Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Andheya Aurelio of Mt. Diablo High
Name: Andheya Aurelio
School: Mt. Diablo High School
Grade: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Mt. Diablo girls basketball coach Ronnie McGee says that his senior guard Aurelio “stands at 5-3, but even though small in stature, her game is huge.” And that game has helped Aurelio and her teammates to an 11-4 non-league start, the best in school history. The team’s seniors are excited about this season with hopes of leading the Red Devils to the North Coast Section Division V playoffs for the first time in over 20 years. A strong showing in the Diablo Athletic League Valley Division following their successful non-league campaign should accomplish that.
Aurelio says, “I love my teammates and everything that has happened this year. They all play a part. I am fortunate to play with the other players on the team like Mariel Busine, who is a very good three-point shooter, and Yasmine Garrett, who was selected as an All-State Player.” Andheya has been playing basketball since the sixth grade. She has played for different Club teams (Empyre, Reign City and Travis Lady Jets).
The point guard is called a “tremendous leader” by her coach and posts prolific stats averaging 23 points, 4.6 assists and 5.2 steals per game. Last month she helped the Red Devils snap American Canyon’s five-game winning streak by pouring in 32 points against the Wolves. McGee adds that Aurelio leads her team in all drills, film sessions and study hall. He adds, “She believes the team success is the only thing that matters. Her love for the game is something that could never be taught.”
Lessons and Blessings
Aurelio enthuses, “Basketball has become my peace throughout all of the adversity that life has thrown at me. It has taught me many lessons and created many blessings in the process. Throughout my basketball journey I became a leader, mentor and a great teammate. I have created bonds with my teammates, and I am beyond grateful to be able to call them family. Transferring to Mt. Diablo my senior year (from John Swett in Crockett) was a big risk, but with a big risk came big rewards. I also realize that Mt. Diablo is a very good school with many educational options. I would definitely encourage other student athletes to look at Mt. Diablo as an option. My coaching staff are amazing and genuinely care about the players’ success on and off the court.”
She is also a stellar student athlete with a 3.58 GPA. “I also want to thank my family who are my biggest supporters and critics. It has truly been a blessing. After high school I plan to continue my education (kinesiology) and basketball career at the next level playing collegiate basketball.”
The Pioneer congratulates Andheya and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for over three decades at Family Vision Care Optometry.
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.
Jay Bedecarré
Jay Bedecarré is a long-time resident and writer in Concord and Clayton. He began his newspaper writing career while still a senior at Mt. Diablo High School and he has been part of The Pioneer since its inception in 2003. Jay also operates Bay Area Festivals, presenting events around the San Francisco Bay Area including Bay Area KidFest annually in Downtown Concord.