Morales, Zeilinger named OCC Athletes of the Year
COSTA MESA -- Orange Coast College softball player, Jasmyn Morales and men's water polo athlete Cade Zeilinger were named this year's OCC Athletes of the Year, as voted on by the coaches and staff.
Both teams -- OCC Softball and Men's Water Polo -- earned spots in their sport's 3C2A State Championship tournament this year and the strong all-around play from Morales and Zeilinger had a lot to do with those respective team successes.
For Morales, she led a freshman-heavy softball program to heights not seen on this campus in over a generation. OCC finished the 2025 season 33-9 overall and Morales helped guide Coast to its first conference championship (shared with Cypress College) since the 1992 season and she helped lead OCC to a spot in the state tournament for the first time since 1993.
"Jas Morales changed the face of our program," OCC head softball coach, Jodie Kiaha, said. "Every time she came up in the lineup, we expected fireworks and she delivered. I am so proud of the young woman she has become and looking forward to her future in college softball."
The numbers Morales put up speak for themselves. The 5'8 sophomore infielder from Sunny Hills High School batted .357 with 45 hits, 37 runs, 15 doubles, 8 home runs and 42 RBI with just 10 strikeouts in 126 at-bats. Her 8 HR led the entire Orange Empire Conference, while her 15 doubles and 42 RBI were second-most among all OEC softball players in 2025.
"Wow, I am just very shocked and very honored to get OCC Female Athlete of the Year," Morales said. "I called my mom right away to share the news and I think it's just always brings me tears to just hear how proud she is of me. Just knowing that all that hard work I put in and and being able to step up in a leadership role on the team just really shows me that I'm way more capable than I think I am. Also, thanks to all the coaches, especially Coach Elise (Laws) and Jodie (Kiaha) for pushing me and believing in me so that I could stay on the path towards success."
Morales was named the Orange Empire Conference's Most Valuable Player for 2025 and her play also earned her a spot on this year's All-State South Team. She finished with a .337 two-year career average at OCC, collecting 82 hits in 243 at-bats with just 33 strikeouts. She scored 61 times and delivered 40 extra-base hits, including 11 home runs with 68 career RBI.
"To me, OCC is a place that I will never take for granted and say that success is made there because of my coaches, professors, and staff," Morales said. "My time at OCC was truly such experience that I will never go back in time and change because of the memories I've made with my teammates, coaches and staff members which can never be replaced. OCC is a place where you become successful and find your true self, which will prepare you for your next journey in life."
As for Zeilinger, the 6'0 freshman attacker from Vista High School made an immediate impact with the Pirates in just his first season with the program. He led OCC with 96 goals in just 37 matches played, helping Coast to a 22-15 record and a long run into the postseason that saw the Pirates finish fourth in the state.
"Cade is a relentless, hard working guy that takes playing seriously and has a lot of love for the game," OCC men's water polo head coach, Dan Matulis, said. "He came in and filled a much needed role for us on the left side of the pool. The key to Cade's success was being available to play as many minutes as needed and always work as hard as he could. We talk about how important having a consistent approach to practice and games, and I think Cade really embodied that. He is very deserving of Male Athlete of the Year and we are looking forward to having him back next season."
Zeilinger's 96 goals were the second-most among all OEC players, earning him second-team, All-OEC honors as a freshman. Those 96 goals were also tied for the ninth-most in the entire state. He scored at least one goal in 34-of-37 contests played, including a season-high six goals against Saddleback on Sept. 13 and again against El Camino on Sept. 21.
Zeilinger was a goal-scoring machine in the most important matches of the season for the Pirates. He scored multiple goals 27 times out of 37 contests, including final 13 matches of the year, including the postseason. Over that final 13-match stretch, he scored a whopping 38 goals.
"I'm incredibly honored to receive Male Athlete of the Year," Zeilinger said. "Water polo has meant everything to me since I was a kid, and I wouldn't be where I am without the support of my teammates, coaches, family, friends, and everyone who's been in my corner along the way. My time at Orange Coast College has been unforgettable. It's where I've grown, not just as an athlete, but as a person. I've made lifelong friendships, been pushed beyond my limits, and learned what it really means to be part of something bigger than myself. I'm incredibly grateful for every coach, teammate, and mentor who's helped shape my journey here."
