Softball player Madison Velivis and golfer Ray Gayk each received a certificate from Menifee 24/7 and a Target gift card from Larry Nemelka, representing RE/MAX Diamond Realty.
Velivis plays first base for the Rangers softball team, which just completed the first year of the program. The team struggled to win games as new players came on board, but the leadership of a more experienced player such as Velivis helped build a foundation for future success.
"The girls had good character and we all kept our spirits up," Velivis said. "I've played softball since I was 7, but a lot of the girls were new to the sport. Me and another girl were kinda captains and tried to be team leaders. The girls were all really receptive to learning about the sport. Most of them will be back for next year."
Gayk continued to improve as a golfer in his second year of the program, and the team progressed as well. He shoots in the low 40s on Santa Rosa's home course at Menifee Lakes Country Club.
"As a team, we really progressed," he said. "Last year we had seven or eight players and this year we had around 16. Overall, we had a very good season. But we weren't in a league yet, so it's harder to get into postseason tournaments."
Gayk was introduced to the sport by his father when they played in the Santa Rosa Tournament when he was in the seventh grade. He joined the golf team as a freshman.
