Fall sports teams gathered at the Student Union to celebrate the successful finish of fall season and each sport’s Top Dogs on Nov. 9. Award winners were recognized by their coaches and everybody at the event with roaring applause for their hard work and embodiment of the P.R.I.D.E. values. Award winners include sophomores Jude Chau, Ava Fakharpour, Izzy Green, Belal Ibrahim, Joseph Kim, Malia Larioza, Allison Shi and freshmen Abby Hopper, Essa Khoso, Angela Kim, Zach Smay, Kamdyn Tenorio,Wesley Tjangnaka, Victoria Zhao.

“The purpose of it is to recognize athletes that really demonstrate our Bulldog values,” water polo coach Kate Avery said. “They don’t always have to be the MVP or the star starting player, but someone that you can rely and trust in the water or the field.”

Enjoying their pizza and snacks, fall athletes listened to boys’ volleyball coach Eric Graham speak about how each P.R.I.D.E. value is significant in playing a sport. Then, each award winner was introduced by his or her coach with warm compliments and an honorary certificate. With one hand holding the certificate and the other on his or her coach, each recipient posed for the camera with big smiles.

“To me, being recognized as a Top Dog means that the efforts that I have put in to be the best player that I can be have paid off,” sophomore and JV girls’ tennis Top Dog Allison Shi said. “This further motivates me to become a better player and do my best, no matter the outcome.”

Concluding the fall season with celebration and recognition encouraged athletes to work harder in the seasons to come.

“I’m just really happy that our athletes are coming out, happy to see that coaches are here supporting them. This is a tradition we want to leave as a legacy at Portola,” athletics director Katie Levensailor said.