Irvine Valley sophomore starting men's soccer player Tristan Amezcua was named a finalist for a 3C4A Special Recognition Award at the annual 3C2A State Meeting in Burbank last week.
He was nominated by IVC Athletics Councelor Marrianne Wolfe for the award.
Amezcua helped the Lasers earn an Orange Empire Conference title in the fall of 2025.
He played in 22 matches and started 15 as a holding midfielder and defender and also contributed a goal.
Amezcua played for two years at Irvine Valley after starring at Santa Ynez Valley High.
"Tristan is a great story for us and was an inspiration to the rest of the team," IVC coach Conor Ward said. "He didn't play much his freshman season in 2024, but worked hard and came back better last fall, was a team captain and helped us win a conference championship."
Ward said that Amezcua is gaining offers to play at a four-year college next fall.
