Professional Sports

Scotts Valley High alum Robert Hipwell took one step closer to getting into the “Big Leagues” after his name was called during the second day of the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft.  The Santa Clara University third baseman was selected by the San Francisco Giants...

With the 2023-24 sports year officially in the books, it’s time to reflect on some of the best moments that took place throughout this past year.  Watsonville native selected in MLB Draft A lifelong dream came true for Watsonville native Luke Keaschall, who was selected by...

Aptos native Nikki Hiltz advanced to the women’s 1500-meters semifinals after they placed third in their preliminary heat at Stade de France on Aug. 6.  “It was all about patience, and this is incredible. I think I can officially call myself an Olympian now,” Hiltz...

SANTA CRUZ—Santa Cruz Warriors on Thursday announced the Golden State Warriors signed guard Lester Quiñones to a 10-day contract, making him the first call-up for the Sea Dubs this season. The standout guard became the 33rd player in franchise history to be called up....

Watsonville High senior Itzel Martinez has been a terror on the field as of late, scoring each and every way possible to help the Wildcatz girls flag football team improve during the program’s inaugural season.   The standout quarterback tossed three touchdown passes in a 25-8...

Everlyn Kemboi glanced behind her shoulder once moments just before covering her face as she came storming down Cliff Drive in Capitola to win Sunday morning’s Wharf to Wharf women’s division race.  The 24-year-old American crossed the finish line first in 30 minutes, 29 seconds,...

Aptos High senior Ella Porter trained for seven days a week on her craft as the quarterback for the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League flag football champion Mariners during the 2025 campaign.  Their season came to an end Nov. 3 after an early exit in...

MONTEREY—The 74th installment of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was well underway as professional golfers teamed up with celebrities and professional athletes for Day 2 of the tournament.  It was my first experience at such a high level golfing event, so the objective was to...

The Santa Cruz Warriors announced July 8 that the 2024 NBA G League Fall Invitational will be held at Kaiser Permanente Arena in September. The invitational will feature a pair of exhibition games between NBA G League United and Mega MIS on Sept. 4 and...

The Monterey Bay Football Club announced Aug. 5 it hired Jordan Stewart on a multi-year deal to become the club’s permanent head coach.  Stewart—a former San Jose Earthquakes standout—is set to establish a new era for the Union, who currently sit eighth with a 7-9-6...