Karina Urzua Received Phil Womble Ethics Award
The Bishop Diego athlete was honored at a local luncheon for her commitment to sportsmanship and academic success.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Do you believe local high school sports programs effectively prioritize student character development?
Varsity volleyball player Karina Urzua received the Bishop Diego Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award during the SBART Press Luncheon. The honor celebrates student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional character, accountability, and reliability.
Why it matters
The award recognizes high school students who prioritize respect and compassion alongside their academic and athletic performance. It serves as a community benchmark for excellence in character for youth in the Santa Barbara area.
Urzua maintains a GPA near 4.0 while competing as an outside hitter for her varsity volleyball team. This honor is the first of eight Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Awards scheduled for the current academic year.
The players
Karina Urzua
She is a varsity volleyball player at Bishop Diego High School who maintains a GPA near 4.0.
SBART
The Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local student-athletes and coaches.
UCSB
The University of California, Santa Barbara is a public research university with a prominent men's soccer program.
The details
Urzua earned the recognition for her daily display of honesty and loyalty, notably shifting to play as an outside hitter despite her primary position as a setter. Recipients are selected for their contributions to their respective teams and consistent adherence to ethical standards in sports.
Timeline
Monday: The SBART Press Luncheon took place at Harry's Plaza Cafe.
Tuesday: Crosstown rivalry games are scheduled across the area.
Wednesday: Cate and Carpinteria meet for water polo.
Thursday: San Marcos faces Dos Pueblos in volleyball.
Saturday: Bishop Diego plays St. Bonaventure while UCSB hosts Cal Poly.
The Big Picture
The Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award program serves as a cornerstone for honoring character-driven leadership within local athletics. It reinforces the regional commitment to balancing academic success with sportsmanship.
Local sports enthusiasts should prepare for high attendance at the UCSB soccer match, which expects between 11,000 and 12,000 spectators at Harder Stadium. Fans should also note the ongoing rivalry schedule that continues through Saturday.
The takeaway
Urzua's recognition highlights the importance of adaptability and integrity in student-athletes. Developing these traits can foster long-term success both on the court and in the classroom.
Further reading
For more on local sports updates, visit Santa Barbara Soccer.
Live Poll
Do you believe local high school sports programs effectively prioritize student character development?
