Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Navodit Pillala, CVCHS
Name: Navodit Pillala
School: Clayton Valley Charter High School
Grade: Senior
Sport: Tennis
An ambitious athlete and accomplished scholar, Pillala participated on the CVCHS varsity tennis team the past two years. He earned a spot on the North Coast Section Distinguished Scholastic Team, as well as all-Diablo Athletic League honorable mention and NCS President’s List.
He says his favorite part about being an athlete and representing CVCHS is the sense of community and bonding he experienced with his teammates, in addition to enjoying and excelling in the game. Pillala always felt supported by his teammates and coaches, which he believes played a vital part in his performance. He feels the school is supportive of their athletes and because of that he was able to improve as a player, captain and person.
Pillala participated in tennis, volleyball and basketball as a child, which he believes helped him develop both physical and mental strength, in addition to teaching him how to be a part of a team. During his time off the tennis court, Pillala maintained a 4.8 GPA as a senior. He also participated in Clayton Valley Charter’s marching band and wind ensemble. Pillala notes that marching band helped him build endurance and discipline, which was beneficial for tennis.
Heading to UC Davis
Outside of school, Pillala was an avid participant in his Boy Scout troop. Pillala plans to attend UC Davis as a biomedical engineering major on the pre-med track with hopes to improve peoples’ lives in his career.
He thanks coaches Sayed Anwar and Shane Velez for their help in motivating, leading and guiding the CVCHS tennis team. He is also grateful to his parents for their support, as well as Ethan Marquez. He notes that with Marquez’s energy, the two were able to lead their teammates as co-captains.
CVCHS student journalist Katherine Pugh wrote this Spotlight.
The Pioneer congratulates Navodit 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 a great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com
Katherine Pugh
Katherine Pugh is a junior at Clayton Valley Charter High School. She enjoys running on the CVCHS cross country team in the fall in addition to the track and field team in the spring. Pugh also swims recreationally for Oakhurst Country Club in the summer. She is a part of the CVCHS Engineering & Design academy and finished her sophomore year with a 4.33 GPA. She’s also excited to be a representative for CVCHS’s ASB leadership group during her junior year. In addition, Pugh works as a hostess at Ed’s Mudville Grill in Clayton. She is very excited to be writing the Student Athlete Spotlight for the Concord Clayton Pioneer.