Student: Camila Amezcua Soto
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Camila plans to attend Bakersfield College to get her A.S. in Radiation Technology with aspirations of becoming a Radiation Therapist.
GPS Focus: PRIDE and SERVICE
What Makes Camila #BulldogSTRONG: When individuals think of dynamic leaders in the world of sports, usually it is the overtly expressive and effective communicators that come to mind as they lead their teammates towards success and victory. However, there are times in the field and courts of play in which the more quiet, introverted leader evolves and is able to effectively lead others. Quiet Leaders focus on leading themselves and others through their open-mindedness and their focus in facing challenges. They tend to be more reserved, reflective, both determined and humble, composed under pressure while also being inspiring and demanding leaders. For Golden Valley High School Senior Volleyball player Camila Amezacua Soto, she has emerged as a quiet leader for the Lady Bulldogs that has changed the direction of the program. As a four year member of the Lady Bulldogs Volleyball program (with three years on Varsity), Camila has always been blessed with height and natural athleticism, but burst on to the volleyball scene last year with her elite ability to protect the net and spike the ball as she led the Lady Bulldogs in both blocks and kills. As a result of her stellar play, the Lady Bulldogs (15-13-2) made an impressive run in the CIF Central Section Division 5 playoffs where they defeated Wonderful Prep Academy and the top seeded Taft Union High School on the road before being defeated by Mission Oak in the Semi Finals. For her efforts, Camila was selected to the South Yosemite League 2nd Team in a league featuring some of the best volleyball programs in Kern County.
As a senior this year, and motivated from last year’s playoff exit, Camila’s play has only gotten better as she has, as captain of the team, led the Lady Bulldogs to an impressive 18-4-1 from her position as an outside hitter and the primary defensive specialist. Camila has hopes that the Lady Bulldogs can win a Valley Championship, but important to her is being a committed teammate that sets the example for others. “As a Senior, I hope that I am setting a positive example for any lower classmen,” humbly and quietly states Camila, “The most rewarding part of being part of this Lady Bulldog Volleyball program are the positive interactions that are being forged from Seniors to the Freshmen.” Beyond the accolades of earning All League selections, Camila has been recognized for her leadership as she has been awarded with the Coach’s Award in each of her first three years playing because of her integrity and commitment to the program. Head Coach Bill Richardson expresses the following sentiments about Camila’s impact on the program, “Integrity, positive attitude, leadership, discipline, work ethic, responsibility, honesty, coachability…Camila is the complete package!” For her quiet, humble, selfless, and optimistic approach to leading the Lady Bulldogs Volleyball program as captain, outside hitter, and defensive specialist, Camila Amezcua Soto is #BulldogSTRONG.
Though the Lady Bulldogs fell short in their opening match against Arvin for the Horizon League, #3 Camila Amezcua showed off her exceptional hitting skills at the net.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Camila: "Being #BulldogSTRONG to me means that you learn from your failures, keep a positive attitude, and show respect to others.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Camila:
"Camila is new to the student leadership class this year. She is serving on the ASB Executive Board as the Commissioner of Activities. She is sweet, hard-working, and a great addition to the program. I have really enjoyed having her around, and look forward to seeing her smiling face and helpful disposition for the rest of the school year!” Valerie Blackl, Activities Director, Golden Valley High School
“If you were to look up the word integrity in the Dictionary, you would see a picture of Camila. She has been in our volleyball program since her Freshman year and she is one of the best girls to ever go through. When you think back on the best students you ever had, she is that student! Integrity, positive attitude, leadership, discipline, work ethic, responsibility, honesty, coachability………..she is the complete package! We will definitely miss Camila Amezcua Soto; she is destined for greatness.`` Bill Richardson, PE Department Chair & Head Volleyball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Camila is a hard worker and is dedicated to Golden Valley. Even though she is busy with sports she makes it a point to stay up on her school work and catch up on anything she has missed. I look forward to seeing her in class every day because I know I can count on her to have thoughtful answers and ready to learn. ” Cameron Hertzog, Social Studies Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Camila is a very nice, respectable, hard-working young lady. It's a great pleasure having her in my Anatomy class.” George San Miguel, Science Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“What a great young lady. She is the type of athlete that lets her actions speak louder than her words. Camalia has grown each year as a Volleyball player and I expect big things from her in the future.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Camila Amezcua Soto is the epitome of being #BulldogSTRONG. She is a natural born leader, leading by example with her positive attitude and energy. She has amazing integrity and always takes actions into her own hands. Being able to coach and watch Camila grow as a student athlete these past four years has been an honor.” Makayla Richardson, Head Volleyball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“I've had the pleasure of coaching Camila Amezcua 6th and 7th grade at Ollivier Middle School. Even then, she had the tenacious and positive mindset needed to be successful in the sport of volleyball. It has been awesome getting to see her, as well as some of the other girls from that Ollivier team, develop in volleyball over these years. Camila is a consistent, humble, and reliable player. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.” Danielle Madrid, PE Teacher, JV Volleyball Coach, and JV Girls Basketball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Camila is a hard-working student who strives for excellence on a daily basis in my class. She is an example of #BulldogStrong.” Rebecca Bledsoe Santaella, English Teacher, Golden Valley High School