Danville Rotary names Female Athlete of the Year

The Rotary Club of Danville honored four exemplary student-athletes and named its choice for Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year during a special awards ceremony last week.

San Ramon Valley High senior Katherine (Kat) Klass was named Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year for her accomplishments as a member of her school’s water polo and swim teams along with her academic achievements.

Klass was selected from a pool of three other teens attending San Ramon Valley Unified School District schools: swimmer and diver Kaya Philapil of California High, softball player Carolyn Lee of Dougherty Valley High, and softball and soccer player Lindsay Rood of Monte Vista High.

“We annually honor outstanding female athletes that personify excellence in athletics and scholastics and are role models for other female athletes,” Danville Rotary president Steve Simpkins said.

The candidates were nominated for the award by their coaches and athletic directors, according to Rotary reps.

All four athletes were recognized during a Rotary Club luncheon during which Marilyn King — two-time Olympian in the pentathlon — gave the keynote speech. King was joined by John F. Kennedy University president and sports psychologist Dr. Mac Powell, who also gave remarks during the ceremony.

Each of the schools represented by the four athletes received a donation to their athletic departments from Danville Rotary, according to Rotary club reps.

Klass’ name will also be inscribed on a trophy to be displayed at San Ramon Valley High for the next year.

“We congratulate and honor all four female, athletes,” Simpkins said. “The Rotary Club of Danville is honored to sponsor the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year as well as a similar award program for area male athletes. These young people represent the next generation of leaders who exemplify Rotary values of leadership, dedication and service.”