By Nick Romeo — Reporter
Today, I’ll be taking a look at the top player on every San Jose State team. Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Baseball: Ruben Ibarra
I’ll start with an easy choice, and that has to be the winner of Spartan of the Year, Ruben Ibarra. Ibarra hit .357 this season, and he was named to the All-Mountain West team. Not too shabby for the 6-foot-5 sophomore infielder.
Women’s Basketball: Ayzhiana Basallo
The Women’s basketball team surprised people this year, and the point guard was a big reason why. She led the team with 18.5 points per game, and shot a lethal .454 percent from 3-point range.
Men’s Basketball: Seneca Knight
Knight was one of the lone bright spots this season for the Spartans, leading the team in scoring with 17.1 points per game. The sophomore was also named to the All-Mountain West third team, so hopefully he’s only begun to fulfill his potential.
Beach Volleyball: Kaitlynn Zdroik
The senior was enjoying a standout season before the season was cut short. She finished with a 7-4 record in the top position, and was a big part of the reason for the Spartans fast start to their season that ended with a 9-2 team record.
Men’s Cross-Country: Jose Piña
Piña led the team in four of the five team meets this season, and was second in the other. The senior was also the first Spartan in 32 years to compete in the NCAA Men’s Cross-Country Championship in 2016 as a freshman.
Women’s Cross-Country: Jennifer Sandoval
Sandoval led the team in all six meets this season, including two first place finishes overall. The Senior was the first Spartan woman to qualify for the NCAA Championship this season.
Football: Josh Love
The quarterback enjoyed a successful career as a Spartan, which culminated in an NFL contract with the Los Angeles Rams. The senior was named Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, and first team All-Mountain West quarterback this season.
Women’s Golf: Natasha Andrea Oon
Oon led the Spartans with the lowest average score on the team with 71.64. She was the only member of the team to have a top-five finish, which came at the Minnesota Invitational.
Men’s Golf: Sean Yu
Yu led the team with an average score of 70.43, and won the Genesis Collegiate Showcase, which resulted in a PGA tour start. He also had the most birdies by far with 89, while the next closest player finished the season with 68.
Gymnastics: Taylor Chan
Chan was named MPSF Gymnast of the Year, first team All-MPSF on vault, floor and all-around. She was also named to the second team All-MPSF on bars for this season.
Men’s Soccer: Rodolfo Castro
The junior transfer from West Valley College enjoyed a successful first year for the Spartans by leading the team with nine goals and two assists.
Women’s Soccer: Ariana Romero
The sophomore goalkeeper registered eight clean sheets this season for the Spartans, the second-most in a single season in Spartans history. She started in 19 of the team’s 20 games this season.
Men’s Track and Field: Jose Pina
Pina led the team in three events, the mile, 3,000, and 5,000. Unfortunately for the Senior, he didn’t get a chance to compete in the outdoor events due to the shortened season.
Softball: Cassidy Clark
Clark was recently named to the All-Mountain West team while leading the team with 31 hits, 25 runs scored, and nine doubles. The senior has been a rock for this team, starting all 26 games at second base.
Men’s Water Polo: Finn Pardon
Pardon led the team with 51 goals and 5 assists in his third season for the Spartans. The junior also led the team in shooting percentage with .510 and 23 steals.
Women’s Swimming and Diving: Violani Auva’A
Auva’A was named to the 2020 All-Mountain West team for the 100 Butterfly. The senior currently ranks in the top 10 all time in four events for SJSU.
Women’s Tennis: Lara Marco Mas
The freshman led all Spartans with an overall record of 11-6, a winning percentage of .647.
Women’s Track and Field: Lonsha Bradford
In her first season for the Spartans, she led the team in the 60-meter and 200-meter events.
Volleyball: Haylee Nelson
The junior was named an All-Mountain West honoree this past season as she led the team in multiple categories, including 320 kills.
Follow Nick on Twitter @nromeo12