Press release courtesy CCCAA

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Perfect 4.0 GPAs and exceptional achievements in competition are the hallmarks of volleyball standout Breanne Dubberke from Fresno City College and football standout Apefai Taifane of West Hills Coalinga, who have been named the women's and men's Scholar-Athlete Award winners by the California Community College Athletic Association, it was announced on Monday.

The pair will be honored at the annual CCCAA Convention in Concord in March, along with 18 other impressive student-athletes from conferences throughout the state who earned distinction on the Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll, and 18 programs that will receive Scholar Team Awards.

All of the Scholar-Athlete award winners are recognized for excelling academically with at least a 3.50 GPA, athletically and in citizenship, and represent the positive outcome of dedication, hard work and service. The Scholar Team Award is the highest academic team achievement given annually by the CCCAA. All team members must have excelled academically with a total GPA of 3.0 or higher. The teams have also demonstrated better than average accomplishments in intercollegiate athletic competition.  

Dubberke graduated from Fresno City College last spring with her associate of arts degree in biological sciences, with an emphasis in nutrition, as she worked toward her career goal of becoming a dietician. She earned a 4.0 GPA all four semesters, leading to her Certificate of Honors at graduation. Dubberke has an extensive list of volunteer activities, including teaching Sunday school and helping serve community dinners for her church. She also was a youth volleyball coach.

On the volleyball court, she was a defensive specialist who twice earned All-Central Valley Conference honors and was an all-state tournament selection as Fresno City won the 2016 CCCAA Championship. Her 448 digs that season were among the state leaders. Dubberke, a 2016 CCCWVCA Scholar-Athlete, had 631 for her career.

Taifane was equally impressive off the football field as he was on it, particularly in the academic arena where he finished an amazing 54 units with a perfect GPA over his first three semesters, and added 24 units during his final term. He pursued an associate of arts degree in liberal arts, emphasizing in social and behavioral science. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, he also served as a residential assistant and tutor.

Taifane began his career as a tight end for the Falcons, helping them capture the 2016 Golden Coast League Championship and played a key role in them winning the subsequent Northern California Football Conference American Division title. His sophomore season saw him unselfishly move to the offensive line where he started every game at center while playing all five positions up front. He was named All-Golden Coast, All-State Region II first team, and was first-team All-America. Taifane was a team captain and honored with WHCC's Commitment to Excellence Award by his teammates.

He signed a National Letter of Intent in January to play at Cal Poly next season.