Hitchcock class of league

Ocean View High graduate Brooke Hitchcock could hit on the volleyball court or the softball diamond, and she could kick on the soccer field. Hitchcock, who was team captain and first-team All-Golden West League in all three sports, was recently named the Golden West League Female Athlete of the Year.

“I was super-excited,” she said about finding out she had won the honor. “Sports has always been a big part of my life.”

Hitchcock helped Ocean View finish second in league in girls’ soccer and win its third straight league crown in softball. In softball, the center fielder hit .433 for the Seahawks (23-6), with 23 runs batted in, four doubles and a team-best 35 runs scored.

“She was our captain this year, and she’s a four-year starter in center field,” Coach Randy Cruz said. “She’s just a pleasure to coach, one of the players who will do everything you ask as a coach. She’s always respectful, always on time.”

The Seahawks fell short of defending their CIF Southern Section Division IV title after being upset by La Quinta in the second round, but Hitchcock still has plenty of memories.

“Last year, winning CIF in softball was special,” Hitchcock said. “It was the best chemistry and everything with all the girls. And in soccer, I scored a game-winning header last year against Orange.”

Hitchcock, who had a 4.03 grade-point average, said she plans to continue her softball career at Golden West College and wants to become a nurse.

— Matt Szabo