at Contest of Champions, Orlando FL

2021 CADTD State Champions

Isabella Diaz

3 year Dance Team Member

Valerie Estrada

1 year Dance Team Member

Chloe Gonzales

4 year Dance Team Member

Hannah Hong

1 year Dance Team Member

Alize Moreira

3 year Dance Team Member

Monica Ulloa

4 year Dance Team Member

Downey Boys & Girls' Golf

Coach Jason Bean

Thank you so much for your years of hard work. It has been my pleasure to watch you grow and succeed these past four years not as athletes, but also as students and individuals. Remember the things you have learned about diligence and integrity, and you will always represent Downey High School with pride. Congratulations and good luck Class of 2021!

-Coach Bean

Anna Arambula-Pena

Isabella Manglicmot

Michael Bilodeau

Andrew Chan

Gregory Guido

Downey Girls' Lacrosse

Coach Marvin Mires

I couldn’t be more proud of the women you have become and how you have represented Downey High School these past four years. On and off the field, you demonstrated how far your work ethic and desire can take you. I feel blessed and fortunate to have been a part of your lives and I wish you the best of luck at your university, in your career, and in life. Don’t shut off ladies and continue to be women for others!

-Coach Mires

Downey Boys' Soccer

Coach Marvin Mires

Coach McFadyen, Coach Evans, Coach Mires

It has been an honor and a privilege to see you transform into men these past four years. Winning a league is never an easy challenge, but winning it and going 10-0 is even more special. Off the field, you strove to become men for others. You represented Downey High School in the most commendable of ways. Coach Mires, Coach McFadyen and Coach Evans wish you the best of luck at your university, in your career and in life. Don’t shut off gentlemen!

Downey Girls' Soccer

Coach Javier Aguiniga-Campos

To all the Downey Girls Soccer Seniors:

Wishing you the best in your upcoming endeavors and thanking you for all the memorable games and trainings. I hope to see you continue on to the next level.

-Coach AC

Kacey Alejandre

#5

Kaitlyn Castillo

#8

Celeste Dominguez

#14

Christine Duarte

#6

Annelisse Gutierrez

#95

Allyson Hull

#73

Daniela Marin

#1

Brooklyn Rodarte

#16

Hailey Romero

#44

Downey Softball

Coach Ed Garcia

Angelina Dumlao

4 year Varsity Player

Such a joy to coach because of her goofiness and fun loving spirit. She is always working on her craft devoting countless hours after practice and games.

Hailey Harris

4 year Varsity Player

Is a leader on and off the field. Plays with integrity and honor. Has always wanted to be a Viking and embodies what it means to play for your community.

Soraya Santiago

4 year Varsity Player

Inspirational story by coming back from a major surgery from her Sophomore year.

Alyssa Capps

3 year Varsity Player

What she lacks in size, she makes up for in her heart, grit and determination.

Janine Gutierrez

3 year Varsity Player

Goes all out for every game. Is a true competitor and will do whatever it takes to win.

Marissa Gurrola

3 year Varsity Player

She is such a character and is all about bringing positive vibes to the field.

Sara Luna

3 year Varsity Player

Is a game changer on the field because of her speed and great arm.

Alyssa Porras

3 year Varsity Player

She’s a homerun hitter who has so many highlights vs our rival school.

Alexis Allende

She is an ultimate utility player and a coach’s dream because of her versatility and her attitude. All around great kid with a comeback story.

Ileana Bocanegra

Has turned into one of the best hitters on the team. A true double threat with her offensive power and pitching.

Downey Boys' & Girls' Swimming

Coach Shaun Delhousay & Coach Sal Castro

To the Downey High Boys Swim Team Seniors:

Congrats guys on sticking it out this season- thanks for being a huge part of the team. I appreciate the hard work and dedication this year. I hope you enjoyed your years as a member of the aquatic's team at Downey High School.

Best of luck to you in the future,

Coach Delhousay

Great job Senior athletes. We have had 1 meet and we easily won it. We are undefeated in dual meets for the last 5 years. Best of luck to you in the future.?

-Coach Castro

Downey Boys' Tennis

Coach Byung Park

This past year and a half has not been easy or smooth. No one could have predicted anything like this and yet all of you have persevered and done your best. As your coach and teacher, what else could I have asked for? You did the best you could. I love being your coach and seeing all of you grow. Keep growing. To my seniors: Ricky, Xavier, Omar, Jaime, Brian, and Jorge... most of you I've known since you were freshmen and cannot believe you're graduating already. I've already missed so much of you guys and wish we could have had more time together. But such is life. I wish you all luck in your next steps!

-Coach Park

Ricardo Abundis

Xavier Corona

Jaime Magallanes

Jorge Martin

Brian Velasquez

Downey Girls' Tennis

Coach Micah Karzen

Despite the way it ended, it has been a joy and honor being your coach for the last 4 years. You are an amazing group of seniors and I know the hard work and dedication you have shown on the court and in the classroom the last 4 years will lead to great success for all of you in the future! Thank you for all you did for our program, you will always be in my memory and in my heart!

- Coach Karzen

Zoheret Beltran

Lezly Caballero

Rebekah Han

Brianna Leon

Victoria Lozano

Casandra Martinez

Alyson Paik

Downey Boys' Track & Field

Coach Bob Gleason

Congratulations Seniors on winning the SGVL title all 3 years, and it would have been 4 if it was not for the pandemic. You have contributed to extend the program's streak to 6 straight! I wish you had a full season instead of two brief ones, but I'm proud that you made the most of it. You will always be a part of the Downey T&F Family.

-Coach Gleason

Downey Girls' Track & Field

Coach Amy Overgaauw

To the Girls Track and Field Seniors,

Even though this was a compressed season, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to coach you all one last time before you head off into the next stage of your lives. I am so proud of your accomplishments, your hard work, and your positive attitudes. You have all been great teammates and leaders, and I hope that what you have learned through the years - including your participation in track - will contribute to your future successes. I have appreciated working with each and every one of you, and I know that the hardships you have overcome - whether due to the pandemic, school, track, or life in general – are going to help you to reach your goals. Remember that failure is just an opportunity to learn and grow, so keep working hard! Best wishes to you all in your future endeavors, and I will miss you all!

-Coach Overgaauw

Downey Viking eSports

Coach George Beaver

Coach Beaver

Nathan, congrats on graduating! Continue to work hard like you have done this past year. I would like to recognize the amount of time you have spent helping your teams both in eSports and SkillsUSA. Your hard work will be something that I hope future Vikings strive to display.

David, congrats on graduating! Thanks for helping lead your team to victory against those Bears & also defeating Compton! David is a key player on our team and is one of the reasons we get to wear our championship rings. Can't wait to see where he ends up - hopefully we will be able to watch him play collegiate very soon!