IUSD student-athletes and coaches continued to make headlines during the 2025-26 school year, earning recognition at the county, state and national levels for their achievements in competition, leadership and sportsmanship. From a national-record performance on the cross-country course to championship-caliber success in the pool, local athletes and coaches showcased the talent and character that define Orange County high school athletics. Several were honored through the Orange County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA) and the Orange County Register’s annual All-Orange County awards.
Orange County Athletic Directors Association Awards
OCADA 2026 Athlete of the Year
The Orange County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA) named three IUSD student-athletes Athlete of the Year. OCADA’s Athlete of the Year award recognizes exceptional athletic achievement and overall excellence in high school sports.
Summer Wilson, Irvine High School
Cross Country & Track
Summer Wilson capped off a remarkable season by setting a new U.S. girls high school national record in the 3-mile run. Her time of 15 minutes 14.5 seconds shattered the previous national record by six seconds, a significant margin in one of the sport’s most competitive events.
Competing in both cross country and track and field, the Duke committed graduate has consistently excelled against top competition while helping elevate Irvine High’s distance-running program. Her combination of talent, determination and consistency has made her a standout on the local, state and national stages.
Natalie Keith, Northwood High School
Softball & Flag Football
Natalie Keith excelled in both softball and flag football while maintaining a 4.1 GPA. A four-year varsity softball player and three-year flag football athlete, Keith earned a full-ride softball scholarship to the University of Arizona. As a senior shortstop, she led Northwood to the CIF-Southern Section softball final and was named Pacific Coast League MVP. In flag football, Keith helped guide the Timberwolves to the program’s first CIF-SS championship during her junior season and earned Division 2 Player of the Year honors before being selected first-team all-league as a senior. Her success on the field, in the classroom and as a leader within her programs made her one of Orange County’s most accomplished student-athletes.
Andrew Maksymowski, Northwood High School
Swimming
Northwood senior Andrew Maksymowski was a standout varsity swimmer all four years and had another dominant season in the pool. Whether competing at the early-season Loyola Invitational, the CIF-Southern Section Finals or the CIF State Championships, Maksymowski consistently delivered for the Timberwolves. His leadership and speed helped Northwood remain among Orange County’s top swimming programs throughout the season.
The USC-bound senior led Orange County in the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle while earning All-County honors in the 200 individual medley and 100 freestyle. He also anchored Northwood’s 200- and 400-yard freestyle relay teams to All-County recognition, including a state-leading performance in the 400 freestyle relay.
OCADA 2026 Athletes of Character
OCADA also recognized student-athletes who exemplify leadership, integrity, sportsmanship and service through its annual Athletes of Character awards. The organization has honored student-athletes across Orange County for years, celebrating those who make a positive impact both on and off the field of play.
This year’s Athletes of Character honorees are:
- Kianna De la Paz, Northwood High School
- Danuj Kunaseelan, Northwood High School
- Kara Niho, Portola High School
- Parker Cherry, Portola High School
- Josephine Fleischman, University High School
- Luke McHenry, University High School
- Sophia Penaflor, Woodbridge High School
- David Bosley, Woodbridge High School
Orange County Register’s All-Orange County Athlete Awards
OC Boys Swimmer of the Year
Andrew Maksymowski was named the OC Boys Swimmer of the Year by the OC Register, in addition to the OCADA’s Athlete of the Year award, for his incredible high school swimming career.
OC Girls Swim Coach of the Year
Woodbridge High School’s James Hickson was selected as the Orange County Register’s Girls Swim Coach of the Year following one of the most successful seasons in program history.
In his 10th season leading the Warriors, Hickson guided Woodbridge to a third-place finish at the CIF State Championships and a runner-up finish at the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 Finals.
The Warriors highlighted their state championship meet by capturing the 400-yard freestyle relay title, earning the program’s first state championship. At the CIF-SS Division 1 Finals, Woodbridge finished second to perennial powerhouse Santa Margarita, achieving the school’s highest Division 1 finish since 2016.
Under Hickson’s leadership, the Warriors continued to establish themselves as one of California’s premier girls swimming programs.
Congratulations to these athletes and coaches for all their hard work and accomplishments during the 2025-26 season!