MORAGA, Calif. – It's been a stellar year for SMC Women's Soccer senior Isabella Santavicca, who capped off her time at Saint Mary's by being named the 2023 class valedictorian.
 
Saint Mary's 2023 Valedictorian—an award recognizing an individual student with the highest academic achievements of the graduating class, was earned by Santavicca through her outstanding work both in and out of the classroom.

The biology major from Tucson, Arizona was honored during during Spring Commencement over the weekend, where she also gave an enthusiastic speech to her fellow classmates.
 
Santavicca has been a leader throughout her time at Saint Mary's. As a constant force on the women's soccer team, she often produced crucial performances to help will her team to victory. You could often find her sneaking past defenders or launching a pinpoint pass to one of her teammates up the field.
 
Over the course of four seasons with the Gaels, Santavicca played in 56 total games, netting three goals and two assists. She was honored in both the WCC All-Academic team and Academic All-District team following the conclusion of the season. 
 
This past season, Santavicca started all 18 games for the Gaels in the midfield, tallying two goals over the course of the season. 

Throughout her time at Saint Mary's, Santavicca has been involved in a variety of activities and organizations that she says allowed her to contribute to her fellow students' experiences. 

"I hope to inspire my fellow graduates to continue to engage with the world around them and to find ways to make a positive impact on their communities, whether that is through volunteering, pursuing a career in a helping profession, or simply being an engaged citizen," says Santavicca. 

Santavicca's impact on Saint Mary's cannot be understated, and she leaves behind a community and team that will remember her for years to come.