Silva, Okwuokei Named Citrus Athletes of the Year

Zeanna Silva and Toby Okwuokei were named the Citrus College Athletes of the Year, announced Wednesday.

Silva led the Fighting Owls' women's soccer team to a historic finish, grabbing their first-ever Western State Conference South Championship with a 15-6-1 overall record and 12-2 conference mark. The sophomore defender from Norwalk, Calif., was named the first-ever WSC South Defensive Player of the Year and picked up California Community College Soccer Coaches Association (CCCSCA) All-Southern California honors – just the third Owl to do so – and capped things off by being named to the CCCSCA All-State team – the first honoree in the program's history.

"Zeanna has worked very hard over two seasons and has earned this award," said head women's soccer coach Tim Tracey. "Our success as a program is a direct reflection of her ability, competitive spirit, leadership, on and off the field, and her commitment to achieving academically. She has been a mentor to her teammates, a role model to the entire athletic department, but most importantly she is a quality human being. As a program, we would like thank Zeanna for two years of dedication, commitment, loyalty and leadership! She has left a legacy and earned the respect of all."

Silva was a part of the Owls' backline that allowed 24 goals for a 1.11 goals against average, both the fifth fewest in the WSC. She also got into the attack, scoring four goals off set pieces. She finishes her Citrus career with 42 starts in 42 career games, notching six career goals.

Okwuokei led the Owls' men's basketball team to its fourth-straight WSC Championship, finishing the year with a 20-10 overall record, 11-3 in conference. The sophomore guard from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., was named to the All-California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association team and earned All-Western State Conference South Division first team honors following the season.

"Toby has been one of the best competitors to ever put on a Citrus jersey," said head men's basketball coach Brett Lauer. "Over the last two years, he consistently led our team by example on the court and, more importantly, in the classroom.  I will miss competing with him but I am excited to watch him as he continues his career in San Francisco."

Okwuokei finished the year averaging 17.6 points per game and shooting at a 42.3-percent clip. He scored in double figures in all but four games for the Fighting Owls, including 11 games of 20 or more points.