Spring 2026 Dons Magazine

SPRING 2026

Time Flies

20 years in Carmel Valley, one enduring mission

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JOIN US FOR THE 2026

DONS GOLF

TOURNAMENT

Enjoy a day of camaraderie and competition at the Annual Dons Alumni Golf Tournament, to be held at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club on Monday, June 8, 2026.

All proceeds benefit the Alumni Scholarship Fund.

ALUMNI

Scan the QR code for additional event details

A LETTER FROM

THE PRESIDENT Dear Dons Community, As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cathedral Catholic High School, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on what this community has built and even more, on what continues to unfold.

Twenty years ago, Cathedral Catholic opened its doors with a bold vision: to continue and improve upon the traditions of Cathedral Girls High School and University of San Diego High School. That vision was ambitious and in many ways, untested. Today, it is alive in our classrooms, on our athletic fields, in our chapel and in the lives of thousands of alumni who carry the Dons spirit into the world.

Anniversaries invite us to look back, but they also challenge us to look forward. What has always struck me about Cathedral Catholic is that we are not content to rest on tradition alone. We honor our Catholic identity and the foundations laid by those who came before us, while continually asking how we can best serve the young people entrusted to us today.

This year has been a powerful example of that commitment.

From academic innovation to student formation initiatives, from strengthening community connections to making decisions that prioritize presence, relationships and human dignity, Cathedral Catholic continues to grow, not simply in size or reputation, but in purpose.

At the heart of everything we do is a belief that education is about more than achievement. It is about formation. We seek to graduate

THEN AND NOW

The original USDHS sign lives on at The Zak Myers Memorial Park.

young men and women who are intellectually curious, spiritually grounded, morally courageous and prepared to lead lives of meaning and service. That mission has not changed in 20 years, even as the world around us has.

I am deeply grateful to our employees, whose dedication and care shape the daily experience of our students. I am thankful for our parents and families, who entrust us with what matters most.

And to our alumni: your continued engagement, generosity and witness to the values of Cathedral Catholic and its predecessors are among our greatest blessings.

As we celebrate this milestone, may we do so with humility for the past, gratitude for the present and hope for the future especially as we prepare to celebrate 70 years as a Dons community in the upcoming year. The story of Cathedral Catholic is still being written and I am confident that the best chapters are yet to come.

Thank you for being a part of this remarkable community.

With gratitude,

Kevin J. Calkins, Ph.D. President

A LETTER FROM

magazine

THE EDITOR FALL 2025

Dons Magazine Editor Steve Breen, Director of School Communications Managing Editor Pamela Poe, Content Specialist Design Director Gloria Orbegozo, Graphic Designer Contributing Writers Allie Adajar ‘23 Steve Breen Kevin J. Calkins, Ph.D., President Dan Geiger Pamela Poe Dr. Brett Salked Caitlin Sly ‘08 Jackie Turpin, Sports Information and Communications Manager Copy Editors Pamela Poe Krista Zizzo, Advancement Coordinator Special thanks to Christine LaPorte Printing Acacia Print Group, Inc. Change of Address Please email your change of address to admin@cathedralcatholic.org Stay Connected instagram.com/cchsdons instagram.com/donsalumni facebook.com/cchsdons facebook.com/donsalumni youtube.com/@cathedralcatholicdons linkedin.com/school/cchsdons linkedin.com/company/donsalumni cathedralcatholic.org Interested in Writing a Story?

Please contact Steve Breen at sbreen@cathedralcatholic.org

Dear Dons Community, We don’t always publish themed editions of the Dons Magazine, but celebrating twenty years in Carmel Valley felt like a natural choice. After all, the big 2-0 is quite a milestone.

I have had several of my own children graduate from Cathedral Catholic and over the years I’ve watched certain physical changes take shape—new, larger scoreboards, the beautiful Zak Myers Memorial Park—each adding something meaningful to campus life.

And yet, by and large, the campus looks as stately and well-maintained as it did 13 years ago when my oldest was a freshman. In fact, I think most of my colleagues would agree: it’s a gift to work in a place as beautiful as Cathedral. When your surroundings are ordered and inspiring, they have a way of lifting the spirit.

But as Helen Keller once wrote, “the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” That sentiment came to life as I spent time with members of our “20-Year Club”—20 faculty and staff who have been part of Cathedral since the 2005– 06 school year (many dating back to our University of San Diego High School days). Sitting together at The ZAK, as math department chair Christine LaPorte interviewed them, a common thread emerged.

Yes, the campus made an immediate impression. But what has endured and what has truly defined Cathedral over these 20 years, is something less visible and far more lasting. It is the sense of family, of unum, that has grown here over time.

It began at Uni and has taken root and flourished across these 54 acres.

That spirit is what our students carry with them long after they graduate. It is what my three sons and now my soon-tograduate daughter, have experienced firsthand. Buildings may stand the test of time, but it is this shared sense of belonging that gives Cathedral its heart. And twenty years in, that heart is stronger than ever.

I hope you enjoy this special issue!

Sincerely,

Steve Breen Director of School Communications 4

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IN THIS ISSUE SPRING 2026

5 Questions for Dr. Brett Salkeld The founder of Making Every Class Catholic talks “authentic Catholic permeation.” 6

Straight to Voicemail

A year into phone-free school days, Cathedral Catholic reflects on the impact of a bold cultural shift. 8

Community Prayer:

Nu-Ahn Phan ‘26

Cathedral Catholic’s community prayer is brought to life in a multipanel art piece. 10

In Her Footsteps

Seton Scholars make a pilgrimage to New York City, hometown of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. 12

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20 YEARS IN CARMEL VALLEY

A Don For All Seasons

A look back at the 35-year career of Tim Derenthal— teacher, coach, principal and one of the most influential leaders in Dons history. 16

She’s Got Personality

Coach Dawn Lee ’89 takes the Dons Magazine personality questionnaire. 21

A 20-Year Journey

A look at Cathedral Catholic’s 20 years in Carmel Valley through the eyes of the “20-Year Club.” 22

Where Will You Be In 20 Years? 29 RED&GOLD

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Andrea Lockhart ‘89

The Distinguished Don embodies the Community Prayer through courage, justice and service. 30

Dons Sports Hall of Fame

The Office of Alumni welcomed the class of 2026. 34

Golf Classic Recap 36 Season of Champions

The Fall 2025 season brought standout performances and overall excellence. 38

Why I Give: Anthony Zolezzi ‘72 40 2025 Reunions Photo Gallery 41

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In Memoriam 43

5 QUESTIONS BRETT SALKED

The founder of Making Every Class Catholic explains what authentic Catholic permeation looks like The Dons Magazine staff interviewed Dr. Brett Salked about his philosophy and professional development work with Cathedral Catholic.

How did you end up in this realm of Catholic professional development? I was invited to teach a

course for aspiring Catholic teachers at the local Catholic college in my hometown of Regina, in Saskatchewan, Canada. The president of the college and I went to the local Catholic schools’ office and asked what they would like to see in a candidate graduating from the University of Regina with just one course in Catholic education. They said, “Curriculum permeation, curriculum permeation, curriculum permeation.” And I said, “What’s that?”

When they explained that it meant teaching every subject in a Catholic school from a Catholic worldview—and that a Catholic school was not just the public school across the street with a religion class added—I was immediately excited by the idea. But I soon discovered that while many people talked about the importance of this, there was very little work helping teachers think through how to do it well.

My work with those aspiring teachers, along with a series of talks I gave for a local group of Catholic teachers on curriculum permeation eventually convinced me to write a book. Since “Educating for Eternity: A Teacher's Companion for Making Every Class Catholic” was published in 2022, I’ve been doing this work almost full-time.

Were you surprised by the response to your book and has it changed the direction of your work in the Church? Completely. I had hoped I had written a useful

book, but the enthusiasm around it is something I never 6

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could have predicted. The demand has been so strong that it has changed my trajectory entirely. I now spend eight to nine months of the year on the road and when I am home, I am focused on developing resources—like my newsletter, eCourse and next book—to support teachers beyond what I can do in person.

What do you do for schools and specifically for Catholic schools? My main task is to help Catholic

educators learn to think about their subject from a Catholic

worldview. A key first step is reassuring them that they are not being asked to do something artificial or forced. If it doesn’t feel authentic to the teacher, it won’t have the desired impact on the student.

This work requires some foundational thinking, along with lots of concrete examples from a wide range of subjects. The next step is practical. Even once educators’ legitimate questions have been addressed, many still need support in thinking through what this means day to day in the classroom. Working with partners like Cathedral Catholic over a longer period has allowed me to begin developing more tools and materials to support that kind of sustained work.

4. Tell us a little about your collaboration with Cathedral Catholic. Cathedral is the first high school—

though there have been dioceses and school boards—to make a multi-year plan to work with me. On my first visit, I gave a talk designed to address some of the theoretical concerns I’ve mentioned and to give the faculty a sense of my work.

That same day, I also met with a range of leaders at Cathedral to learn more about their context and how I might support them moving forward. The next morning, I met with the math department.

The plan is to begin with math and focus on the practical, day-to-day questions teachers face. I’ve done some online work with the department since my visit in September and I returned in March to continue that collaboration. We’re working on ways of “framing units” around themes like the beauty and order of the universe, the human pursuit of truth, math and the cultivation of virtue and stewardship and responsibility through mathematics. I’ve since shared these themes with other partners and the response has been very encouraging.

5. In your work with schools, what are the pillars for forming authentic Catholic identity? For me, the key

“If we haven’t thought carefully about the kind of creatures God made us to be, we are educating without a clear sense of where we’re going.”

is an integrated Catholic worldview. This begins with our vision of the human person. If we haven’t thought carefully about the kind of creatures God made us to be, we are educating without a clear sense of where we’re going.

Second, the Catholic vision insists on the harmony of faith and reason. Faith should deepen our engagement with what we study, not distract from it. A Catholic school should be a place of serious intellectual inquiry, where questions are welcomed rather than avoided.

Third, human beings are made for truth and will not be satisfied by anything less. While our culture often shies away from truth claims in the name of freedom, Catholicism insists that truth is what makes freedom possible. A Catholic education is therefore an education for authentic freedom precisely because of its commitment to truth.

Finally, God made us for happiness—happy with him forever in heaven, yes, but also genuinely fulfilled in this life. The Catholic tradition understands that true happiness is not primarily the result of external circumstances, but of internal character. And so Catholic education is always invested in forming students into people of virtue. ■ SPRING 2026

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Straight to Voicemail A reflection on our cell phone-free school days

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DONS MAGAZINE

ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE BREEN

THE BULLETIN BOARD KEVIN J. CALKINS, PH.D.

THIS SCHOOL YEAR, Cathedral Catholic implemented a bold and for some, unsettling change: cell phonefree school days. With nearly 1,700 students on campus, reactions ranged from hopeful optimism to genuine concern. Some believed this shift could transform our learning environment; others predicted resistance from students and parents alike. Nearly a year in, I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on why we made this decision and what we have learned along the way.

The initial conversations around cell phone use were rooted squarely in our mission. Cathedral Catholic exists to educate the whole person within a faith-filled community. Over time, it became increasingly clear that constant access to phones was undermining presence, relationships and the kind of deep engagement we hope to foster in classrooms, hallways and shared spaces.

This policy was not about control or punishment; it was about creating an environment where students could be fully present to learning, to one another and to God. I would be dishonest if I said there were no moments of concern early on.

Enforcement, consistency and buy-in were all real challenges we anticipated.

To prepare, our administrator team worked closely with teachers to ensure clear expectations, consistent practices and thoughtful communication with families. We knew that if we were going to ask students to rise to this expectation, we needed to be equally committed as adults to supporting them.

The feedback we have received throughout the year has been both candid and encouraging. Students were understandably skeptical at first, but many now speak openly about stronger friendships, fewer distractions and a greater sense of

calm during the school day. Parents have shared their appreciation for seeing their sons and daughters more engaged and less tethered to screens.

Teachers consistently report improved focus, richer discussion and stronger classroom community.

What has surprised me most is how quickly the culture shifted. Once phones were removed from the daily equation, students adapted faster than many of us expected. The absence of phones created space for conversation at lunch tables, for eye contact in hallways and for deeper attention in classrooms.

After nearly a full year, the positive changes are unmistakable. We see more students interacting face-to-face, more engagement during class and a campus atmosphere that feels more grounded and relational. These are not abstract outcomes; they are daily, visible reminders of why this decision mattered.

Would I recommend cell phonefree school days to leaders at other schools? Yes, provided the policy is rooted in mission, communicated clearly and implemented with care and consistency. This is not a quick fix, but it is a meaningful step toward reclaiming the kind of school culture many of us remember and value.

Looking ahead, we will continue to reflect and refine as needed, but the success of this year has confirmed something important: a phone-free school day aligns deeply with who we are and who we hope our students will become. At Cathedral Catholic, this is not a passing experiment but rather a commitment to presence, connection and formation that is here to stay.

Kevin J. Calkins, Ph.D. is the third president of Cathedral Catholic High School and parent of a current student.

Nearly a year after implementing phone-free school days, the bold decision is strengthening focus, relationships and presence across campus.

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GIFTS IN ACTION STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

CALLED TO C Quadriptych, 12" by 24", acrylic paint on canvas

Lord Jesus Christ, let my gifts change the world, help us live the call, build the kingdom. Veni Sancte Spiritus

CREATE

Living the call through art, Nu-Ahn Phan ’26 brings Cathedral Catholic’s community prayer to life through her original artwork SPRING 2026

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Iconic New York vistas from the Staten Island Ferry.

Morristown, New Jersey Saint Elizabeth University

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Seton Scholars reflect on their pilgrimage to New York City, visiting the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the 9/11 Memorial and meeting with the Sisters of Charity and Sisters of Life religious communities

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON

In the footsteps of

FAITH & SERVICE SETON PILGRIMAGE

A view of “Tribute in Light.”

The art installation was unveiled six months after 9/11 and is on display from dusk to dawn every September 11th in commemoration.

CASH PACINI ’27

“The 9/11 Memorial was so moving. Since visiting the memorial, I am beginning to understand resilience and how important it is to find hope, even in darkest times.

Experiencing this made me realize that we were all part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

9/11 Memorial & Museum

The scholars at the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Seton on 8 State St. in Lower Manhattan.

CATE BREEN ’29

“Seeing where St. Elizabeth actually lived reminded me that she was a real person, on this earth, doing similar things to what I am doing!”

The Seton scholars at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown, Manhattan

LILY LA RAIA ’28

“Visiting places like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the 9/11 Memorial, and the Seton Shrine really humbled me, reminding me that I am only a small piece of God’s great plan.”

The scholars at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Right: Exploring New York City

“The most meaningful moment for me during this pilgrimage was just walking through the neighborhoods of New York together. Seeing all the beauty New York has to offer while also growing closer to other scholars really meant a lot to me. It felt good to be united as Seton Scholars on our mission to understand what Mother Seton’s life was like.”

SHAYAN MOZAFFARI ’26

“I learned a lot more about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s life when she was my age. Getting to pray in the same church where she had prayed was a surreal experience.”

TYSON SMITH ’27

St. Elizabeth Seton statue at her shrine in Lower Manhattan 14

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“Many of the experiences on the trip have allowed my fellow Seton Scholars and me to bond closer together, so that we are one body ready to serve Christ.”

CHRISTOPHER SAIZ ’28

The 9/11 Memorial Pools

“I could never conceptualize what happened during 9/11 until I visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

I heard the voices of the victims calling loved ones for the last time, telling them how much they cared for them and it really got to me.”

CHRISTIAN ROCHA ’29

Praying at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The 2025-26 Seton Scholars are: Natalia Blabac ‘26, Shayan Mozaffari ’26, Lillian La Raia ’28, Isabella Ihrig ’27, Tyson Smith ’27, Edson James Jr. ’28, Orion Bass ’29, Liam Schleicher ’26, Julieta Zavala-Lemarroy ’26, Oliver Mayson ’27, Favor Eze ’28, Norman Villa Rosales ’29, Riley Danielson ’28, Katherine Terry ’26, Annika Mara ’27, Adam Yandell ‘28, Jax Lopez ‘29, Christian Rocha ’29, Mabel Finta ’28, Christopher Saiz ’28, Cash Pacini ‘27, David Hall ’28, Lia Hernandez ’29, Massimo Santos ’26, Logan Saenz ’28, Cate Breen ’29

“If you are blessed enough to go on a retreat, try to get the most out of the experience. Leave everything you are stressed about back home and just absorb whatever it is that God is trying to tell you on that experience.”

“New York makes really good pizza.”

TYSON SMITH ’27

KATE TERRY ’26

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A Don for all seasons PROFILE

Through decades of change, Tim Derenthal remained a constant presence, leading with humility, mentoring students and helping guide the school from Uni to Cathedral Catholic.

F

BY STEVE BREEN

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DONS MAGAZINE

or more than three decades, Tim Derenthal did not just work at University of San Diego High School and Cathedral Catholic High School. He lived it. From the cramped bungalows on the old campus to the open Tuscan-style grounds in Carmel Valley, his imprint runs through every era of the school’s story. Teacher.

Coach. Dean of Students. Assistant Principal. Principal. Admissions Director.

Alumni Association founder. Mentor. Friend. For 35 years, he showed what it meant to be a Don. His journey tracks the school’s own, rooted in faith and community, shaped by change.

The good life

After 35 years leading Uni and Cathedral, Tim Derenthal retired in June 2025. He now enjoys time traveling and spending time with his family and friends.

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A San Diego Kid

Born in San Diego in 1963, Tim Derenthal grew up in a busy Catholic home with seven siblings.

His father was an engineer at Cubic Corporation with a master’s in physics from the University of Notre Dame and his mother, a hospital dietitian with a master’s in dietary studies from the University of Iowa. Together, they raised their large middle-class family as San Diego’s population surged in the late twentieth century. The Derenthals were Irish-German, tight-knit and faith-filled. “It was a great childhood.”

He attended Our Lady of Grace School before enrolling at St. Augustine High School, where he graduated in 1981. At Saints, he was a tall, skinny sports kid: playing basketball, baseball and football. One day marked him forever: the 1978 crash of PSA Flight 182, just blocks from the school. He recalls the airliner dipping toward campus, students running, smoke rising and the gym turning into a morgue. “That was a crazy day,” he says. The moment fixed in him the fragility of life.

After high school, he headed north to the University of California Santa Barbara, majored in business economics, took five years to graduate and fell for the campus and for Deana Shaffer. Their story became family lore: friendship, dating, breakups, longdistance, doubt and finally marriage.

“Apparently, in our family,” he laughs, “if a girl dumps you early, she’s probably going to be your wife.”

Tim and Deana raised four children, three boys and a girl, and set one simple rule: family first.

From Desk Job to Calling

Derenthal’s first job at Blue Cross, auditing accounts, did not last.

“Very boring,” he says. He missed connection and mentorship. Coaching youth sports in the San Fernando Valley reignited something in him.

Friends nudged him toward education.

He listened.

He returned to San Diego, earned a credential at United States International University, now Alliant International University, and later 18

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› Tim surrounded by friends and colleagues at his June 2025 retirement party at The ZAK.

Tim Derenthal: A Tribute

Dan Geiger, long-time friend and colleague of Derenthal’s, delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech at his retirement celebration at Cathedral Catholic.

“Apparently, in our family if a girl dumps you early, she’s probably going to be your wife.”

Tim, left with Deana, his wife of 38 years and 2 of their 4 grandchildren

When I was asked to write a few words about Tim Derenthal, I joked that I hardly knew the guy, “what’s his name again, Tom Derringer?” But of course, that couldn’t be further from the truth. After 35 years working side by side, I know Tim as one of the finest teachers, leaders and friends our school community has ever had.

Tim’s career at Uni and Cathedral Catholic is nothing short of remarkable. He’s been a math teacher, coach of nearly every sport: football, basketball, baseball, track and cross country and a fixture in student life as a Class Moderator and ASB Moderator. Administratively, he’s done it all: Director of Alumni, Director of Admissions, Assistant Principal and Principal. In fact, he was the last principal at Uni and the first at Cathedral Catholic, guiding our community through a historic transition with steady hands and a full heart.

I once joked that Tim only retired because it would’ve taken him another 35 years to serve in every position on campus. But the truth is, his impact already runs through every hallway, every classroom, every student and colleague who’s been fortunate enough to know him. We often toss around words like "legend" and "institution" when someone retires, but in Tim’s case, they truly

fit. His leadership was grounded in compassion, wisdom and humility and he was never too busy to listen, advise or simply be a friend.

Tim’s decision to leave administration years ago wasn’t about stepping away from leadership; it was about stepping toward family. He wanted to be present for his four children, to watch them grow and be part of their daily lives. That choice tells you everything you need to know about his character. For all he gave to this school, he gave even more to those who call him husband, father and now, grandpa.

To honor his retirement, we presented Tim with two gifts: golf lessons to make his game more tolerable for his playing partners and a fine bottle of single malt scotch, for quiet evenings of reflection or for the golf pro, depending on how those lessons go.

After 35 years, I can honestly say it’s been one of the great privileges of my life to work alongside Tim. He’s been a colleague, a mentor and a brother. Cathedral Catholic won’t be the same without him, but the mark he’s left will last forever.

Dan Geiger is a math teacher and cross-country and track and field coach at Cathedral Catholic.

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earned a master’s in educational administration. In fall 1990, at 27, he walked onto the Uni campus to teach.

He jumped into student life as the ASB moderator and economics teacher. He shifted into math, teaching everything from basic courses to Algebra II. He coached. He moderated.

He connected.

Learning to Lead with Humanity

Uni’s principal, the late Dr. Richard Kelly, noticed Derenthal gift for leadership. He nudged him toward administration. As Dean of Students, Derenthal balanced discipline and accountability with compassion. “It was one of the toughest jobs I did and one of the most rewarding,” he says.

“I always thought I was a pretty good teacher,” he adds. “But I thought I was an excellent administrator.”

He held students accountable yet left room for grace. “Once you’ve atoned, you put it behind you and move on.” Years later, parents and alumni thanked him for guiding them through their hardest moments.

As Assistant Principal, he listened to faculty, launched block scheduling and gathered ideas from everyone.

“You pick a little bit here and a little bit there,” he says, “and whatever you’re trying to build gets stronger.” His hallmark philosophy was simple: listen, trust, then lead.

He learned names. He dropped into classrooms to say thank you. He wrote notes to coaches after championships.

“I always felt it was important to show appreciation.”

Principal at a Pivotal Moment

In the early 2000s, as plans for Cathedral Catholic took shape, Derenthal helped with campus design, facilities planning and moving an entire community north. At the same time, Saint Augustine High School courted him for a principal position. When word reached Dr. Kelly, he stepped aside and pushed Derenthal forward, a gesture of mentorship and trust.

Derenthal served as principal through the closing of Uni and the 20

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“There’s nothing more powerful than seeing a kid come in struggling and walk across the graduation stage proud.”

TIM DERENTHAL

opening of Cathedral Catholic. Seniors mourned a campus. Alumni wrestled with identity. Parents worried – students would be spread across acres instead of being bound by tight halls.

He listened.

He invited seniors to visit the new Carmel Valley campus first, giving them ownership. He honored Uni’s loss while showing Cathedral’s promise. Once families saw athletic fields, a pool, labs, a theater and the space to breathe, the vision took hold.

Still, Derenthal knew what Uni gave: closeness. Shared prep rooms forced teamwork. Students learned patience. “It was like a big family in a small house,” he says. Cathedral felt like siblings with their own rooms.

Different, not worse.

Choosing Family

Derenthal garnered success as principal, yet a profound tension remained between the demands of leadership and commitment to his family. At the time, his children ranged from high school freshmen to grade schoolers. In 2006, he chose home.

“I just couldn’t miss my kids’ stuff,” he says. When asked in interviews, he was clear: “If I had to choose again, I’d choose my family every single time.”

After leaving the principalship, Derenthal worked at Cathedral for another 19 years. He led the Office of Admissions, founded the Dons Alumni Association and returned to the classroom and sidelines.

Coach, Colleague, Brother Derenthal coached freshman football, varsity football, baseball, cross country and track. He worked with Cathedral figures like Sean Doyle ‘80, John Montali ‘88, Dan Geiger, Gary

Remiker ‘90 and Ryan Weigand ‘05.

“You couldn’t ask to coach under better people,” he says.

Those bonds ran deep. Geiger became an uncle to the Derenthal kids.

Doyle became his daughter’s godfather.

Not coworkers. Brothers.

He echoed Steve Jobs: “Hire good people, trust them and get out of their way. If you’re going to do something,” he says, “do it right. If not, don’t do it.”

Why It All Mattered

Retiring in June 2025, Derenthal looks ahead to time with Deana, their children, grandchildren and travel. Trips to the Bay Area, the national parks in Utah and the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as Europe, are on the calendar.

Ask what mattered most, he will not name titles or buildings. He will name students, especially the rougharound-the-edges ones.

“There’s nothing more powerful than seeing a kid come in struggling and walk across the graduation stage proud,” he says. He remembers freshmen who nearly quit, seniors who matured and kids who chose better after hard conversations. “If we can’t help kids here, who is going to?”

“Sometimes it didn’t work,” he says.

“But when it did, that’s why I got up and came to school.”

He was never just a principal or coach or teacher. He was a constant, a steady presence through decades of change.

If Cathedral Catholic is a family, Tim Derenthal will always be one of its most beloved members. ■

Steve Breen

Dawn Lee ‘89, a championship coach with over 500 wins, a member of the “20-Year Club” and iconic leader of the girls’ soccer program, takes our personality questionnaire.

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2005 The construction of St. Thérèse Chapel’s campanile.

A 20-YEAR

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TODAY

Two campuses and 20 years linked through shared stories, traditions and a mission to change the world

BY DONS MAGAZINE STAFF

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20

years ago, a coral tree was planted between Assisi and Cabrini Halls on the Cathedral Catholic campus. This small tree has grown into an expansive gathering place for students. Members of the Dons community, led by the Polynesian Club, meet there annually to honor and remember Tammy Niu, a beloved facilities member at Cathedral who passed away after her battle with cancer in 2021. The “Tree of Life,” as it is called, now rivals the height of the two buildings that surround it and has become a rooted and mature presence on our campus.

Twenty years ago, when the University of San Diego High School (Uni) moved north to Carmel Valley and became Cathedral Catholic, this young tree was a sign of hope for the future home of the Dons community.

Carmel Valley has been home for over two decades now, but the Dons spirit and charism that was born in Linda Vista lives on through our shared stories and intentionally designed facilities, where vocations flourish and graduates are sent on mission to change the world.

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The Pioneers

A special group of Dons have seen this tree grow, little by little, day by day. Serving at least 20 years or more, these members are a mix of those who made the move from Uni to CCHS and those who started their CCHS careers in Carmel Valley. These members have served the school in various departments across campus: finance, security, administration, athletics and academics.

Why the long tenures? For some, it is our rigorous academic standards; for others, it is our elite athletics. For all, it is our strong Dons community and identity rooted in faith.

THE 20-YEAR CLUB

Front row, from left Steve Duarte Carolyn Sturz Sean Doyle ‘80 Joe Filippone ‘83 Christi Harrington Dawn Lee ‘89 Carmen Lonergan Gary Remiker ‘90 Back row Leighton Balalio John Montali ‘88 Jeff McMurtry Chad Colden ‘88 Tom Rickling ‘85 Dan Geiger Rob Reiter ‘92 Not pictured Chris Grazier Mara Milligan Dustin Nies ‘96 Anthony Smith Elizabeth Tysor

“It’s not the buildings that make the home, it’s the people who are there that make it home.”

DAN GEIGER Math teacher, Track and Field and Cross Country coach for more than 30 years

Science teacher, football coach and 20-Year Club member, John Montali ’88 reflected, “for me, it’s been my whole life. There’s a reason why my closet has only two colors - all Cathedral Catholic, all Uni Dons.”

Celebrating 20 people who have chosen to make Uni and CCHS their home for 20 years is a statement in itself.

They carry the stories, triumphs and sorrows of the last two decades, much like the coral tree in our quad.

Their presence on our campus embodies our indomitable spirit, commitment to excellence and sense of belonging.

Carrying the Past Forward

The move from University of San Diego High School to Cathedral Catholic was not without challenges.

Many in the community were upset with the move and the name change.

Rumors circulated that teachers would have to reapply for their jobs, which reinforced the feeling that this would not be the same school. Students who experienced both campuses did not initially embrace the move. There were even “Save Uni!” gatherings and the transition brought its share of public relations challenges. It was hard to find friends during breaks and navigating the new, pristine campus felt unfamiliar SPRING 2026

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2005

CCHS IN 2005-06

$70M Property, plant and equipment

1700

Number of students enrolled

$8,300 Cost of tuition

54 acres Size of the campus

17:1

Teacher to student ratio

250K

Square footage of facilities

23 miles Distance from Uni to the new campus

Source: CCHS; The San Diego Union-Tribune

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DONS MAGAZINE

with its yet-to-be-named buildings.

With time, graduates from both campuses have come to reflect with a deep sense of pride how special it was to have been part of both. The successful and vibrant Uni was not simply closed and forgotten, it is the foundation for what Cathedral is today.

Designed for Excellence

At Uni, the shared classrooms and spaces felt tight and worn, overcrowded with our growing enrollment. English teacher and long-time coach, Chris Grazier, noted that even though people may miss the good old days at Uni, the school was “falling apart.” He recalled how alumnus and supporter, Marshall LeTourneau ’63, who passed away in November 2025, along with former Uni Facilities Director, Dick Rolf, literally “held the school together with duct tape.”

With strong academics and intellectual rigor in mind, much thought was given to classroom design when CCHS was built in 2003. Administrators were able to dream of spaces, labs and classrooms that would facilitate learning and collaboration at the highest level.

Sean Doyle ’80, current Director of Football Operations, legacy coach of over 30 years and former Director of Alumni, was a part of the original design team along with former Uni/

CCHS Principal Tim Derenthal and former Uni President, Dr. Richard Kelly. Together, they scouted other Catholic school campuses in Southern California. They noted that at Uni, classrooms were one-size-fits-all, but at Cathedral, the intent was to customize each classroom to fit its subject: science labs with wide counters for experiments, a large space for movement and performance for visual arts classes and inviting, bright spaces for bright minds to discuss the works of Chaucer, Shakespeare or C.S. Lewis.

Spanish teacher Chad Colden ’88 was one of the many people who were hopeful about the possibilities that the Carmel Valley campus would bring.

“At Uni, every seat in every classroom was full and had rotating teachers. We didn’t have a seat to spare, so it was nice to think that [at the new campus]…we could do whatever we wanted to do.”

Chad recalls with pride the time when he visited the campus before it was completed and saw the sign that read, “Future Home of Cathedral Catholic High School.”

For some, the transition from Uni to Cathedral felt natural. “Just stepping on [Cathedral’s] campus the first time felt like home. It felt good,” shared history teacher and golf coach Joe Filippone ’83.

For others, like alumnus and math teacher

PURPOSE BUILT Top left, science labs were built with wide counters and sinks perfect for experiments, collaboration and learning.

Top right, the beginnings of the track and football field

2005

Tom Rickling ’85, Cathedral’s campus took some getting used to. It wasn’t Uni and it didn’t have the memories from the old campus. “It took me a little while to adjust and it wasn’t right away.”

Fields of Opportunity

Another element that would elevate Cathedral Catholic’s drive for excellence is the addition of its state-of-the-art athletic facilities. At Uni, the athletic teams had no place to call home. Teams would practice and compete all over San Diego County. The move to a new 54-acre campus allowed the school to create athletic facilities built for our growing and competitive athletic programs. “We were also looking for athletic facilities because at Uni, we had none. Teams were all over the place,” said Coach Sean Doyle ’80.

Coaches were in awe at the first sight of their new training and competing grounds at Cathedral Catholic. As mentioned, many of the 20-Year Club members are legacy coaches: Sean Doyle ’80 (football), Dan Geiger (track and field/cross country), Gary Remiker ’90 (baseball) and Rob Reiter ’92 (baseball). Geiger shares with a smirk, “For me, I was most excited about having athletic facilities because, as a track coach, actually having a track was a nice bonus to moving.” A familiar sentiment

Finding community, finding home Caitlin (Egan) Sly ‘08 spent one year at Uni and three years at CCHS. She is now an English teacher here.

I started at Uni during its last year.

The rich tradition and culture were evident immediately. My mother was a teacher there, so I’d spent the few years before high school going to football games and helping her out in her classroom. I was so excited to participate in Uni traditions like having a locker in “Freshman Alley” and getting those homemade taquitos on Tuesdays.

Uni felt like home even before I was a freshman.

When we moved to the new campus, everything felt so new and different at first, and many students were skeptical. But Dons are resilient. We brought some of the traditions with us and also created new ones. I still have a Uni white zip-up hoodie with the red sleeves.

I decided I was going to major in English during my senior year and throughout college I imagined myself teaching English specifically in Mrs. Harmaning’s classroom, Assisi 102.

While I didn’t end up teaching in that classroom, I now teach English 4 Honors in the same place where I took the class

in 2007–2008, Assisi 210. The classroom feels the same, just with added technology. It still feels like home.

Much of the culture and many of the tradi- Caitlin in her senior tions from Uni yearbook photo have changed over the past 20 years, but the heart of the Dons is still the same. The campus itself feels more lived in, I’d say, and not so much like a brand-new house that needs some love.

Obviously, most of the staff have also changed over the past two decades, but everyone who is currently here maintains the close community we have always been. We hold so much pride in who we are and where we have come from.

I’m proud to say I’ve fulfilled 17-yearold Caitlin Egan’s dream of teaching English here.

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2005

The coral tree when it was just planted in 2005, left and today, right.

was shared by Remiker and Reiter.

There was no ‘home’ baseball field at Uni, so practices were held at various locations. Remiker and Reiter agreed, “When we got to see the baseball field for the first time, we thought, ‘This is amazing!’ We’d never had anything like this before.”

Another new athletic facility that heightened our competitive edge was the addition of tennis courts. Before the courts were built, tomato fields covered that piece of land. One day, our then school president, Jim Tschann, was walking the tomato fields when he was approached by a woman named Jane Johnson. She shared, “I love tennis.

Are you going to have tennis courts?”

Tschann replied, “I wish we could, but we don’t have the funding for that.”

After this encounter with Tschann, Johnson decided to donate the cost of the entire tennis center. This story captures the generosity that has always fueled Cathedral’s growth.

Vocations Flourish

Another growing field of opportunity we have seen in the last two decades, is the way our school nurtures a strong sense of purpose in our students. Our community prayer captures our calling as a school: to help students discover their God-given gifts and talents and to 28

DONS MAGAZINE

use them to change the world. The sheer number of alumni, 80 to be exact, who return to Cathedral Catholic as teachers, administrators, coaches and staff testifies to the seeds of service planted in their hearts as students.

One such teacher is Cara (Nowakowski) Noerenberg ’07 who attended Uni her freshman and sophomore years and Cathedral Catholic for her junior and senior years. She is currently a math teacher and the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society moderator. She knew, “coming back is what I always knew I would do. I made the decision my junior year of high school, sitting in my math classroom. I was coming back to teach here and I was going to teach math.” Cara epitomizes the hope we have for our graduates, to use their gifts to live the call and build the Kingdom.

Looking Ahead

Cathedral Catholic is a place “where vocations are built and realized,” says Jeffrey McMurtry, who began teaching at Uni in mid-2001 as a long-term English substitute and now serves as principal. “The biggest changes over the last 20 years show our priorities our Dons family has grown by leaps and bounds in interests and passions, in outreach and in impact.

In the last 20 years, we have seen

our academic center transform from a traditional library into a student gathering place and home to the most accessible counseling department I have ever seen. An engineering building has arisen from an empty lot and a food pantry has sprung up from a garden plot.

So what’s next? A theater and performing arts center is a good bet. A multipurpose athletic center to support our lower fields will be a well-established part of our campus before long.

Our service program will be second to none in San Diego and beyond.”

Our Home

Much like the coral tree, the Cathedral Catholic story has expanded and flourished over the years. Our shared stories, new facilities, innovative academic spaces and nurtured vocations are a testament to God’s providence. We are a community that honors the traditions and memories of our past, carries gratitude for the gift of the present and looks forward to a bright future. Change can be unsettling, but as we saw with the major move to Carmel Valley in 2005, it can often be healthy. As Dustin Nies ’96 put it, “Development and growth are part of life.” We cannot wait to see what changes the next twenty years bring to Cathedral Catholic High School. ■

“...alive…and hopefully building God's Kingdom.”

JORGE FERNÁNDEZ-VELASCO, SPANISH TEACHER

“...enjoying retirement… and taking my grandkids to Disneyland as often as possible.”

TANYA LETULI, FACILITIES DIRECTOR

“...travelling the world.”

“…the owner of a successful bakery.”

EMILY SMEDLEY,’18 RELIGION TEACHER

“A professional golfer.”

ANDREW DUPUY, ’28

“A veterinarian.”

JAYDEN DOWNER, ’28

“…living close to the beach as a mom and a physical therapist.”

20 years from now, I’d like to be…

MASON MCDONALD, ’26

“…on Wall Street.”

WILLIAM CLUNE, ’27

“...running my own walnut and almond farm.”

GRACE WHITTEN, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

“A landowner in the woods.”

MATEO PEREIRA, ’27

ABBY RALL, ’27

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RED&GOLD

30

DONS MAGAZINE

Andrea Lockhart ‘89 Embodies the Community Prayer through courage, justice and service

Andrea Lockhart at the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.

LIVING THE CALL

BY ALLIE ADAJAR ‘23

“Lord Jesus Christ, let my gifts change the world, help us live the call.”

F

– from the CCHS Community Prayer

ew individuals can personify these words more profoundly than Andrea Lockhart ‘89, a University of San Diego High School alumna inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Dons in 2025. This woman is many things — legal professional, judge, public servant and devoted mother—and her life is a real, living testament to how purpose and resilience can transform gifts into extraordinary impact. Lockhart’s journey is not only one of personal achievement, but of showing what it means to use one’s God-given gifts to change the world for the better.

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1

2

1. 1987 varsity team soccer photo. Andrea is number 20 next to Dawn Lee ‘89 number 16.

2. Teammates together again Dawn and Andrea at the 2025 Distinguished Dons induction event.

3. Andrea being sworn into The State Bar of California

by Superior Judge Morgan Lester in December 1988.

4. A change in priorites and a grounding force, Andrea with her 2 children.

Early Gifts and Foundations of Grit Lockhart’s story does not begin in a courtroom, but rather in the classrooms and soccer field of University of San Diego High School. As a student, her high school experiences helped her begin to realize how determination and grit could unlock hidden potential.

She recalls a pivotal moment when she tried out for the varsity soccer team as a freshman and did not make the cut. It could have ended there, but instead of letting that experience discourage her from her passions, Lockhart pushed herself further.

“It was worth putting in the time and effort,” she reflects. Working nonstop to improve her game, she tried out again in her sophomore year and made the team. The lesson of resilience stuck with her.

This newfound mindset extended off the field and into the classroom. In particular, one of her English teachers, Ms. Leslie Held, pushed her to engage more deeply with the complex material and encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone, as she always felt more comfortable with math.

Although she had envisioned becoming a lawyer for as long as she could remember, these moments with her English teacher sparked a deeper realization that challenges are what shape a person, not what comes easily.

“It taught me that when you work hard, you can get things done and accomplish whatever you put your mind to,” Lockhart says. These early lessons in tenacity and believing in herself became the backbone of her life’s work and the way she lives the call.

Shifting Setbacks into Purpose Lockhart’s dream of playing Division I soccer in

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DONS MAGAZINE

college was nearly crushed when the coaches at UC Santa Barbara cut her, telling her she would never play Division I and would not improve her skills at her age. Unlike today, where studentathletes have social media platforms to display their abilities, all she had was her resume and a challenging uphill battle. She refused to let one school close the door on her dream and she pushed forward.

That summer, Lockhart kept her eye on the prize and trained alone for six to seven hours a day. When the time came for her to choose a new college, she took a leap of faith and transferred to George Mason University in Virginia to play Division I soccer. The risk paid off and she was a starter for three of her four years, even playing in the 1993 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship.

Lockhart’s advice to young adults is, “Just because someone doesn’t see something in you, it just means it wasn’t the right fit.” Not only is her story about athletic achievement, but it also exemplifies how self-worth is not determined by others’ views, but rather by one’s own determination and perseverance to grow. For Lockhart, every obstacle forged her values of resilience, self-belief and the courage to follow one’s calling, even when it’s uncertain.

Leadership and Law When Lockhart initially began law school at University of San Diego, she was unsure of the path she would take. While she was first drawn to sports law, she quickly recognized that her calling was deeper and more service-driven. This realization, in part, was due to being surrounded by those who serve in the military. Our military personnel’s dedi-

3

4

cation to the country left a profound and lasting impact on her. “I wanted to be a lawyer to change the world, not for the money,” she explains.

She joined the military justice system, a place where her gifts aligned with her calling. From prosecuting high-stakes cases to advising commanders on legal matters, Lockhart has spent decades dedicated to law, justice and public service.

Working with people face-to-face acts as a sobering reminder that her cases were not abstract legal puzzles, but affected real lives with real stakes.

“The work I do matters,” she says simply. That is how she knows she is living the call.

Lockhart’s last tour on active duty was as a military judge, presiding over criminal cases and ensuring that justice is served with integrity. For her, doing this good for the world is not merely a bonus; it’s the whole point. Lockhart found her work incredibly rewarding and retired in September after four years on the bench.

Serving with Sacrifice and Purpose Over nearly three decades of serving in the Navy, Lockhart faced constant change and transition— new roles, new people, new places. Yet through it all, she remained grounded in a powerful sense of purpose to genuinely help people and incite positive change.

One of the most profound shifts in her life was when she chose to become a mother. Lockhart reflects, “Before being a mom, I valued hard work and doing good in the world. But as soon as I had kids, it changed all of my priorities. I do it more for them now— to be a good example.” Her son and daughter, she says, are her grounding force. She sees the future in them and she is determined to

be a role model in showing them how to be a good human through her example.

“Living the call” not only means striving for excellence in what God is calling you to do, but it also means acting with humility, intention and service. Lockhart’s life, marked by numerous achievements, is shaped by resilience and the quiet strength that comes from knowing you are called to something much bigger than yourself.

A LIFE OF SERVICE AND SUCCESS

Living the Call Andrea Lockhart has held many titles: athlete, judge, veteran, lawyer, mother and more. Beneath all of these lies something simple yet powerful: a woman living out her gifts with purpose. She embodies the words of the community prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, let my gifts change the world, help us live the call.”

Her gifts of discernment, courage and resilience have indeed changed the world in headlines and victories, but more so in the quiet influence she has had on those around her. The justice she pursues, the athletes she mentors, the children she raises and the example she sets have all made an impact on the world for good.

Andrea Lockhart teaches us that living the call does not require perfection; it requires perseverance. It does not require ease, but endurance. Most of all, “living the call” means using your gifts to make the world a better place, one faithful step at a time. ■

Active Duty Navy 27 Years Military Judge for four years Worked in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for seven years Prosecutor for Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)

Allie Adajar ‘23

AT UNI: Yearbook Staff, Soccer and Softball Team, Track and Field

FAVORITE TEACHERS AND COACH: Mr. Voss, Science; Mr A, art, Coach Butch Lee, soccer

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

MILITARY AWARDS

Expert Certification in Military Justice Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal Meritorious Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Defense Meritorious Service Medal Joint Service Commendation Medal National Defense Service Medal Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon

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O Coach Sean Doyle ’80 with Casey Toohill ‘15 and Master of Ceremonies, John Montali ’88

DONS SPORTS HALL OF FAME 2026

The Office of Alumni hosted another evening of recognition and inspiration

n Saturday, March 7, the Cathedral Catholic community gathered to celebrate the 2026 Dons Sports Hall of Fame, an event honoring individuals and teams who shaped Dons athletics.

With his trademark wit and aplomb, Master of Ceremonies John Montali ‘88 kept things rolling smoothly as he welcomed alumni, families, coaches and supporters, recognizing outstanding achievements on and off the field. Among the 2026 inductees were athletes Kelly Reeves ‘10, Gabi (DeSimone) La Bruna ‘11, Ray Smith ‘15, and Casey Toohill ‘15. The girls’ volleyball (2008, 2009), boys’ water polo (2009) and baseball (2009) championship teams were also honored. Joe Kilroy, a beloved assistant coach who guided multiple sports programs, earned special recognition for his contributions to Dons athletics. Reflecting on his career, Kilroy said simply, “I got to do something I loved and that was coaching kids.”

The event also honored longtime team physicians Dr. Paul C. Murphy and Dr. Bradford Stiles as Friends of Sport for their decades of care and support. Throughout the evening, a short video of each inductee was shown to the audience in the Guadalupe Theater. The honorees then took the stage to share stories of teamwork, perseverance and the lifelong bonds forged through Dons athletics. Their words brought warmth and camaraderie to the night. Former football standout Casey Toohill ‘15 reflected on the support he received from classmates during his professional career, saying, “No matter where I played in the NFL, Cathedral Catholic friends were there supporting me. Cathedral Catholic was part of every phase of my life. It was foundational.”

As celebrations unfolded, the enduring spirit of Dons athletics shone through as historic championships and individual excellence were recognized. Proceeds from the night benefited Alumni Scholarships, honoring the past while investing in Cathedral Catholic’s future student-athletes. ■

From left, Hall of Fam

From lef

me entrance, Dr. Murphy and his family, musicians Sam Carlson ‘29 and Sebastian Ayesta Hollstein ‘27 and below, all the 2026 inductees

ft, Joe Kilroy, Dr. Bradford Stiles and Dr. Paul C. Murphy, Gabi (DeSimone) La Bruna ‘11 with Coach Ron Marquez, Ray Smith ‘15 with his parents, Kasey and Ray Smith ‘86 and Kelly Reeves ‘10 with coaches Audra Dent, left and Kelly Drobek ‘91 SPRING 2026

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A beautiful day for golf at The Crosby in Rancho Santa Fe

Every Drive Made a Difference

The 35th Annual Dons Golf Classic teed off in October 2025 with a full field of enthusiastic players and the support of more than two dozen dedicated volunteers and students. This beloved tradition brought together the Cathedral Catholic community for a day of camaraderie, competition and purpose. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and participants the event raised over $55,000 to directly support Special Education programs at Cathedral Catholic. The Dons Golf Classic continues to make a meaningful impact - one swing at a time.

Current parents Wendy and Jeff Janicik brought the luck of the Irish to the greens.

⛳ 36

Students in our Options program, mentors, teacher Courtney Day and Vice President of Advancement Elizabeth Tysor welcome golfers.

Current varsity golfers were on hand raising money by taking a shot for golfers in need of a score boost.

SAVE THE DATE! The 36th Annual Dons Golf Classic will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026 ⛳

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T

ATHLETICS ›› Dons football celebrates the Open Division Championship with a win over Carlsbad. ›› Girls golf completed back-to-back undefeated league seasons and celebrated with the City Conference trophy.

›› One program, two titles.

The Boys and Girls Cross Country teams, along with their coaches, proudly hold their respective CIF Division III Championship banners.

38

SEASON OF CHAMPIONS

A

The Fall 2025 season brought standout performances and overall excellence s autumn arrived at Cathedral Catholic, the Dons celebrated another standout fall, highlighted

by CIF championship titles and record-breaking seasons across multiple sports. Relentless preparation and high standards fueled a season that reflected the school’s established championship culture.

Cathedral Catholic’s cross-country teams had another banner year.

Both the boys and girls repeated as CIF San Diego Section Division III Champions, reaffirming their position among the region’s most consistently successful programs.

The girls secured their fifth title in six seasons, while the boys earned their second consecutive championship, reflecting depth, steady development and leadership throughout the lineup.

DONS MAGAZINE

Both cross-country teams went undefeated in Western League play. Nathan Wilber ‘26 earned San Diego Union Tribune Athlete of the Week honors and the girls’ team reinforced tradi-

tion and accountability, sustaining Cathedral Catholic’s distance-running reputation.

On the football field, Cathedral Catholic finished 11-3, added another Western League champi-

onship while navigating a top-tier schedule. They clinched a dramatic 20-16 victory over Carlsbad in the CIF San Diego Section Open Division Championship, the signature moment of a season built on discipline, adversity and trust. With the championship win in San Diego, the Dons advanced to the California State Championship Bowl, winning the Division 1-AA Southern California title and finishing as State Runner-Up. Girls’ golf added to the fall’s success with a 16-1 overall record and an undefeated league season. The Dons repeated as City Conference champions and advanced to the CIF Division II finals. Charlotte Wang ‘29 and Alexa Feliciano ‘26 represented Cathedral Catholic at the CIF Finals with top 30 finishes, highlighting the program’s sustained presence at the section level.

Girls’ tennis continued to model consistency and excellence.

The Dons completed their fourth straight undefeated Western League season, extending their league winning streak to 42 consecutive matches. Cathedral advanced to the CIF Open Division semifinals as the 3-seed. The senior class closed their careers with the highest individual win totals on the roster, leaving a lasting impact on the program.

Girls’ volleyball balanced elite competition with league dominance

throughout the fall. The Dons swept Western League play again, finished as runner-up at the nationally competitive Volleypalooza tournament, runner-up in the CIF Open Division and advanced to the CIF State Open Division tournament.

The boys’ water polo went 25-7, staying undefeated in league matches. They reached both the section and state championship games, with finalist finishes at the South Coast Tournament, Elite 8 Tournament and NorthSouth Challenge, each time running into the #1 team in the nation, Newport Harbor, in the finals of each tournament and SoCal finals.

Those elite finishes were the best the Cathedral program has ever achieved. Athletes Colin McPhail ‘26 and Oren Penning ‘26 were recognized as Western League Athlete of the Year and Goalie of the Year, respectively, for their leadership and play in the pool throughout the season.

Additional team highlights included flag football, which captured the Western League title with a 16-5 record and a CIF Division II quarterfinal finish. Field hockey advanced to the CIF Division I quarterfinals, while boys beach volleyball finished 6-0 in the regular season before falling to Canyon Crest in the playoffs.

The fall season saw standout

individual player achievements: Football player Honor Fa’alaveJohnson ‘27 earned PPR Silver Pigskin and Underclassman of the Year awards and teammate Bronx Letuligasenoa ‘26 took home the PPR Iron Hog as the top county lineman. Cathedral Catholic athletes dominated postseason honors, securing five Western League Athlete of the Year selections. Notably, 61 Dons received All-League recognition, with 31 on the First-Team.

At the section level, Cathedral Catholic athletes stood out, highlighted again by five-star recruit and USC commit Honor earning All-CIF Player of the Year distinction and leading 17 total All-CIF award winners, including nine FirstTeam selections. These individual achievements showcased the Dons’ depth and consistent, high-level performance.

Beyond high school competition, forty seniors committed to continue athletics and academics in college during the fall semester, furthering Cathedral Catholic’s mission.

As the season concluded, Cathedral Catholic athletics again achieved what has become tradition: championships in multiple sports, consistent playoff appearances and a commitment to faith and community, all the hallmarks of Dons excellence. ■

BY THE NUMBERS

1

CIF SoCal Section Title

3

CIF San Diego Section Titles

8

League & Conference Championships

1

CIF Player of the Year, Honor Fa’alaveJohnson ’27

17

All-CIF selections, including 9 First-Team

5

Western League Athletes of the Year

61

All-League honorees, including 31 First-Team

50

Number of student college commitments for the 2025-26 school year to date

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“

I have been so impressed with Cathedral Catholic’s dedicated administrators, teachers and coaches — and with the amazing students I have had the chance to interact with through the Dons Business Institute. The entire experience has inspired me to give back at every level, both financially and through my personal time. It is truly uplifting ... when I think about how Cathedral Catholic is helping shape this next generation.”

THAT IS WHY I GIVE, ANTHONY ZOLEZZI ‘72

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DONS MAGAZINE

JOIN ME IN GIVING

Make an impact for every student today and for the world tomorrow.

we are family

A legacy lived across generations: Honoring all Cathedral Girls and Dons at their 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th and 60th reunions.

2015

2005

1995

1985

1975

1965

CATHEDRAL GIRLS

Scan to join us this summer for the 2026 Reunions!

SPRING 2026

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DONS MAGAZINE

ALUMNI

ALUMNI

2026

Our Dons Alumni Homecoming Tailgate at The ZAK was absolutely unforgettable — completely sold out and packed with Dons spirit! Seeing generations of alumni gather together, reconnect and cheer on the Dons under the Friday night lights made for such a special evening on campus. Save the date now and plan to join us on Friday, October 23, as the Dons take on the Point Loma Pointers. Go Dons!

CLASS REUNIONS

DONS

ALUMNI 42

JOIN US FOR HOMECOMING!

JUNE 13 Class of 2016

JULY 18 Class of 1986

JUNE 20 Class of 2006

JULY 25 Class of 1976

AUG 1 Class of 1996 AUG 15 Class of 1966 Cathedral Girls

See prior page for registration QR code

in memoriam

Eternal rest grant upon them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. St. Joseph Our Patron, Pray for Us.

Theresa (Holland) Caruso ’48

Patricia (Eckery) Kudas ’48

Joann (Eagen) Pirofalo ’62

Albert Walker ’62

Marshall LeTourneau ’63

Robert “Bobby” Carmel ’64

Charles Helkenn ’68

Joseph Bennett ’72

Kirk Bucon ’73

Cindy Luis ’73

Denise Macias ’73

Maria Garcia Galasso ’78

Robert Sciacqua ’79

Cathie Diem ’81

Andrew Loretta ’92

Daniel Rodrigues ’01

Karissa Nikole Smith ’08

Weston Paulson ’11

do you know a don who has passed?

Tyler Gouslin ’24

Alex Polifka ’25

Hector Macis, Former Faculty

If one of our beloved Dons has passed away in the last year please help us honor them in the next magazine. Scan the QR code and complete the form.

SPRING 2026

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@cchsdons

WORD UP! Match the 2005/06 slang term with its 2025/26 equivalent.

Answer: sketchy ➔ sus; hater ➔ opp; busted ➔ cooked; 411 ➔ tea; cool ➔ fire; legit ➔ no cap; totes ➔ bet; dude ➔ bro; lame ➔ cringe; game ➔ rizz; bling ➔ drip; all that ➔ aura; whatevs ➔ mid

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DONS MAGAZINE

phat

no cap

sketchy

slays

hater

mid

busted

aura

411

opp

cool

rizz

legit

tea

totes

fire

dude

sus

lame

bet

game

cringe

bling

cooked

all that

drip

whatevs

bro