The Winters Warriors are a proud group filled with incredible athletes. Amongst them are Winters High School alumni Joanna Cuevas and Matthew Moore who have stood out amongst their peers and are distinguished as the 2022 Express Athletes of the Year.
Joanna Cuevas
Cuevas was a three-sport athlete who participated in track, cross country and soccer. Not only was she a leader on her respective teams, but an athlete who made quite an impression on her coaches through her tireless efforts.
“Joanna is so deserving of this award. She is one of the most humble, hardworking and unselfish soccer players that I have ever coached. She works hard on and off the field,” praised Kim Olivas, former varsity women’s soccer head coach. “I have had the pleasure of watching Joanna blossom from an unsure fourth grader to a smart, poised, strong young woman ready for the next challenge. She pushes herself to do better every day both in the classroom and on the field. I am very proud of her.”
The current varsity women’s soccer coach John McKenna also raved about Cuevas’ impact on the team.
“Jo was the epitome of one who leads by example in practice and on the field, by her work ethic and her level of skill,” said McKenna. “And she never failed to be a great ambassador of our school and community.”
Cuevas’ athletic prowess on the pitch helped two of her soccer teams clinch section championships for WHS. Meanwhile, she was also hustling up a storm as an all-league track and cross-country star.
“During her 2021–22 senior year, Joanna Cuevas showed great effort and consistency. On the 2021 cross country team, she helped to create our first home meet ever run in Winters,” said Bill Davis track/cross country coach. “She reached her goals (by) running personal bests in both cross country and track. At the cross-country league meet, she ran the three-mile race in 25:46 and in track broke the three-minute barrier in the 800 meters running it in 2:58.”
Matthew Moore
Another three-sport athlete, Moore showed out for the Warriors in football, basketball and baseball. He was a two-time all-league player in both football and baseball. He now owns most of the WHS passing records and is currently playing football at George Fox University.
“More important than his stats is the person and leader he has become,” said Daniel Ward, varsity head football coach and WHS Athletic Director. “I’ve never seen a young adult who was looked up to and respected by his peers as much as Matt was.”
Of course, Moore’s leadership skills would remain a big part of his athletic arsenal transitioning from the football field to the basketball court.
“Moore was a great competitor who was ready to do whatever it took on game day to help his teammates,” said Brendan McShea, varsity men’s head basketball coach. “He led the team his senior year in both assists and charges taken. He was selfless on both ends of the court and was a huge impact on our team.”
Once Moore slipped on the cleats for baseball season, his presence continued to make an impact on his games and his team.
“Moore was more than a great player, he was a great leader. When we needed a big hit or an arm we could count on, he was our guy. He ended the year with 66 innings pitched and tallied an ERA of .63,” said Austin Calvert, head varsity baseball coach. “That is a perfect example of what he contributed to our team, consistently giving us a chance to win games.”
Although Cuevas and Moore have moved on from WHS, they embodied the fighting spirit, selflessness and resolve of a Winters Warrior.
