COVINA, CA – Covina-Valley Unified School District is home to exemplary athletics programs, with all three comprehensive high schools offering CIF-level teams that help students develop their athletic skills, build camaraderie with teammates, and compete at high levels.

From baseball and tennis to flag football, cheer, track and field, and more, student-athletes across the District are strengthening their athletic abilities and developing leadership, responsibility, discipline, and perseverance that support success both on and off the field.

“I have loved being around other student-athletes and coaches who are supportive of me both with personal and cheer-related things,” said South Hills High senior Ava Mendoza, who will attend Vanguard University in the fall on a STUNT scholarship. “I’ve cheered for 13 years and done STUNT for four years. Both sports have taught me flexibility, strength, and mental toughness.”

The South Hills High cheer team boasted a historic season, successfully defending its titles as back-to-back CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) 2AA Champions and USA Spirit Nationals Show Cheer Intermediate Champions.

The South Hills girls’ cross country team also captured an undefeated league championship and advanced to CIF Finals, marking the first time in more than a decade that South Hills advanced to the finals in both the boys and girls divisions. Additionally, the boys’ tennis team secured a second-straight undefeated Hacienda League title, while the boys’ wrestling team finished second in the CIF Coastal Division and the girls’ team placed third – the program’s best finish in more than 15 years.

At Northview High School, the wrestling teams also boasted an outstanding season with the girls’ wrestling team capturing the CIF Central Division title, claiming first place at the CIF-SS Masters Meet, and finishing third at the CIF State Championships.

The boys’ team finished third in the CIF Inland Division, and both teams earned Valle Vista League championships.

“Wrestling has taught me how to work hard to achieve my goals and persevere through any setbacks I may face,” said Northview High senior Henry Arellano, who plans to pursue a career in coaching and teaching. “What I love most about being a student-athlete is the connections I have built. Being involved in wrestling, Associated Student Body, and Advanced Placement courses has helped me build wonderful connections with coaches, teachers, staff, teammates, and classmates.”

Also at Northview High, the football team earned its fifth consecutive League Championship, and the girls’ volleyball team secured its second consecutive League Championship. The girls Super Smash Bros. Ultimate esports team added to the school’s success by winning CIF championships.

At Covina High School, the girls’ flag football team captured a league championship, the boys’ baseball team scored its first CIF-SS playoff victory in 20 years and advanced to the championship game, and the girls’ softball team advanced to the CIF semifinals. Individual student-athletes in track and field and swim also advanced to CIF finals and broke school records, further cementing the school’s strong tradition of athletic excellence.

“Being a student-athlete has taught me how important it is to balance my responsibilities,” said Covina High senior and baseball Valle Vista League MVP Donovan Johnson. “I have learned that I need to manage my time, stay focused in the classroom, and still give my best effort at practice and in games. I love spending time with my friends during the school day and then continuing to build those friendships at practice.”

The 2025-26 school year also marked a historic milestone for Covina-Valley Unified with the launch of the District’s first water polo team at Covina High, founded by senior Levi Lopez.

Student-athletes from all three comprehensive high schools also signed with notable colleges and universities to continue their athletic careers, including at the University of Washington, Villanova University, the University of San Diego, Azusa Pacific University, the University of La Verne, San Jose State University, Southern Utah University, California State University, Fresno, and more.

“Congratulations to our schools and athletes on another incredible year of athletics at Covina-Valley Unified,” Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Blackmore said. “These accomplishments represent just a few of the many highlights from an outstanding year, as our student-athletes continue to shine both on and off the field while reaching new heights.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_SPORTS1: The Covina High School boys’ baseball team scored its first CIF-SS playoff victory in 20 years and advanced to the championship game.

CVUSD_SPORTS2: The South Hills High School cheer team successfully defended its titles as back-to-back CIF Southern Section 2AA Champions and USA Spirit Nationals Show Cheer Intermediate Champions.

CVUSD_SPORTS3: The Northview High School girls’ wrestling team captured the CIF Central Division title, first place at the CIF-SS Masters Meet, and third at the CIF State Championships, while the boys’ team finished third in the CIF Inland Division. Both teams earned Valle Vista League championships.