Athletes of the year

These Irvine students performed at the highest level in multiple sports

Jadyn Zdanavage

Portola H.S.: lacrosse, basketball, track, cross-country

Coaches call Zdanavage a force of nature for her ferocious play, matched only by her sportsmanship in lacrosse, basketball, track and cross-country. At Portola, she led the cross-country team to its first state championship appearance, helped the basketball team reach its first CIF finals, and led the lacrosse team to its first league title – while breaking numerous individual records. This year in lacrosse, she set school records for goals and points while extending her school record for career goals, points and assists. “Hopefully, I left a legacy they can pass on to future teams,” says the graduate, who will attend the University of Michigan next year.

15 varsity letters
332 career lacrosse goals, a school record
2 PCL titles in cross-country

Adam Harper

Northwood H.S.: football, baseball

Harper finished his Northwood High career dominating two sports. In baseball, the outfielder was named his team’s most valuable offensive player, batting .472 for the season. In football, the running back, linebacker and free safety was named CIF Division 8 Offensive Player of the Year and Pacific Coast League MVP – while leading the team to its second consecutive CIF championship. “I had some great athletes over the years,” Northwood football coach J.C. Clarke says. “But I’ve never, ever seen one person do so much for a team as he has.” Harper plans to attend Brigham Young University after a two-year mission trip in Australia.