The562’s coverage of St. Anthony athletics is sponsored by Jane & B.I. Mais, Class of 1948.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach golf is sponsored by Dan and Desiree Gooch.
Victoria Valenzuela left her mark at St. Anthony and graduated as an extremely accomplished Saint. Valenzuela was one of the top golfers in the Del Rey League, and has been for years.
Valenzuela entered her senior season as a two-time reigning Del Rey League Individual Champion – but that wasn’t enough.
Despite battling an illness, Valenzuela entered the Del Rey League individual championship tournament looking for her three-peat. She pushed through her sickness and a late charge from her opponent to claim the title by two strokes.
Valenzuela was also one of three Lady Saints to earn a spot on the First Team All Del Rey League list. This year’s success led Valenzuela to becoming the Del Rey League MVP for the third time in her career.
Even with her individual success, Valenzuela served as a captain for the St. Anthony girls’ golf team and led her squad to more victories. The Saints clinched the four-peat as the Del Rey League champions, winning the title each year since 2021. Not only did the Saints claim the title, but they dominated their competition. This was the fourth year St. Anthony went undefeated in the Del Rey League.
Valenzuela also spent her time away from school dominating on local golf courses. In August, she won her second consecutive Long Beach Golf Festival 2024 Crosby Junior Golf Championships at Recreation Park Golf Course.
“I think Long Beach is just such an important place for me. I love to represent,” Valenzuela said of re-entering the tournament. “It’s just a great opportunity to put myself out there in the golf community, as well as just Long Beach itself.”
Valenzuela is also incredibly decorated outside of golf. The St. Anthony alumna played beach volleyball for the Saints, is an accomplished musician, and volunteers her time to worthy causes across the city.
“I volunteer at LB Memorial in the music therapy program and with an adaptive fitness program in Los Al for adults with special needs. I still do open mic in Seal Beach every week. I just get involved in everything I possibly can,” Valenzuela said.
Victoria Valenzuela has grown into a true Renaissance woman, and her historic success is why she earns the Career Achievement Award.
