Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Fabian Gomez of Clayton Valley Charter High
School: Clayton Valley Charter
Grade: Senior
Sport: Baseball
CONCORD, CA (June 30, 2025) — Discipline and mental toughness drive Clayton Valley Charter varsity first baseman and lefthanded batter Fabian Gomez in his pursuit to reach the top, no matter the challenge.
Playing for the Ugly Eagles varsity baseball team for the past three years, Gomez has had to prove himself again and again. Beginning on junior varsity at CVCHS as a freshman, he worked hard to earn his spot on varsity. However, that was easier said than done since after his freshman season he suffered an injury to his right elbow that required UCL reconstruction surgery. More commonly known as Tommy John surgery, this entire rebuild of his elbow led to a long journey to recovery, and hard work and dedication to achieve that coveted varsity position.
Despite this setback, he came back stronger and earned first team all-Diablo Athletic League honors this year. Not only was he recognized by his league, but Gomez also received the Matt Nolen Memorial Baseball Scholarship this year, an honor that is passed on year to year in the name of CV baseball alumni Matt Nolen.
His coach Casey Coakley reflects on coaching Gomez, “Fab is one of the most consistent, respectful players I have coached in recent memory. You always know you are going to get a tremendous work ethic, focus and, of course, a very strong lefthanded bat.”
This spring Gomez helped his CVCHS team bounceback from a rare omission from the North Coast Section baseball playoffs in 2024. Back in the post-season, his team lost to DAL champions College Park in the Section quarterfinals. Gomez was also a member of a local travel club team called Alpha.
Gomez applies that same effort to his studies with determination in the classroom at Clayton Valley Charter, earning a 3.5 GPA. This fall, Gomez is committed to attend UC Santa Barbara where he is signed to play baseball for the Gauchos. After a successful college run, he hopes to go pro and make it to the major leagues.
CVCHS student journalist Corinne Jeandheur wrote this Spotlight, her final spotlight after two outstanding years as a writer for The Pioneer.
The Pioneer congratulates Fabian 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. laceyandruzicka.com.
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement, or a great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
Corinne Jeandheur
Corinne Jeandheur is a senior at Clayton Valley Charter High School. She runs on the CVCHS cross country team in the fall as well as competing on the track and field team in the spring. She also plays the piano and bakes in her free time. Jeandheur is a member of the CVCHS Engineering and Design Academy and concluded her sophomore year with a 4.33 GPA. She is serving as co-president of the California Scholarship Federation at Clayton Valley Charter this school year and continuing her academic and community involvement in the National Honor Society. She is very pleased to be writing the monthly Athlete Spotlight for the Pioneer.