Gavilan College

GILROY—When Ricardo Espinosa took over Gavilan’s soccer team last season, he said the odds were already against him. With the recruiting season over prior to his arrival, he had little time to piece together a team and the result was a 2-15-3 record.

GILROY—Though a picture from her signing day hangs in Mariza Rodriguez’s bedroom, she still finds it hard to believe it actually happened. Life has thrown the Gavilan sophomore plenty of curveballs—in the form of injuries, ineligibility and a learning disability—but each time she swung and knocked them out of the park.

GILROY—The Gilroy Garlic Festival provides a wealth of entertainment for its attendees, but behind the scenes it serves a much bigger purpose.

The Gavilan College football program hosted a skills camp for high school athletes July 11 at the school. Players from Christopher, Sobrato, Monte Vista Christian, Santa Teresa and Salinas high schools all took part in the camp, which Rams head coach Mike Dovenberg called a huge success. 

GILROY—When Joe Mooney went out for his high school football team his sophomore year, he didn’t think he’d make the cut. He was wrong.

head football coach Mike Dovenberg could easily be mistaken for one of his players. During Thursday’s practice, the fresh-faced coach was out on the field, tossing the ball and training alongside the Rams. Temperatures rose into the high 80s, but that did little to wear Dovenberg down. The newly minted head coach’s energy is infectious and it has spread to his Rams players.

GILROY—Gavilan College defensive lineman Troy Donovan was beaming as he signed his letter of intent with Trinity International University Thursday. As he peered out at the crowd of friends, family, teammates and coaches who came to share in the moment with him, he couldn’t help but remember who was missing.

GILROY—No matter what was happening at home or school, Adrianna Ortega has always found solace on the softball diamond.

GILROY—Only one baseball player in Northern California gets the honor of being called the Player of the Year, and that player is Gavilan College pitcher Erik Barron.

GILROY—Gavilan College’s Samantha Nydam expected to be suiting up for the Rams for her sophomore season this fall. But when opportunity knocks, you answer.