Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Galina Mathew of Clayton Valley Charter High
Galina Mathew
School: Clayton Valley Charter
Grade: Senior
Sport: Cross Country
“Nothing is given to you for free” is a quote that dedicated cross country runner Mathew lives by and it shows up in every aspect of her life.
Throughout her high school career she has participated in many sports, from swimming as a freshman and sophomore to a brief stint on the wrestling team during her sophomore year. However, cross country is the sport that has stuck with Mathew her four years at Clayton Valley Charter. Inspired by her brother Rohan, she joined cross country as a freshman and started on the frosh/soph team. Overcoming many injuries and setbacks, Mathew worked her way to the varsity team her senior year and has earned many new personal records on the trails.
Her Ugly Eagles coach Kevin White notes her growth and determination over the past four years. “Galina is testament to what hard work, commitment to the sport, dedication and teamwork means in our sport of distance running. It’s been an honor to watch her maturation over the years and I look forward to seeing her accomplishments beyond high school.” Also, during this senior season Mathew was elected a team captain by her teammates, or as her coach described “overwhelmingly voted [captain].” She hopes to continue improving her times and finish her final high school season strong.
Balanced life
Outside of athletics, Mathew efficiently balances a job, high school classes, Diablo Valley College courses, volunteering and a leadership position in the CVCHS chapter of Mock Trial. She maintains a cumulative 4.2 GPA and dedicates time to volunteering at her church as well as for the nonprofit organization Life Challenge. She has taught preschoolers at her church for about six years and participated in Life Challenge events for 12 plus years.
When she was younger, she also took piano, guitar and voice lessons, and experimented in music production, which she hopes to continue after high school. She plans to transfer to a UC school after DVC to eventually attend law school and pursue a career in the law.
CVCHS student journalist Corinne Jeandheur wrote this Spotlight.
The Pioneer congratulates Galina and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have served 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 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.