Student: Alina Garcia
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Alina plans to attend either Bakersfield College or Taft College to play collegiate soccer. She hopes to transfer to California State University, Northridge to pursue a degree in physical therapy.
GPS Focus: PRIDE and SERVICE
What Makes Alina #BulldogSTRONG: One of the ways that students at Golden Valley High School can be #BulldogSTRONG on campus is by taking PRIDE in being a Bulldog through participation in athletics and the various activities that GVHS has to offer. For GVHS Senior Alina Garcia, her four years as a Bulldog can be summed up with the tremendous PRIDE she has in being a Bulldog as evident in the success she has experienced as an athlete on the court and field of competition. As part of the Lady Bulldogs Girls Tennis program, Alina has been a consistent force for three years, losing one year due to the impact that Covid-19 had on student participation. As a Senior, Alina has emerged as the leader of the Lady Bulldogs as she has assumed the #1 Singles position and is also on the #1 Doubles Team. Alina has led the Lady Bulldogs to some pretty amazing accomplishments in the young season as they finished in 3rd Place in the Mira Monte Tournament and on Tuesday defeated one of the more storied programs in Kern County, Bakersfield High School 5-4 where, according to Head Coach Ed Crosby, “Alina played lights out.” Alina has aspirations of medaling at the newly formed South Yosemite Horizon League Tournament later this fall, making a deep run in playoffs, and bringing home a CIF Central Section Valley Championship ring in Girls Tennis. However, beyond the goals and aspirations of success on the court, Alina takes most PRIDE in the comradery that has been established in the program and her role in ensuring that support is provided to all of her teammates. “The most rewarding aspect of playing tennis at Golden Valley is knowing that the girls on the team are always going to support and be there for you,” comments Alina, “Everyone is close with each other which makes our team chemistry different from other teams.”
In addition to the success that she has experienced on the GVHS tennis courts, Alina has also seen her fair share of accomplishment on the pitch as a center mid and defensive center mid for the Lady Bulldogs Soccer team. Entering into her third year on the Varsity team, Alina has established herself as one of the leaders as well as one of the strongest right foots in Kern County. As a junior, Alina had 5 goals and 8 assists for the Lady Bulldogs, leading them to an opening round playoff win against the Orcutt Academy before being eliminated by Santa Maria High School in an epic quarterfinal matchup. In the success that the Lady Bulldogs had, Alina is quick to support and help the team in any fashion indicating that defensive center mid is her favorite position because she likes to distribute the ball to her teammates allowing them to score. As a result of her selfless play, Alina was awarded the “Coach’s Award” from Head Coach Sandra Tirado at the end of the season. “Alina not only leads by example but motivates her teammates to do their best not only at practices but at games,” states Tirado. Alina believes that this upcoming soccer season that Lady Bulldogs will accomplish great things including potentially winning a CIF Central Section Valley Championship. “The most rewarding aspect of playing soccer at Golden Valley is that all the girls want to accomplish the same things,” states Alina, “Everyone plays their heart out and it shows out on the field.” For the SERVICE and the support that she provides her teammates as a leader on the Lady Bulldogs Tennis and Soccer teams and in the genuine PRIDE she has in being a Bulldog at Golden Valley High School, Alina Garcia is #BulldogSTRONG.
Alina Garcia has one of the strongest legs in Kern County as evident with one of her goals during her Junior season for the Lady Bulldogs Soccer team.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Alina: "To me, #BulldogSTRONG means doing your best in all aspects of life, never giving up when something gets tough, and lending a helping hand to others when needed. #BulldogSTRONG is about showing genuine respect, kindness, and leadership to others in and out of school.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Alina:
"Alina is the prime example of a great student athlete. We are lucky to have her on campus for many reasons. Alina works hard on the field and in the classroom and is always smiling or laughing just a joy to be around. Alina not only leads by example but motivates her teammates to do their best not only at practices but at games. I have been honored to coach her since her freshman year and she has shown tremendous growth and been a big part of the amazing changes we've been trying to make in our program. She has been a major role model in our program and her leadership and desire to always be better and represent our program with pride will forever be cherished and have a lasting positive impact on our program.” Sandra Tirado, Attendance Clerk and Head Girls Soccer Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Alina leads by example as the #1 Singles Player on the Lady Bulldogs Varsity Tennis team. She takes pride in her schoolwork, on the soccer field, as well as on the tennis courts. Her infectious smile and warm personality make her a pleasure to be around. Her Bulldog mentality was evident just last Friday when she fought through a tough loss in her opening set against a very good Wasco opponent. She rallied to win her 2nd set in a tiebreaker, before finally winning the 3rd set tiebreaker. And this was after she had competed in Doubles play earlier Friday morning in the Mira Monte Tournament against both North and Independence. Alina is an amazing teammate and student-athlete. She is truly #BulldogSTRONG!” Ed Crosby, Social Studies Teacher and Head Girls Tennis Coach, Golden Valley High School
"Alina started off as a shy young lady and ended up being an advocate for herself and a role model for others . She shows pride in her work, her character and personality. She has shown academic growth and continues to strive to become the best she can be on campus and in the community. On many occasions, Alina has demonstrated that service is not only demonstrated on campus but a way of life for her. She is amazing in every aspect! Congrats on being BulldogStrong Alina!" Eva Perez, Spanish Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Alina is such an awesome young lady on and off the court/field. She always has such a positive attitude and works very hard to get better. It has been a joy watching her grow on the tennis court and soccer field and I am looking to see big things from her this year.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Alina was in my U.S history class last year. She did not talk much, but eventually opened towards the end of the year. She is #bulldogstrong for her strong work ethic in class. What really makes her #bulldogstrong is that she honors her commitments. She made me aware of any sporting events that would take her away from class, so she could get the work done sooner. Great student and person to have in class and on campus.” Fernando Ruiz, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School