In a thrilling week of competition, the Victorville Chevrolet High School Athlete of the Week poll saw an impressive turnout with 36,157 votes cast. Topping the charts was Kayla Berg from the Academy for Academic Excellence, who clinched a commanding 44.48% of the total votes, thanks to the unwavering support of Daily Press readers.
Kayla, a standout softball player, outshone her peers across the High Desert by securing 16,083 votes. Her journey to the top of this week’s ballot was nothing short of spectacular, as she amassed 10 hits across three victorious matches for the Knights.
The week kicked off with Kayla delivering a stellar performance on March 11, where she went 3-for-4, including a home run, four RBIs, four runs, and two stolen bases, leading her team to a 17-7 win against Adelanto. She continued her hot streak the next day, going 4-for-5 with a home run, four RBIs, three runs, and a stolen base in a 15-3 triumph over the Academy of Careers & Exploration. Kayla capped off her remarkable week by going 3-for-4 with four RBIs and a run in an 8-7 victory over Hesperia Christian on March 13.
In the voting arena, Kayla outpaced University Prep’s Dani Jackman, who finished with 23.28% of the votes, totaling 8,419. The nominees were selected based on their performances from March 11 to 16, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of these young athletes.
Nominations for the Athlete of the Week are meticulously gathered by the Daily Press, considering all high school varsity players from the High Desert. To be considered for the ballot, nominations must be submitted by Sunday morning following that week’s games, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process.
For those eager to delve deeper into Kayla’s journey, she shared insights into her sporting life. Starting at the tender age of five, Kayla was encouraged by her parents to engage in sports to learn teamwork and enjoy the outdoors. Her favorite aspect of softball is hitting and the thrill of competition. Kayla also revealed her pregame ritual, which includes fueling up with an uncrustable and a granola bar.
Among her most cherished sports moments was hitting a home run against a Canadian team at the Las Vegas City of Lights showcase, a memory that stands out in her illustrious young career. When asked about how she would spend a day as someone else, Kayla expressed a desire to be the best version of herself, minimizing regrets and maximizing potential.
Given a hypothetical $1 million, Kayla’s generosity shines through as she dreams of taking her family to Disney World for an unforgettable week or securing passes to Disneyland. Her wanderlust also extends to New Zealand, drawn by its hot springs and the southern lights. With an extra hour each day, she would dedicate it to perfecting her craft at the Luis Marte Academy alongside her teammates and coaches.
Kayla’s story is a testament to the spirit of high school sports in the High Desert, embodying dedication, talent, and community support. As the competition continues, the Daily Press invites nominations for next week’s ballot, encouraging the community to spotlight the achievements of these young athletes.
For more information on high school sports in the area, including University Prep’s recent victory over the defending CVL baseball champions and Riverside Prep’s Raoul Churchill’s MVP award at the all-star game, readers are encouraged to stay connected with the Daily Press.