153 student-athletes from high schools across Orange County traded their jerseys for casual wear and varsity jackets for the Orange County Athletic Directors Association’s (OCADA) annual Student-Athletes of Character event at Servite High School’s auditorium Jan. 27. Among those recognized for exemplary leadership and sportsmanship were BOHS seniors and multi-sport varsity athletes Addison Altermatt and Emma Farias.

The distinction is awarded annually by the OCADA to two senior athletes – one male and one female – from 76 high schools throughout the county. Chosen by the athletic directors at each campus, honorees embody integrity, sportsmanship, and teamwork. 

“Both of these students are accomplished varsity athletes, but what makes them stand out for this award is not their athleticism, but their character,” Pam Valenti, girls’ athletic director, said. 

Mike Knaus, boys’ athletic director, emphasized the duo’s leadership: “Both of these athletes have represented BOHS with character through all four years of their HS experience, having been leaders in multiple sports. They compete the right way.” 

Altermatt has been a key player on multiple teams throughout his high school career, from wide receiver on the Kappa League champion varsity football team, to center on the varsity basketball team, to middle blocker on varsity volleyball. This spring, he will add track and field to his athletic repertoire by competing in the high jump.

The 6’6″ senior has devoted most of his life to athletics, with 14 years of basketball experience; six years of football, including Pop Warner; and two years in volleyball.  But Altermatt’s successes in each sport are due as much to his character as to his athleticism.

Altermatt’s approach to sportsmanship is “being encouraging to all [his] teammates, having their backs and supporting them, and making sure to find the positive in all situations.” 

Altermatt, who was also the teacher-nominated Lions Club Student of the Month for September, and won the title of  Mr. Brea Jan. 23, said of his most recent accolade: “I am super honored to receive the award, and I am also really proud of myself for all of my hard work and dedication and I really do think it’s paid off in the long run.”

Farias has competed in volleyball as an outside hitter, and lettered in track and field as a sprinter and as a member of this year’s inaugural flag football team. Her success on the football team last fall — she was named Most Valuable Player by her coaches — led to Farias being invited to compete in the 65th Annual Orange County High School Girls’ Flag Football All-Star Game at Orange Coast College Feb. 1.

Feargus McTeggart, flag football head coach, called Farias, who led the Wildcats to six wins and a 2-2 league record in its first-ever season, “an amazing person and competitor.” McTeggart also described Farias as an “unselfish competitor who leads by example and never takes a play off.”

Farias’s devotion to sports is evident in her daily routine. “Throughout my entire high school career, I’ve never been one to go straight home after school,” Farias said. Competing in sports across three seasons, back-to-back-to-back, plus summer competition, means daily practices year-round.

“I feel honored to receive this award [because] it takes a lot to achieve it. As a student-athlete of four years, I appreciate being noticed for my dedication and character,” she said.

Brielle Denbo (‘25), Farias’s flag football teammate, noted the impact of Farias’s influence: “This year really gave her the opportunity to be a leader on the field. [She] is a great example for the younger girls in our program as they look up to her.” 

Beyond their leadership on the field, Altermatt and Farias also hold influence in BOHS sports as active representatives to the BOHS Athletic Council, a group of chosen leaders from each sports team that convenes to share the perspectives of and advocate for optimal sports programs for all athletes.

“[They] are student-athletes who will do the right thing even when no one is watching. We were excited to have the opportunity to celebrate them,” Valenti said.

Still, despite the recognition, what motivates the two athletes most aren’t the awards that adorn their walls, but the intangible, yet still fully rewarding relationships that reside in their hearts. 

For Altermatt, “all the relationships I make through coaches and players are bonds and relationships that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”

Both athletes credit their families as their main source of encouragement, whether they communicate online or cheer from the sidelines.

“Before every game, I pray, and my parents send me little reminders [affirming] that I’m going to do good,” Altermatt added. 

Farias shared a similar sentiment. “My mom has been a huge part of my athletic journey as she’s been there for every single game and makes sure that I never doubt myself and she’s always there to back me up.”  

As the two seniors prepare to take off from BOHS, Altermatt and Farias leave more than just impressive records and stats behind. They leave behind a legacy of strong character and meaningful lessons they have imparted along the way. The example they set will continue to shape future student-athletes who will strive to uphold the same standard of character and sportsmanship.