Pioneer Athlete Spotlight: Lexi Zandonella

Grade: Senior, School: Carondelet High, Sport: Soccer

It proved very easy to get Carondelet head coach Amy Apodaca to talk about this month’s athlete spotlight subject from the Northern California Division I soccer champion Cougars. “Zandy as we call her, what can I tell you about her? She is a team voted senior captain and a full season starter. A first-team EBAL all-league midfielder with 14 goals and three assists, which led our team this season! She plays with the heart of a true champion and leads her team to win. She will defend and attack with fierce authority, saving and winning games all in one day. Zandy has been a heaven sent, unexpected gift to Carondelet.”

The coach went on to explain that the player from Concord progressed through Carondelet soccer from the freshman team, to her sophomore year on JV and the past two years on varsity. “I am very proud to say she has been a part of our entire program! We really work hard as a coaching unit to build a whole program, not just one team. Her working the whole program shows investing in all of our players has suited us very well. I thank her for her years played here at Carondelet and I am so excited for her future years at Sonoma State.”

The Pioneer congratulates Lexi and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.