*Editor’s note: This is the eighth in a series featuring athletes from an extremely prolific 2013 Davis High senior class.

Stephanie Cello, Ceci Cajandig and Tori Powell bring uniquely different personalities to the Blue Devil sports family.

But over the years, once the action started, their individual and team results were much the same — solid, blue-collar contributions on very successful Davis High teams.

Cello, a brilliant catcher and infielder for the DHS softball team, is quiet, unassuming off the diamond.

However, once the uniform went on, Cello’s voice was heard …

An All-Delta Valley Conference performer, Cello hit .384 with 26 runs scored and another 19 driven in. Her contributions helped send Davis to the postseason.

Powell, a free spirit who seems to be a friend to everyone on campus, was focused, dedicated and a lights-out defensive player on the Devils’ DVC-champion basketball team. Powell’s 56 steals were second on the team and her 7.1 ppg average included an eye-popping 18-point quarter in a January win over Grant.

Cajandig — a two-sport maven who excelled in tennis and lacrosse — is a self-described procrastinator. However, according to coaches and on-court or field results, she never waited for things to happen in competition.

With 11 varsity seasons in four sports now behind them, this eclectic trio is about to move on. The Enterprise chatted with each about what their futures hold.

“I’m going to Sonoma State (majoring) in kinesiology or criminal justice,” Cello explains, pondering her status as a softball player. “I may try out for the team; I’m not sure yet.”

Cello was recruited — most notably by the University of San Diego — but financial considerations made the talented second baseman look elsewhere.

Stephanie’s mom Kim Plumb says while her daughter was disappointed in not being able to go south, the opportunity at Sonoma State is a silver lining.

Cello loves the campus and its educational opportunities and will be closer to home.

Cello, once an accomplished Little Leaguer, switched to softball at age 10 and the rest is DHS history.

Powell, a University of Oregon fan for “as long as I can remember,” will gravitate to Eugene this August.

A three-year Blue Devil varsity basketball forward, Powell passed on a couple of scholarship offers from lower-division schools to become a Duck. Planning a major in international relations and business (emphasis on sports marketing), Powell says she’ll be a “practice player” at Oregon with “the opportunity to work out with the team, enjoy the facilities and stay in shape and still play the game I love.”

Powell believes her drive is such that “I think I have the ability to work for a spot to play (with the Ducks) if I want it bad enough and given the chance to prove myself.”

It was that kind of drive that made Powell bad news for opponents.

Cajandig, with an eye on mechanical engineering, is headed to Cal.

Knowing how difficult her studies will be — and the pressures of acclimating to a new environment — Cajandig expects to play club sports at the next level.

She knows one thing, though — she’s going to miss everything Blue and White:

“The connections, the friendships I have made among the staff and student body, especially this year,” Cajandig says, reflecting on what has meant the most to her. “I don’t want to mention anyone in particular because there are so many people at the school who have made my experience that much better.”

Cajandig does, with a laugh, talk about some of her standout moments …

“My favorite memories from playing on the team are not on the court, but during the boisterous car rides to and from matches. (Tennis coach) Sally Hosley never failed to stimulate a silly, entertaining conversation.”

As part of two DVC-winning basketball teams in the past three seasons, Powell flicks through her mental Rolodex to identify her athletic highlights.

“Maybe during my sophomore year in the last game of league,” Powell ponders. “We were playing for not only a league title against a very fired-up Franklin, but we were playing for a perfect 10-0 in league.”

Davis won, 56-44, and Powell scored her season-high 14 points.

“It was the best game I’d had all season and it was the best way I could’ve finished,” the senior adds.

Cello — behind the mask and at second — has made some stunning defensive plays over the years, but she remembers one outfield grab vividly …

“It was my first year on varsity (2011) and I made this great diving catch,” Cello says. “But this year (16-10-1) was very memorable because the team worked great together. The girls were amazing and supportive.”

So what do these accomplished student-athletes have to say to incoming Blue Devils?

“A spot on a varsity team is a reward you have to work for,” Powell says. “Once there, let your teachers know that you care about your academics and that you have your priorities straight — you are on a demanding sports team, but you want to put the time and effort into both.”

Cajandig thinks for a second, then is honest in her “advice.”

“I don’t think I have a solid strategy to dealing with the duties of being a student and athlete,” the two-sporter continues. “It changes every year, depending on my course load.

“I am a huge procrastinator, so maybe my advice won’t be so helpful.”

“Make sure not to overdo it,” Cello offers. “Remember that school comes first because education will take you farther in life than sports. Make sure your priorities are in order. The end reward is everlasting friendships and great memories.”

Notes: Cajandig’s sisters Mari and Briki were outstanding DHS athletes and both attend Santa Barbara City College. Little brother Patrick is a Blue Devil sophomore who sails and plays golf. … Powell’s sister Camille attends Cal Poly and her older sister Taylor is a graduate of Idaho State. Taylor was a member of the 2007 DHS girls soccer section champions. … Cello’s sister Sammi is a dedicated Team Davis athlete. Sammi and step-siblings Bailey and Zach will all attend Harper Junior High next fall.

— Reach Bruce Gallaudet at [email protected] or 530-747-8047.

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Three athletes — from left, Stephanie Cello, Tori Powell and Ceci Cajandig — who have contributed much to DHS’ rich athletic history, stand in front of a plaque outside city hall that marks the site of the original Davis High School, built in 1927. Wayne Tilcock/Enterprise photo

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From left, softball player Stephanie Cello, two-sport star Ceci Cajandig and hoopster Tori Powell are three Blue Devil athletes who have left their mark with standout athletic careers. Wayne Tilcock/Enterprise photo

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