Forever Pirates -- Sarah Nunes
Our next installment of Forever Pirates comes from women's basketball player Sarah Nunes, who played for the Pirates from 2015-2017.
Each of us is at a place in our lives because of a series of events. Things that seem small at the time can turn out having a significant impact on us later. It's important to reflect upon and acknowledge each of the events, big and small. These events have shaped you into who you are, and prepared you for where you are in life.
I grew up in Tracy, a small city in Northern California right outside the Bay Area. I lived in the same house my whole life, until I moved away for college. Sports had always been part of my life from when I was little. I was blessed to have been able to participate in a wide variety of sports growing up. I did gymnastics, dance, T-ball, soccer, swimming, volleyball, track, and, of course, basketball. I started playing basketball in fifth grade, and fell in love with it right away. I knew I loved it more than any other sport I had ever competed in. I loved the mental and physical challenge of the game. I loved the physicality of the game and tenacity needed to be a great player. I loved that there were such a variety of things that went into being great; that I could ALWAYS find something to do better, work harder on, and push the limits of myself with. Basketball helped me figure out who I was, not just on the court, but also off the court. I developed a strong work ethic, drive, passion, communication and leadership skills, and much more.
My family has been my biggest support system. They came to almost every single game I had growing up, in every sport I played. Even when I moved to SoCal to continue playing, they tried to make it to as many games as possible, making that six-hour drive seem like nothing. My brother, Kyle, and sister, Emily, have shown me nothing but love and support always. And my parents… I can't even begin to express how blessed and grateful I am for their constant love and support, and all the sacrifices they've made for me. I would not be where I am or who I am today without them.
I've been blessed to have many amazing basketball coaches throughout my life that led me to where I am today. From my first team ever, in 5th grade, through high school, I've had coaches Joe Lawrence, Ron Schmidt, Emilio Guzman, Kelly Conrardy, Jill Toepfer, Delvekio Rudd, Mike Granillo, Mikey Granillo, Ron Lovell, Mike Nunes (my dad), and more; all of whom have played major roles in my development, both on and off the court. Each of these people have made such a huge impact on my life in various ways, and I will never be able to thank them enough for all they've done and still do for me, and all they've taught me about basketball and life. Thank you, all, so much for your constant love, support, guidance, and confidence in me through everything.
How I found my way to OCC was a bit different than most. The first time I visited OCC was when my high school team had a tournament in San Diego. My high school's athletic director, Steve Thornton, was the brother of OCC's head women's basketball coach, Mike Thornton. Since it was a seven-hour road trip, we practiced at OCC on our way down. We all got to meet Coach Mike Thornton and learn about the school, and I loved everything about it. There were various schools in Northern California and out of state that were recruiting me, but I knew I wanted to go to SoCal, and OCC seemed like the perfect fit. I was able to connect with Coach Thornton, came down for a visit, and fell in love with the team, the school, the area, and the environment at OCC. As soon as I stepped on the court, I knew it was where I was meant to be, but I didn't know how huge of an impact OCC would have on my life.
My two years at Coast (2015-2017) were some of the best years of my entire life. I met so many amazing people, and created bonds I will have for the rest of my life. I made special memories that I hold onto today and everyday. I had the best teammates you could ever ask for. I could call any and every one of them today and I know they would answer and would be there for me if I needed them. Sydney Driggs, Sophia Guzman, Danielle Obong, Chyann Pendergrass, Bela Raimondi, Megan Lewis, Jenna Miramontez, and EVERYONE else, I am extremely thankful for you. You all became family, and will always be sisters to me. I love all you guys to death!
My coaches were absolutely amazing and taught me so much. Coach Thornton, Coach Val Katayama Suzuki, and Coach Alyssa Hansen were a tough, dedicated staff. They pushed each of us to our limits in order to make us the best players we could be. They cared about us on and off the court, and emphasized the importance of being successful in all areas of life. They were there for me through a lot of challenges, and brought joy to my life. I could walk into their office any time and just talk for hours with any of them. I'm incredibly grateful for all they taught me, and for their guidance and mentorship through basketball and life. I am still connected with them, and plan to keep it that way for years to come.
I made many connections outside of my team also, one being with the athletic trainers, Chaz Kekipi and Isabel Carpio, I was in the training room a lot during my two years at Coast. I got to know Chaz and Isabel very well. I'm sure they were tired of seeing me at times, but I think they secretly enjoyed my company. They helped me get through many injuries and keep my body as healthy as possible. I couldn't have done it without them, so thank you; and thank you to the student trainers that were assigned to our team each season.
Chastity Dutro, Tony Altobelli, and Doug Bennett were some other connections I made outside of my team. Chas always let me come hang out in her office and talk with her, and she always had great advice to give. Tony and Doug were at every single home game, and supported me and the program from day one. Tony kept all of our stats, wrote our stories and played the best tunes and Doug brought great energy through his announcing. I was also very humbled and fortunate to receive the Bennett Family Women's Basketball Award from Doug on OCC Honors Night. I'm extremely thankful for you all!
Basketball wasn't the only experience with OCC that created lasting memories and connections. I absolutely loved my classes and professors. They truly cared about me and were exceptionally dedicated to helping and preparing me for my future. Communications classes with John Bell, English with Glynis Hoffman, journalism with Alicia Lopez, history with Brent Rudmann, geology with Erik Bender, and so so many more amazing classes and professors helped me develop my thoughts and learning processes, and expanded my knowledge and intellect in a wide variety of areas. I'm incredibly thankful for all my professors, and all they have done for me and taught me. Thank you!!
I also worked as a Student Navigator in Outreach at OCC while attending. I loved every part of it. I had the most amazing boss, Eduardo Cervantes, who taught me so much about connecting, administration, networking, outreach, and much more. I was all able to create other connections on campus through my job, and create friendships with other faculty and staff including Tijai Nguyen, Doug Bennett, and more. Thank you all for the impact you've had on my life and my time at OCC.
OCC prepared me for my next step of transferring to Hope International University to continue my academics and athletics. I graduated in May 2020 with my BA in Business and Management after three years at Hope. I loved HIU, and I'm so thankful for my coaches Beck Flanagan, Ali Elmi, Leilani Mabrie, Iman Lathan, Hailey King, and Sammy Doucette for all you have taught me about basketball and life. I was also blessed to get to transfer from OCC to Hope with teammates Danielle Obong and Chyann Pendergrass, and continue playing with them during my time at HIU. Chy and Dan, I love you guys and I'm very thankful for you both!
My connections and friendships that I developed all around campus had such a positive impact on my life. I fell in love with every part of OCC, and knew I wanted to come back after I finished getting my degree. Luckily, I have been given that opportunity. Relatively new OCC head women's basketball coach, Sammy Doucette, was one of my assistant coaches at Hope International in 2017, my first year there. We connected well while she was coaching me, and I learned so much from her. She was hired at OCC in 2019, and asked me to coach with her after I finished school and basketball at Hope because she knew my passion and love for basketball and OCC. I have now been hired as an assistant coach for OCC women's basketball, and have loved the experience thus far. I am tremendously thankful that I now get to circle back and provide opportunities to young women whose shoes I was once in. I want to give them the same thing my coaches gave me while I was at OCC. I want to guide, lead, better, and empower each and every one of them to be the best version of themselves that they can be, both on and off the court.
My two short years at Orange Coast were some of the best years of my life. I've made friendships and memories that I will carry with me forever. I learned so much about life, basketball, and myself through my time at Coast, and I truly would not be who I am or where I am today had I decided to go elsewhere. Thank you, OCC, for giving me opportunity, happiness, purpose, joy, friendship, and memories to last a lifetime.
