Gaby Gandara, a senior softball player, earned the Presidential Award at the 2026 Student-Athlete Banquet, recognizing her achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. The event celebrated the successes of the Toro student-athletes at the Loker Student Union, featuring keynote speaker Interim University President Dr. Mary Ann Villareal. Additional awards included Scholar Athlete honors for Quinn Johnson and Kylee Edgar, as well as the leadership awards for Cynthia Ramirez and Alpha Sowe. Nevaeh Lane and Ndifor Ginyui were recognized as Female and Male Athletes of the Year, respectively. The event also introduced new awards to honor fan support and program newcomers.

By the Numbers
  • Gandara graduated in three years while maintaining strong academic performance.
  • Cynthia Ramirez achieved a 4.0 GPA, showcasing her academic excellence in women's soccer.
State of Play
  • The event highlighted the accomplishments of student-athletes across multiple sports during the academic year.
  • Introduced new awards this year, such as the CSUDH Fan of the Year and a Newcomer Award, to further recognize contributions to the athletics community.
What's Next

With the close of the academic year, the athletics program will focus on strengthening community engagement and expanding recognition initiatives for student-athletes. Future events are likely to build upon the successes celebrated this year, fostering a stronger sense of community and support.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Gaby Gandara and other outstanding student-athletes underscores the importance of balancing academics with sports and community involvement. Celebrating these achievements is crucial for motivating current and future student-athletes to excel in all areas.