Cougars Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Rancho Cotate High School

Sports run deep in Rohnert Park, and Rancho Cotate High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Cougars uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Rancho Cotate High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Brandon Morrow - Former World Series Champion (Chicago Cubs)

Brandon Morrow is a Rancho Cotate alumnus who continued his stellar play from the high school diamond all the way to the major leagues. As a Cougar, Morrow received several first and second-team honors before continuing his career at the University of Cal, where he was named to the All-PAC First-Team his junior season. He was selected fifth overall in the 2006 MLB Draft and served many clubs as a pitcher over his 13-year career, highlighted as a World Series Champion with the 2016 Chicago Cubs team. (Sources: CalBears.com, MLB.com)

2. Mike Tuaua - Former Collegiate Defensive Lineman

Mike Tuaua was a star defensive end at Rancho Cotate, winning the North Bay League Defensive Player of the Year his senior year, as well as All-Empire honors. He continued his career at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he contributed to the Horned Frogs for three seasons, continuing to develop as a player while making an impact on the defense. (Source: GoFrogs.com)

3. Roy Boateng - Professional Soccer Player (New York Red Bulls)

A four-year letterwinner at Rancho Cotate, Boateng excelled on the soccer field, being named to the All-North Bay League First-Team, the Press Democrat All-Empire Large Schools Second-Team and Three-Time All-League First-Team. His success continued at the University of California, Davis, contributing every season and collecting numerous accolades before being drafted 16th overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls. (Sources: UCDavisAggies.com, MLSSoccer.com)

4. Katie Martin - Former Collegiate Volleyball Player

A standout volleyball player at Rancho Cotate, Martin instantly contributed to the varsity team being called up as a freshman during the North Coast Sectional Championships. She received first-team All-League honors twice during her time as a Cougar before continuing her career at Coastal Carolina University. Contributing all four years on the team, Katie was awarded the 2014 Big South All-Tournament team and the Big South Tournament Most Valuable Player. (Source: GoCCUSports.com)

5. Victoria Espinoza - Former Collegiate Wrestler

Espinoza is one of Rancho Cotate’s most accomplished female athletes. Her wrestling career was decorated with accolades, including four-time All-American, two-time National Champion and California State Champion, finishing her career as a top wrestler in the country in her weight class. She continued her wrestling career at King University, where she went on to be a WCWA All-American as a freshman. (Sources: KingTornado.com)

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