After an eventful 2023-2024 athletic calendar for the Coronado High School Islanders, women’s basketball and softball player Susanna Pate was named Women’s Athlete of the Year, while water polo standout Luke Machin took home Male Athlete of the Year honors.
Pate led the Islanders to a 15-9-2 record, including a 7-2-1 record in City League play. She led the team in multiple statistical categories, including batting average (.465), on-base percentage (.596), home runs (4), stolen bases (11) and fielding percentage (.977). She was also tops on the team in hits and runs scored.
A scholar athlete, Pate has leveraged her production on the field and her success in the classroom into a chance to play softball at Cornell University. In addition to playing out her athletic scholarship, she plans to major in biology with hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
“Staying organized allowed me to set aside time for my studies,” Pate said, “Sleep was also a priority to ensure recovery time from the physical stresses of sports and to keep my mind energized and focused during class.”
“Staying organized allowed me to set aside time for my studies,” Pate said, “Sleep was also a priority to ensure recovery time from the physical stresses of sports and to keep my mind energized and focused during class.”
Susanna Pate, Coronado High School Female Athlete of the Year
Focused on more than just her prospects on the field, Pate said she values the academic opportunities at Cornell as highly as she does its athletic promise.
“I chose Cornell University because the coaches invest in bettering their players as athletes and (they) prioritize academics,” she said. “And the team atmosphere is energetic, fun and competitive.”
Machin, male athlete of the year
Pate will not be the only Islander to attend a prestigious school in the fall, as Male Athlete of the Year Luke Machin is set to attend the United States Air Force Academy.
Machin will continue to play water polo in Colorado Springs, a sport where he favors his left hand because of an injury when he was young. Machin also played varsity baseball, batting fourth and playing first baseman and outfield. His batting average was (.340) with an on-base percentage of (.402).
“I trained myself because I had surgery on my right arm because I overused my arm pitching,” Machin explained about using his left hand, “so I decided to become a lefty.”
Machin was selected as a San Diego County all star in water polo after the conclusion of his senior season. He also led his team to a DI water polo championship as two-time team captain.
Although he credits his father and his club water polo coach as being his biggest supporters, Machin selected Air Force because of another family tie.
“I chose the Air Force Academy because I want to serve my country and my older brother went there,” he said. Machin earned an athletic scholarship to play water polo for the Falcons.
“[I’m] thrilled,” Machin said of his award. “There are so many fantastic athletes at the school, so it is a great honor.”
Pate echoed that sentiment.
“I am extremely honored and humbled,” she said. “I will strive to live up to [the late CHS physical education teacher] Bev Hinkle’s profound legacy and contribution to CHS women’s sports.”
