Athletes of the Week: Maddie Trabucco and Preston Branson

Maddie Trabucco
Maddie Trabucco
Preston Branson
Preston Branson

Santa Barbara High’s Madeline Trabucco and Westmont College’s Preston Branson were recognized as Athletes of the Week at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon.

Trabucco was the MVP of the weekend’s Tournament of Champions, where the Dons won the title from an extremely tough 16-team field. Trabucco is the goalkeeper for Santa Barbara High’s girls water polo team, which now shares the No. 1 ranking in Division 1. Trabucco was the backbone of a defense that allowed a tournament-low 19 goals in four victories.

Branson led the Westmont basketball team to a pair of GSAC victories last week, including a 77-61 dusting of rival Biola. Branson posted point totals of 23 and 27 points, both team highs.

“We’re having a great season,” said Warriors head coach John Moore, whose team is ranked No. 8 in the country. “A lot of that has to do with the competitive spirit of this big-time Warrior. It’s a privilege to coach him.”

The Athletes of the Week are selected each week by a panel of local sports media reporters. The candidates are identified by PresidioSports.com, Santa Barbara’s Community Sports News resource.