2002 Pepsi Scholar Athletes Tia DeSoto, Santa Rosa Jr. College Tia DeSoto graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College with a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning Dean's Highest Honors during each of her six semesters and was selected to the College Board Talent Roster of Outstanding Transfer Students. DeSoto earned the Doyle Scholarship each of her semesters at SRJC, and was also the recipient of the North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation Scholarship, the Dr. Peter Konttas Transfer Scholarship, and the Ruth Parle-Craig Scholarship. DeSoto was selected to participate in the Study Abroad Program, and spent a portion of the spring 2001 semester in Florence, Italy. Just as successful in the athletic arena, DeSoto set SRJC records in the women's hammer and discus throws, capturing Bay Valley Conference championships in both events in 2000 and again in 2002. She was the Northern California champion in the hammer throw in 2000 and 2002 and discuss in 2002. At the 2002 California Community Colleges Commission on Athletics Track and Field Championships, DeSoto captured the state championship in the hammer throw and finished fourth in discuss earning her the MVP award for women's field events. DeSoto is currently a member of the track and field team at the University of Nebraska, where she is majoring in anthropology. Her career goal is to become an attorney with an emphasis on representing the underprivileged.   Kris Shirley, Palomar College Kris Shirley was a two-year member of the Palomar College wrestling team, serving as team captain in his sophomore season. During his freshman campaign, Shirley finished in 8th place at the California Community Colleges Commission on Athletics Wrestling Championship, assisting his Palomar team to a 3rd place team finish. In 2001, Shirley's 6th place finish in the state championship helped to secure a 4th place finish for the Comets. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA at Palomar, Shirley found time to participate in numerous volunteer activities in his community. He volunteered as a tutor at Hidden Valley Middle School, and served as an assistant coach at his former high school, Escondido High. Shirley also spent time as a volunteer with Project Mercy, a humanitarian organization that organizes and constructs housing for disadvantaged families in and around Tijuana, Mexico. Shirley is currently majoring in Economics and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine and plans to pursue a law degree.   2002 Pepsi Scholar Athlete Honor Roll Katherine Bates, Cabrillo - Swim and Dive/Water Polo John Morgan, Saddleback - Track and Field Sarah Bitle, Cypress - Swim and Dive/Water Polo Brian Olson, Shasta - Swim and Dive Kristine Chavers, San Diego Mesa - Water Polo Adrianne Page, Taft - Volleyball Joel De Maria, Santa Rosa - Baseball Michael Peace, El Camino - Water Polo Savio Gomes, Cuesta - Swim and Dive/Water Polo Zachary Schroeder, Antelope Valley - Cross Country/Track Michael Hoy, LA Valley - Swim and Dive/Water Polo Maria Tonione, LA Valley - Volleyball Chelsea Kenna, Moorpark - Swim and Dive Jonathon Troop, Feather River - Baseball John Koontz, Reedley - Baseball Allison Welsh, Rio Hondo - Basketball Angela Mantele, Mendocino - Volleyball Julie White, Butte - Basketball Elaine Martinez, Pasadena City - Softball Holly Wilson, Chaffey - Volleyball 2002 Scholar Teams SPRING FALL Badminton: Pasadena City Women's Basketball: Ventura Baseball: Feather River Men's Cross Country: Ventura Softball: Moorpark Women's Cross Country: Cabrillo Men's Swimming: Ventura Football: Santa Rosa Women's Swimming: Diablo Valley Women's Golf: Sacramento Women's Tennis: Saddleback Women's Soccer: Diablo Valley Women's Track and Field: Shasta Women's Volleyball: Santa Rosa   Men's Water Polo: Cuesta   Women's Water Polo: Diablo Valley