Four Imperial Valley Softball players honored at Petco Park

Imperial's Addison Clark and Jayden Rutledge along with Isabella Yescas of Brawley and Deliyah Santiago of Southwest all dubbed with CIF San Diego Section All First & Second team honors

SAN DIEGO (KYMA, KECY) - A special moment unfolded at Petco Park this week, as four high school softball players from the Imperial Valley were honored for their standout seasons with All-CIF recognition.

Addison Clark and Jayden Rutledge of Imperial High School, Isabella Yescas of Brawley High, and Deliyah Santiago of Southwest High were all selected as some of the best in the state, but it was Clark, who made the trip to San Diego and represented the valley at the Padres game.

"It's cool, but kinda scary. I don't like all the cameras...I'm kinda awkward," Clark said, laughing after stepping off the field.

While receiving the honor came as a surprise to Clark, she embraced the experience with enthusiasm, taking in the sights, meeting athletes from across the region, and enjoying a few perks along the way.

"I'm pretty happy. Got those free Padres tickets...was hoping for some free food, just kidding. It was fun, got to meet a bunch of people from San Diego and learn about their schools."

For Clark, a rising junior, the day wasn't just about personal recognition. It was about showing others what's possible.

"They'll see what they are working for and maybe be like, 'You know what? I wanna work harder and be recognized,' and see that this work doesn't go unshown," she said.

Clark admitted she didn't expect a moment like this to come so soon in her high school career.

"If this would've came up, I was thinking maybe senior year," she said. "I didn't think so early on. I was just like, super shocked that it happened. I didn't think I would get this type of recognition."

And the celebration of Imperial Valley athletes didn't stop there. Right after the Padres game, the CIF Boys High School All-Star Game took the field with four players from Calexico, Brawley, and Imperial also suiting up.

One of them was Brawley's Sergio Garcia, who called the moment a surprise and a blessing.

"It's a blessing to be out here, especially with these valley guys who we grew up with and played against," Garcia said. "It was a shock and an honor to be part of this roster and game, but luckily, playing a lot throughout the year and the season was able to get me here."

From the dugout to the diamond, it was a day full of pride for the Imperial Valley, one that these athletes won't soon forget.