St. Paul names Jordan Williams, Rebecca Topete Athletes of the Year

Rebecca Topete, left, and Jordan Williams were named the girl’s and boy’s winners of the Don Ward Athlete of the Year Award at St. Paul High School. Topete competed as a four-year varsity volleyball player and Williams plays varsity on the football, basketball and track teams. (Photo by Keith Durflinger)

SANTA FE SPRINGS — With all of the outstanding athletes that adorn the halls of St. Paul High School, two seniors stood out this year as Jordan Williams and Rebecca Topete were named the Don Ward Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

The two were named at the annual senior awards night, which were held on May 20 at the Knotts Berry Farm Hotel in Buena Park.

In addition to Williams and Topete, Scholar Athletes of the Year were awarded to Alyssa Ledezma and Isaiah Dunn. (Story in a future issue).

“Both Rebecca and Jordan were intimidating forces in their sport,” St. Paul Athletic Director Rich Avina said. “Both extremely powerful athletes that imposed themselves on their opponents.

“More importantly, they are loved and respected by their peers on the teams, as well in the St. Paul community. These are great kids that have impacted St. Paul High School both on and off the field and court.”

The award was named after Ward, who passed away last September and was a longtime supporter of St. Paul athletics.

“He was loved and respected by hundreds and even thousands of athletes that walked the campus at St. Paul from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s,” said Avina, of his introduction of the history of Ward at the senior awards. “He captured memorable moments through photography.

“I and many others to this day cherish the 8 x 10 black and white photos he would give to the athletes after their games. He was a Historian. Don Ward represented all that is great in athletics at St. Paul High School – commitment, passion, persistence, but most importantly, Mr. Ward was genuinely a great human being that left his imprint on our community. He changed the world one picture at a time.”

Avina, who graduated in 1994, saw Ward’s work first hand when he played sports at St. Paul and is now the AD and the boys volleyball coach.

Both Williams and Topete were All-League in their respective sports for the Swordsmen.

Williams, who will continue his education at Colorado State University and play football, participated in football, basketball and competed in track and field during his career at St. Paul.

“I was trying to make an impact when I transferred in and be a leader and showing everyone what I could do,” said Williams, of his football expertise.

On the basketball court, he was an all-around player, saying, “…basically, I was just being a facilitator just trying to play where everyone needs to go and just trying to win games.”

Williams, who averaged 12 points per game, was a part of the teams’ successful run to the CIF Quarterfinals this past season.

One of his big moments during the playoffs was a highlight dunk over the Hillcrest 7-footer, during their 66-60, second-round win.

“I told everybody that I was going to dunk on the seven-footer and I did that,” he said, with a smile.

“At St. Paul, it was a very high competition level. As far as basketball, we had the toughest schedule and played against Damien, Serra and a lot of strong teams. It made me a better player.”

Another highlight was participating in the basketball clinic and meeting Hall of Famer Paul Pierce and working with kids.

“I remember, as a kid, going to a Kawhi (Leonard) camp,” he added. “It was a fun experience and all the players got to compete. Now, I get to come and show the kids (at the Paul Pierce clinic) what I learned and hopefully they find the love for the basketball game too. It’s great seeing the smiles on their face.”

Williams said that during the Paul Pierce basketball camp before the season started in October.

Williams’ third sport was track and field, and he also excelled at that too.

He competed in the High Jump and 100 Meter, and was All-League in both events. He got second in the 4x100.

“He is a young man that made an impact, not only on the multiple teams he competed with, but also on the campus as a whole,” added Avina. “He has earned the respect of all his teammates through his competitive fire, work ethic, and play-making abilities.”

He was named 1st team All-Angelus League in Football, 1st team All-Camino Real League in Basketball, Camino Real League Champion in the 100 meter, and Camino Real League Champion in the High Jump.

Topete is tops

“The Female recipient of the Outstanding Athlete of the Year is a young lady that exemplifies determination,” said Avina, of Topete. “She is a hard-working athlete that has made an immediate impact in our sports program by starting since her freshman year. She is motivated, committed, and driven to accomplish her goals. She was an intimidating force on the volleyball court with power and tenacity.”

Topete was named 1st Team All-league and Most Valuable Player of the Camino Real League in Volleyball.

Topete spoke of her experience and leadership in the volleyball program – “I showed my talents all four years at St. Paul High School on varsity even as a freshman and starting and showing life values to my team and being a great example of what it was to be a great volleyball player on the court.

“My job as the captain is to show responsibility to the team and showed how we could make it through with what we had and we came out as league champs this year.”

Topete, who said one of her best moments of her volleyball experience was beating Bishop Amat, will be continuing her academic and athletic career at Cal State University Los Angeles. She will be playing outside hitter and the right side position.

“Honestly, this year beating Bishop Amat on senior night.”

The Swordsmen went to five sets as it was a struggle. They won the first two sets and then lost the next two sets.

“In the fifth set, we just brought everyone together and told everyone that we needed to get through this and we could win and we did,” Topete said.

Topete summed up her career at St. Paul saying, “…..It has prepared me by showing what I can be when I struggled and how I can rise above that and how I can show my talents at the right time.”

“St. Paul has been there for me all four years and it’s what I’ve known and it showed me how to be a great athlete,” Topete said. “Volleyball brings out my strengths and fiery personality and it really shows who I am as a person and shows that I can be a leader.”