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It was going to be a challenging year for the Providence School boys basketball team as it had only six players, and three were playing basketball for the first time.
Junior Diego Godinez wasn’t going to let those things bother him. Instead, he took it upon himself to help prepare the younger, inexperienced players.
“He is such a blessing,” said basketball coach Jason Wyatt. “Diego didn’t let that hinder him or bother him. He took advantage of the opportunity to love on these kids, encourage these kids, and really help teach these kids who were lacking in basketball ability.
“By the end of the season, because of his heart and character, he really made a huge impact on the entire team and, specifically, on these kids.”
The Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table is honoring Diego Godinez as the recipient of the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award for Providence School.
He was honored in a virtual ceremony by award sponsor and longtime SBART board member Dave Pintard of the Pintard Group. Providence basketball coach Jason Wyatt also participated in the presentation.
The Womble Award award is presented to a high school junior student athlete who exemplifies the highest standards of ethics and sportsmanship. It acknowledges accountability, respect of teammates, opponents and officials, honesty, positive attitude, reliability and humility in their daily lives.
Evan Covell, the athletic director at Providence, said Godinez has a friendly, humble demeanor that brings people together.
“Diego is caring, kind, encouraging and hard working. He leads by example and with integrity. He is a reliable captain who communicates well and is consistently helpful to his coaches and teammates.”
Coach Wyatt appreciated Godinez’s help this past season.
“He’s a big strong, kid with a heart bigger than anybody you’d ever know,” said Wyatt.
Said Covell, “Diego has always been there for this teammates, whether they are going through basketball-related struggles, academic, social, etcetera. Diego is a caring young man.
Godinez earned first-team All-Frontier League honors this past season.