By Mitch Lehman
San Marino Tribune
Gianna Karkafi recently was named the winner of the CIF State Winter Spirit of Sport Award for the 2022-23 school year. Every year, each CIF member school may nominate one male and one female senior athlete for each season of sport (fall, winter and spring) for this prestigious award. Since its inception in the fall of 1998, there has never been a Titan who has won this award until this season.
Karkafi has been a member of the varsity basketball team for the past three seasons and has served as captain during her junior and senior campaigns. On the court, her perseverance and hard work led to her leading the team in rebounds and being a top scorer for the Titans each season. Gianna earned the Most Improved Player Award her sophomore year and the Coaches’ Award her junior year. Her senior season, Karkafi was named the team’s MVP and was named honorable mention for the All-Rio Hondo League team.
Off the court, she holds leadership positions in numerous groups, including California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Medical Youth of San Marino, Leadership Experience (LEO) Club, Red Cross Club, and is the founder of San Marino High School’s Middle East Club.
The Spirit of Sport Award recognizes one male and one female statewide winner during each season of sport. Student-athletes are selected based on exemplary sportsmanship, school/community service and leadership. Two state winners (one male and one female) in each traditional season of sport yield a total of six winners; each receives a patch, award and $2,500 scholarship. In addition, each recipient is encouraged to attend the Federated Council event on April 28 at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel.
“Gianna has left her mark at SMHS as an athlete, student and valued member of our family,” said athletic director David Irie. “We are proud of her selection of the Spirit of Sport Award, and we celebrate her success and achievements.”
