Humboldt State junior Motoki Sato has been recognized for his stellar efforts in the classroom, earning the 2020 CCAA Men’s Soccer Championship Scholar Award.

Hailing from Honolulu, Sato is in his third season with the Lumberjacks where he patrols the midfield and earned the start in 14 matches during his sophomore campaign. Sato notched assists on two occasions in 2019, and tallied 1,100 minutes on the field while maintaining high academic standards.

“This is such a great honor for Motoki and he fully deserves this recognition of his efforts,” remarked Humboldt State head men’s soccer coach Fred Jungemann. “We talk a lot in our program about the importance of being a complete person and striving for success both on and off the field. Motoki is a leader and role model within our team, in the classroom, in our community, and as a member of our SAAC. 

“He understands the importance of being disciplined and the value of working hard. This award is a positive reflection of who he is both on and off the field. We are delighted for him to receive this honor and couldn't be more proud of him.”

An HSU Presidential Scholar, Sato is a force in the classroom as he pursues a degree in kinesiology with an option in exercise science and health promotion. 

“We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of Motoki on and off the field,” added Lumberjacks’ director of athletics Jane Teixeira. “He has worked hard to achieve his success and continues to be a leader on the team, in the community and at Humboldt State University.”

The Championship Scholar Award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the final CCAA championship site in each conference-sponsored sport. For the 2020-21 academic year, all participating student-athletes in each sport will receive consideration for the award.

This year’s slate of men nominated for this prestigious academic distinction in the sport of men’s soccer included Jordan Aldama (Cal Poly Pomona), Mateo DiDomenico (Cal State East Bay), Steven Espinoza (Cal State Dominguez Hills), Arvine Esteva (Cal State LA), Brian Field (Sonoma State), Anais Mayo (Chico State), Colin O’Mahony (Cal State Monterey Bay), Juan Perez (Stanislaus State), Corbin Thaete (Cal State San Marcos), Jeronimo Valdepena (Cal State San Bernardino), and Justin Wolfe (San Francisco State).