David Lainhart, West Hills College Coalinga

David Lainhart stated that what he will take away from an impressive two-year basketball career at West Hills College Coalinga is head coach Marc Arce's philosophy "every day is a new day", and that "working hard yesterday doesn't mean you can slow down today". Those who know David might argue it is a maxim he has always known.

Growing up the youngest of ten brothers in Star Valley, Wyoming, Lainhart developed his competitive spirit at a young age. As a high school junior, Lainhart moved to Las Vegas to live with an older brother and to gain exposure to fulfill his collegiate basketball aspirations.

He landed at West Hills College in 2001, and quickly established himself as a leader in the Falcons' backcourt, averaging 8 points, 2 assists and a 38% three-point percentage and was named first team all-conference. These stats are in addition to the "assists" he picked up off the court, tutoring teammates. Following his freshman year, Lainhart headed to Mexico for two years of Missionary work, where he was named a "zone leader" only six months into his service, a responsibility generally reserved for second-year missionaries.

When he returned to Coalinga in 2004, he rejoined a Falcons squad that was focused and dedicated to Coach Arce's vision. Lainhart credits the coach with helping turn his game around during a slump in late 2004. "I hit a rough stretch," said Lainhart. "Coach Arce benched me, and that really helped to serve as a wake-up call. It was the best thing that could have happened for me at the time." The 5'9" sophomore and co-captain responded in a big way, leading the Falcons to an 18-8 record and second place finish in the Central Valley Conference, behind eventual state champion Fresno City College. Along the way, Lainhart picked-up several impressive individual accomplishments, being named first team all-conference, averaging 8.65 points per game, shooting 40% from the three point line, and finished as the West Hills record holder in three categories; most three-pointers in a game (8), most three-pointers in a season (69) and most three-pointers in a career (124).

West Hills College Coalinga Athletic Director Bob Clement, who nominated Lainhart for the award, said, "It was both a pleasure and privilege to nominate David for this prestigious award. He is most deserving and has set a wonderful example at our college and in the community."

Lainhart shot the lights out in the classroom as well, graduating with a 3.95 GPA, and demonstrated an unwavering willingness to help others succeed academically, as he tutored anyone in need of assistance, from teammates to elementary school children. His claim that "I just love people" shines through in everything he does, whether it's visiting an elderly care home each Sunday or spending time in the local community with developmentally challenged children. In 2005, Lainhart was recognized as a runner-up for the National Alliance of Two Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Scholar Athlete of the Year Award. He is currently attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology where he is majoring in Interdisciplinary Sciences and still making big shots, shooting 45% from three-point range for the Hardrockers.

Melissa Ulrich, Shasta College

There is not anything Melissa Ulrich is not good at - just some things she has not yet tried.

Born the middle child of five in Missouri, Ulrich moved to Redding, CA, with her family after she graduated from high school. After joining a local swim club, her instructor encouraged her to tryout for the Shasta team, which she remembers as a tremendous experience.

A walk-on member of the Shasta College swim and dive team, Ulrich quickly established herself as an integral member of the Knights' 2004 and 2005 teams, specializing in freestyle and backstroke events. In reflecting on her experience as a community college student athlete, Ulrich said, "Everything can be broken down into goals, and if you are willing to try without fear of failure, of not being good enough, you really do surprise yourself."

Ulrich also made a splash in the classroom, graduating from Shasta with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

A talented mathematician in high school and college, Ulrich lent her skills to the Shasta College community as a tutor in the Mathematics/Business Learning Center. Christine Jones, her supervisor at the center, credits Ulrich's success as a tutor not only to her mathematic abilities, but also to her caring and understanding nature. Ulrich says her favorite part of tutoring was "encouraging someone to work through the steps to eventually reach the final answer". It should come as no surprise that one of her long-term goals is to teach, possibly overseas.

She has already experienced life abroad, studying as an exchange student at the University of Limerick (Ireland) in the summer of 2004, and returned in 2005 to explore Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England with her younger sister Christine, whom she cites as an inspiration in her life.

Ulrich explored another of her diverse interests in Redding when she joined the North Star Opera Company. Although she had performed in several musicals as a high school student, opera was a completely new experience for her and one that she found to be very rewarding. Her artistic skills also extend to composing original piano music, painting, and writing.

Ulrich is currently attending the University of California at Los Angeles, majoring in English. Following graduation, she plans to join the Peace Corps. In the meantime, Ulrich expects to keep busy with plans to join the UCLA crew team, and perhaps the snowboarding and surf teams. She is currently learning a new sport, tennis, and hopes to join an intramural tennis program. Based on her record, there is no doubt Ulrich will be a success wherever she pursues her next challenge.