Kathy Mckiernan #13
Class Of 2015
Kathy was a 4 year letter-woman in Basketball and Volleyball while at DHS. She was an excellent rebounder and defender for the Falcons averaging 8.6 rebounds per game for her career. Kathy did all of the dirty work in and around the hoop in addition to scoring near the hoop in transition for the Falcons. A gifted athlete. Most people regard Kathy as the greatest volleyball player in school history having been named All-Area in Volleyball (ALL SGV-TRIBUNE) as well as All-CIF in Volleyball as a senior.
As a basketball player, Kat was an All-Montview League 1st or 2nd team selection 3 times in addition to her nod as an All-Area 2nd team selection in 2014 in basketball. A tremendous student in the classroom who had an above 4.0 gpa her entire high school academic career. Another one of those high level great kids. Just a nice human being whose parents really did a great job in raising her (may her Dad rest in peace). Kat was apart of 3 league championship teams in basketball - 2012, 2013, and 2015. Kathy was able to compete athletically unlike most kids, take the fact that she was able to letter in softball one time during her four years on campus at DHS (a sport she really did not play before being asked to go out for the team). Kathy earned a full scholarship to play Volleyball at California State University East-Bay where she was All Conference .
As a basketball player, Kat was an All-Montview League 1st or 2nd team selection 3 times in addition to her nod as an All-Area 2nd team selection in 2014 in basketball. A tremendous student in the classroom who had an above 4.0 gpa her entire high school academic career. Another one of those high level great kids. Just a nice human being whose parents really did a great job in raising her (may her Dad rest in peace). Kat was apart of 3 league championship teams in basketball - 2012, 2013, and 2015. Kathy was able to compete athletically unlike most kids, take the fact that she was able to letter in softball one time during her four years on campus at DHS (a sport she really did not play before being asked to go out for the team). Kathy earned a full scholarship to play Volleyball at California State University East-Bay where she was All Conference .
Kathy was selected SGV TRIBUNE All-Area 2nd team as a junior:
All-Area Girls Basketball: Bonita’s Nikki Wheatley, El Monte’s Cristine Butler win top awards
Bonita High's Nikki Wheatley has been named the San Gabriel Valley Tribune's All-area Girls Basketball Player of the Year at the La Verne campus April 10, 2014. (Staff photo by Leo Jarzomb/San Gabriel Valley Tribune)
By Steve Ramirez, San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Posted: 04/16/14, 8:40 AM PDT | Updated: on 04/16/2014
0 Comments
Christine Butler from El Monte High School was selected as the San Gabriel Valley All-Area Girls Basketball Coach of the Year on April 8, 2014.
Bonita High School’s Nikki Wheatley will go down as one of the top girls basketball players the area has ever produced.
There wasn’t one thing the senior, sans winning a CIF-Southern Section division championship, failed to accomplish.
Wheatley earned All CIF-SS three of her four seasons and was first team All-Area four times, including being named Player of the Year her final three seasons.
“As I progressed, I felt I became more of a leader on the team,” Wheatley said. “I was able to have a successful four years. Definitely, having success in the playoffs all four years, and my last year, having (teammate Kandyce Smith) come in was great.”
Wheatley was the key factor in Bonita winning another Hacienda League title and advancing to the finals for the second time during the past four years.
“Nikki is a point guard who is a great floor leader and good court vision and really brings a lot to the position,” said Nevada-Las Vega coach Kathy Olivier, who signed Wheatley to play for the Rebels beginning next season. “Having a player with her kind of winning background in our class is key.”
Wheatley ranked among the area leaders in scoring and assists and helped the Bearcats go 29-3 and advance to the division final, where they lost, 59-53, to Long Beach Millikan. But Wheatley prefers to look at the overall and what her team accomplished this season.
“I felt really good, even though we couldn’t finish it in the last game,” Wheatley said. “We had a really good season, beat a lot of good teams. We definitely proved ourselves, being in a tougher division. We did really good as a team and a lot of players stepped up, so overall, we had a very good season.”
Wheatley topped it off with an MVP effort in last week’s 11th Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic, in which she scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Tribune All-Stars to an 85-60 victory over the Star-News.
Now she looks forward to her collegiate career at Nevada-Las Vegas, where she will team with Smith as two of the Rebels’ prized recruits.
“Kandyce is going there too, so we’re really excited about that,” Wheatley said. “We’re going to have a really good team. I’m excited.”
COACH OF THE YEAR: CRISTINE BUTLER, EL MONTE
Butler has changed the culture at El Monte and turned the program into a player in the Mission Valley League, which over the past decade had been ruled by Rosemead and Arroyo.
Butler, in just her second year at El Monte, has gone 33-20 the past two seasons, including two trips to the CIF-SS playoffs and securing the school’s first league title since 1991 this year.
The Lions went 17-8 this season.
“Coming into the season, winning league was our goal this year,” Butler said. “It was something we reminded ourselves every single practice, every single game. When we got some big wins early, we knew we had set ourselves up to accomplish that goal.
“It was something very exciting. I’m proud of these girls. They are going to be a very special group for us for a long time.”
FIRST TEAM
KANDYCE SMITH, BONITA, SENIOR, GUARD
Smith, a senior transfer from La Salle, was the difference-maker in the Bearcats’ run to the Division 1AA final this season. She provided the outside game to Wheatley’s drive-and-dish presence. Her best effort was a 22-point effort in a 56-49 victory over Great Oak in the semifinals. She was first-team All-Division 1AA and All-Hacienda League. She will join Wheatley at UNLV.
ARIANA ABO, BONITA, SENIOR, GUARD
The senior was another key factor in the Bearcats’ push to the divisional final. She was a solid scoring option and prevented opponents from collapsing on Wheatley and Smith. She was first-team All-Hacienda League.
PAULINA SANTANA, BISHOP AMAT, SENIOR, GUARD
Santana was a mark of consistency for the Lancers, who advanced to the Division 1AA quarterfinals. She was one of the better 3-point shooters in the area and ranked among the leaders in scoring. She also was strong without the basketball. The senior was one of three players to earn All-CIF-SS honors, getting a spot at Division IAA.
DAGMAR RAMIREZ, BISHOP AMAT, SENIOR, FORWARD
Ramirez has been a key player for Amat the past two seasons and provided a scoring option on the inside and outside. She was one of the better scorers in the area. She was All-Del Rey League.
DOMINIQUE THEUS, COVINA, SENIOR, GUARD
Theus did a little of everything for the Colts. She was a key part of Covina going 19-10 overall and 12-0 in the Valle Vista League. She came up big in wins over Wilson which clinched the league title and was league MVP.
TIYANA WATKINS, EL MONTE, SENIOR, CENTER
Watkins was the area’s top inside player and keyed the Lions to a 17-8 record and first Mission Valley League title since 1991. She averaged nearly 12 points a game and had 9.1 rebounds to help the Lions go 9-1 in league play.
ALIZE WILLIAMS, WORKMAN, SOPHOMORE, FORWARD
Williams was one of the more versatile players in the area, comfortable on the outside and inside. She ranked among area leaders in scoring and played a major role in Workman going 18-9 and winning the Montview League title. She was league MVP.
EMILEE DY, DIAMOND RANCH, SENIOR, GUARD
Dy was a key player for the Panthers, who went 21-7 and finished second in the Hacienda League to Bonita. The senior ranked among area leaders in scoring in the area and provided production inside and outside. She was first-team all-league.
KAELYN KAWAMOTO, WILSON, SENIOR, FORWARD
Kawamoto was one of the top shooters in the area and led the Wildcats at 15 points a game. The senior also averaged nearly six rebounds a game and 3.5 steals a contest. She keyed Wilson to an 18-10 record and second-place finish in the Valle Vista League. She was first-team all-league.
DOROTHY TUALA, SOUTH EL MONTE, SENIOR, CENTER
Tuala was one of the top scorers in the area and led the Eagles at 17 points a game. She also averaged an area-best 19.7 rebounds and was All-Mission Valley League.
SECOND TEAM
Guard: Erin Houston, Charter Oak, Sr.
Guard: Katie Taylor, Northview, Sr.
Forward: Olivia Habern, Glendora, Sr.
Guard: Janae Chamois, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Guard: Jessica Rosas, Gladstone,Sr.
Guard: Amanda Alvarado, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Guard: Alicia Aguirre, Workman, So.
Forward: Kathy Mckiernan, Duarte, Jr.
Guard: Norah Wu, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Forward: Tiana Eaton, Diamond Ranch, Fr.
HONORABLE MENTION
Bonita: Cassie Martinez, Jr.
Covina: Mariah Sierra, Fr.
Duarte: Mackenzie Barnes, So.
Glendora: Kelly Sera, Sr.
San Dimas: Dymond Mitchell, So.
South Hills: Brittany Wang; Joy Krupa
St. Lucy’s: Maryrose Wintroath; Mary Serafin
Walnut: Kim Mayekawa, Jr.; Katya Echavez, Jr.
West Covina: Adriana Ramirez, Jr.; Briana Ruelas, So.
Wilson: Elizabeth Lau, Sr.; Janae Yip, Jr.
FINAL TOP 10
1 Bonita (29-3)
2. Bishop Amat (22-8)
3. Diamond Ranch (21-7)
4. South Hills (18-10)
5. Workman (18-9)
6. Covina (19-10)
7. El Monte (17-8)
8. Wilson (18-10)
9. Duarte (16-10)
10. Diamond Bar (13-14)
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
Baseline: Etiwanda
Del Rey: Serra, Bishop Montgomery
Hacienda: Bonita
Mission Valley: El Monte
Montview: Workman
Sierra: Chino Hills
Valle Vista: Covina
All-Area Girls Basketball: Bonita’s Nikki Wheatley, El Monte’s Cristine Butler win top awards
Bonita High's Nikki Wheatley has been named the San Gabriel Valley Tribune's All-area Girls Basketball Player of the Year at the La Verne campus April 10, 2014. (Staff photo by Leo Jarzomb/San Gabriel Valley Tribune)
By Steve Ramirez, San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Posted: 04/16/14, 8:40 AM PDT | Updated: on 04/16/2014
0 Comments
Christine Butler from El Monte High School was selected as the San Gabriel Valley All-Area Girls Basketball Coach of the Year on April 8, 2014.
Bonita High School’s Nikki Wheatley will go down as one of the top girls basketball players the area has ever produced.
There wasn’t one thing the senior, sans winning a CIF-Southern Section division championship, failed to accomplish.
Wheatley earned All CIF-SS three of her four seasons and was first team All-Area four times, including being named Player of the Year her final three seasons.
“As I progressed, I felt I became more of a leader on the team,” Wheatley said. “I was able to have a successful four years. Definitely, having success in the playoffs all four years, and my last year, having (teammate Kandyce Smith) come in was great.”
Wheatley was the key factor in Bonita winning another Hacienda League title and advancing to the finals for the second time during the past four years.
“Nikki is a point guard who is a great floor leader and good court vision and really brings a lot to the position,” said Nevada-Las Vega coach Kathy Olivier, who signed Wheatley to play for the Rebels beginning next season. “Having a player with her kind of winning background in our class is key.”
Wheatley ranked among the area leaders in scoring and assists and helped the Bearcats go 29-3 and advance to the division final, where they lost, 59-53, to Long Beach Millikan. But Wheatley prefers to look at the overall and what her team accomplished this season.
“I felt really good, even though we couldn’t finish it in the last game,” Wheatley said. “We had a really good season, beat a lot of good teams. We definitely proved ourselves, being in a tougher division. We did really good as a team and a lot of players stepped up, so overall, we had a very good season.”
Wheatley topped it off with an MVP effort in last week’s 11th Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic, in which she scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Tribune All-Stars to an 85-60 victory over the Star-News.
Now she looks forward to her collegiate career at Nevada-Las Vegas, where she will team with Smith as two of the Rebels’ prized recruits.
“Kandyce is going there too, so we’re really excited about that,” Wheatley said. “We’re going to have a really good team. I’m excited.”
COACH OF THE YEAR: CRISTINE BUTLER, EL MONTE
Butler has changed the culture at El Monte and turned the program into a player in the Mission Valley League, which over the past decade had been ruled by Rosemead and Arroyo.
Butler, in just her second year at El Monte, has gone 33-20 the past two seasons, including two trips to the CIF-SS playoffs and securing the school’s first league title since 1991 this year.
The Lions went 17-8 this season.
“Coming into the season, winning league was our goal this year,” Butler said. “It was something we reminded ourselves every single practice, every single game. When we got some big wins early, we knew we had set ourselves up to accomplish that goal.
“It was something very exciting. I’m proud of these girls. They are going to be a very special group for us for a long time.”
FIRST TEAM
KANDYCE SMITH, BONITA, SENIOR, GUARD
Smith, a senior transfer from La Salle, was the difference-maker in the Bearcats’ run to the Division 1AA final this season. She provided the outside game to Wheatley’s drive-and-dish presence. Her best effort was a 22-point effort in a 56-49 victory over Great Oak in the semifinals. She was first-team All-Division 1AA and All-Hacienda League. She will join Wheatley at UNLV.
ARIANA ABO, BONITA, SENIOR, GUARD
The senior was another key factor in the Bearcats’ push to the divisional final. She was a solid scoring option and prevented opponents from collapsing on Wheatley and Smith. She was first-team All-Hacienda League.
PAULINA SANTANA, BISHOP AMAT, SENIOR, GUARD
Santana was a mark of consistency for the Lancers, who advanced to the Division 1AA quarterfinals. She was one of the better 3-point shooters in the area and ranked among the leaders in scoring. She also was strong without the basketball. The senior was one of three players to earn All-CIF-SS honors, getting a spot at Division IAA.
DAGMAR RAMIREZ, BISHOP AMAT, SENIOR, FORWARD
Ramirez has been a key player for Amat the past two seasons and provided a scoring option on the inside and outside. She was one of the better scorers in the area. She was All-Del Rey League.
DOMINIQUE THEUS, COVINA, SENIOR, GUARD
Theus did a little of everything for the Colts. She was a key part of Covina going 19-10 overall and 12-0 in the Valle Vista League. She came up big in wins over Wilson which clinched the league title and was league MVP.
TIYANA WATKINS, EL MONTE, SENIOR, CENTER
Watkins was the area’s top inside player and keyed the Lions to a 17-8 record and first Mission Valley League title since 1991. She averaged nearly 12 points a game and had 9.1 rebounds to help the Lions go 9-1 in league play.
ALIZE WILLIAMS, WORKMAN, SOPHOMORE, FORWARD
Williams was one of the more versatile players in the area, comfortable on the outside and inside. She ranked among area leaders in scoring and played a major role in Workman going 18-9 and winning the Montview League title. She was league MVP.
EMILEE DY, DIAMOND RANCH, SENIOR, GUARD
Dy was a key player for the Panthers, who went 21-7 and finished second in the Hacienda League to Bonita. The senior ranked among area leaders in scoring in the area and provided production inside and outside. She was first-team all-league.
KAELYN KAWAMOTO, WILSON, SENIOR, FORWARD
Kawamoto was one of the top shooters in the area and led the Wildcats at 15 points a game. The senior also averaged nearly six rebounds a game and 3.5 steals a contest. She keyed Wilson to an 18-10 record and second-place finish in the Valle Vista League. She was first-team all-league.
DOROTHY TUALA, SOUTH EL MONTE, SENIOR, CENTER
Tuala was one of the top scorers in the area and led the Eagles at 17 points a game. She also averaged an area-best 19.7 rebounds and was All-Mission Valley League.
SECOND TEAM
Guard: Erin Houston, Charter Oak, Sr.
Guard: Katie Taylor, Northview, Sr.
Forward: Olivia Habern, Glendora, Sr.
Guard: Janae Chamois, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Guard: Jessica Rosas, Gladstone,Sr.
Guard: Amanda Alvarado, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Guard: Alicia Aguirre, Workman, So.
Forward: Kathy Mckiernan, Duarte, Jr.
Guard: Norah Wu, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Forward: Tiana Eaton, Diamond Ranch, Fr.
HONORABLE MENTION
Bonita: Cassie Martinez, Jr.
Covina: Mariah Sierra, Fr.
Duarte: Mackenzie Barnes, So.
Glendora: Kelly Sera, Sr.
San Dimas: Dymond Mitchell, So.
South Hills: Brittany Wang; Joy Krupa
St. Lucy’s: Maryrose Wintroath; Mary Serafin
Walnut: Kim Mayekawa, Jr.; Katya Echavez, Jr.
West Covina: Adriana Ramirez, Jr.; Briana Ruelas, So.
Wilson: Elizabeth Lau, Sr.; Janae Yip, Jr.
FINAL TOP 10
1 Bonita (29-3)
2. Bishop Amat (22-8)
3. Diamond Ranch (21-7)
4. South Hills (18-10)
5. Workman (18-9)
6. Covina (19-10)
7. El Monte (17-8)
8. Wilson (18-10)
9. Duarte (16-10)
10. Diamond Bar (13-14)
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
Baseline: Etiwanda
Del Rey: Serra, Bishop Montgomery
Hacienda: Bonita
Mission Valley: El Monte
Montview: Workman
Sierra: Chino Hills
Valle Vista: Covina
HER HONORS:
2013 - 2nd team All-Montview League
2014 - 1st team All-Montview League
2014 - 2nd team All-Area SGV Tribune
2015 - 2nd team All-Montview League
2013 - 2nd team All-Montview League
2014 - 1st team All-Montview League
2014 - 2nd team All-Area SGV Tribune
2015 - 2nd team All-Montview League
Kathy on signing day her senior year (Volleyball) - Pasadena Star news
Duarte High School’s Kathy McKiernan signed a volleyball scholarship with Division II Cal State East Bay. - Pasadena Star News
Kathy is currently attending California State University East-Bay - where she is playing Volleyball and majoring in
Kinesiology.
See her Cal State East- Bay freshman bio from 2015 below....
Kathy earned Athlete of week honors as a freshman:
Kathy McKiernan Women's Volleyball 9/9/2015
Volleyball player Kathy McKiernan has been selected as Cal State East Bay's Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Doubletree Hilton Pleasanton at the Club, for Sept. 3-6.
The freshman middle blocker had an impressive debut to her Pioneer career during four matches this past weekend at the fourth annual Route 92 Showdown. In the first match of her career last Thursday, she posted 12 kills, six blocks, and a .524 attach percentage. The following day, she tallied nine kills with just two attack errors in a hard-fought match against California Baptist. In Saturday's victory over Montana State Billings, McKiernan notched seven kills without an error for a .438 hitting percentage.
For the tournament, the Duarte native led the team in blocks (11) and attack percentage (.338) and ranked second in kills (30) and total points (37).
Kathy McKiernan Women's Volleyball 9/9/2015
Volleyball player Kathy McKiernan has been selected as Cal State East Bay's Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Doubletree Hilton Pleasanton at the Club, for Sept. 3-6.
The freshman middle blocker had an impressive debut to her Pioneer career during four matches this past weekend at the fourth annual Route 92 Showdown. In the first match of her career last Thursday, she posted 12 kills, six blocks, and a .524 attach percentage. The following day, she tallied nine kills with just two attack errors in a hard-fought match against California Baptist. In Saturday's victory over Montana State Billings, McKiernan notched seven kills without an error for a .438 hitting percentage.
For the tournament, the Duarte native led the team in blocks (11) and attack percentage (.338) and ranked second in kills (30) and total points (37).
Mckiernan earns Fall CCAA All-Academic honors for 2016
Kathy had a tremendous sophomore season in 2016 for the Pioneers of Cal State East-Bay. She started all 27 contests as a middle blocker, being one of the main reasons the Pioneers made their first ever CCAA tournament appearance. In the classroom she earned fall CCAA All-Academic honors while helping to lead the Pioneers to their first .500 regular season since 2011 and their first postseason appearance as members of the CCAA.
Kathy had a tremendous sophomore season in 2016 for the Pioneers of Cal State East-Bay. She started all 27 contests as a middle blocker, being one of the main reasons the Pioneers made their first ever CCAA tournament appearance. In the classroom she earned fall CCAA All-Academic honors while helping to lead the Pioneers to their first .500 regular season since 2011 and their first postseason appearance as members of the CCAA.
Kathy's college career moving along nicely
AS A SOPHOMORE (2016): Started all 27 games for the Pioneers... Second on the team with a .251 hitting percentage... Finished fourth on the team in kills (1.77 kills/set)... Led the team with 77 total blocks... Third on the team with 240.5 total points... Reached double figures in kills five times, including season high 11 kills on 10/8/16 vs. CSULA and 10/21/16 vs. SFSU... Season-high seven total blocks on 9/2/16 vs. Academy of Art... Tallied career-high 12 digs on 9/9/16 vs. NDNU... Earned Fall CCAA All-Academic honors... Helped lead the Pioneers to their first .500 regular season since 2011 and their first postseason appearance as members of the CCAA.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2016): Started all 27 games for the Pioneers... Second on the team with a .251 hitting percentage... Finished fourth on the team in kills (1.77 kills/set)... Led the team with 77 total blocks... Third on the team with 240.5 total points... Reached double figures in kills five times, including season high 11 kills on 10/8/16 vs. CSULA and 10/21/16 vs. SFSU... Season-high seven total blocks on 9/2/16 vs. Academy of Art... Tallied career-high 12 digs on 9/9/16 vs. NDNU... Earned Fall CCAA All-Academic honors... Helped lead the Pioneers to their first .500 regular season since 2011 and their first postseason appearance as members of the CCAA.
Junior season (2017)
Kathy had an outstanding junior campaign for the Pioneers in 2017
AS A JUNIOR (2017): Started all 29 matches... Led the team and ranked sixth in the CCAA with a .321 hitting percentage... Fourth on the team with 2.04 kills per set and 301.5 total points... Second on the team with 91 blocks (0.76 blocks per set)... Led the team with 26 solo blocks... Season-high 16 kills with just one attack error on 9/29 vs. CSUMB... Posted 11 kills without an error for a career-high .846 hitting percentage on 9/1 vs. Holy Names... Season-high seven total blocks on 9/2 vs. Biola... Moved up to fourth place in program history with 223 career blocks... Moved up to fifth place in school history with a .275 career hitting percentage.
Kathy had an outstanding junior campaign for the Pioneers in 2017
AS A JUNIOR (2017): Started all 29 matches... Led the team and ranked sixth in the CCAA with a .321 hitting percentage... Fourth on the team with 2.04 kills per set and 301.5 total points... Second on the team with 91 blocks (0.76 blocks per set)... Led the team with 26 solo blocks... Season-high 16 kills with just one attack error on 9/29 vs. CSUMB... Posted 11 kills without an error for a career-high .846 hitting percentage on 9/1 vs. Holy Names... Season-high seven total blocks on 9/2 vs. Biola... Moved up to fourth place in program history with 223 career blocks... Moved up to fifth place in school history with a .275 career hitting percentage.
Senior year at Cal State East Bay for Kathy - 2018
Kathy pictured - 4th from left
Class of 2019 Cal State East Bay - Kathy Mckiernan
Kat completed undergrad, graduating in 2019. She was selected scholar Athlete of the year as a senior for her conference - congrats Kathy, ALL OF FALCON NATION IS SO PROUD OF YOU!
Kat completed undergrad, graduating in 2019. She was selected scholar Athlete of the year as a senior for her conference - congrats Kathy, ALL OF FALCON NATION IS SO PROUD OF YOU!