At the end of each calendar year, Servite Athletics presents four special awards to student-athletes who excel in the classroom (Scholar-Athlete of the Year), on the field of play (Athlete of the Year), in the community (Frank Ryan Service Award) and personally (Sherer Courage Award). Although these awards could not be given out in the same fashion as past years at the Hall of Fame Dinner and All Sports Banquet, our recipients are no less deserving of recognition. Last up, the Sherer Courage Award.
The Sherer Courage Award is given to a young man who has overcome personal challenges and preserved in spite of the obstacles put it in front of him. Named in honor of Jeff Sherer ’83 who was known to his teammates as the “Gentle Giant” and described as the ultimate team-first guy, this award epitomizes pride, determination and courage in the face of adversity. Sherer was diagnosed with ALS in his early 30’s and battled the progressive disease bravely for six years always remaining a positive example and lifting up those around him until his passing in 2003.
We are proud to present this year’s Sherer Courage Award to soccer player Dean Hirsch. Just after his 10th birthday, Hirsch was diagnosed with Diffuse Large BCell Lymphoma and spent nearly a year in treatment at CHOC fighting for his life. Through it all, he had a soccer ball at his feet and the mindset and determination to never give up, to overcome and succeed. During that time he leaned on a verse from Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
He’s now more than seven years cancer free! Showing that nothing could stop him, Hirsch played three years of varsity soccer highlighted by scoring the game-winning goal for Friars in the 2020 Division 1 CIF Soccer championship game. He also helped lead the team to their 5th 6th and 7th consecutive Trinity League championships while earning All-League recognition and being selected a senior all-star.
In addition to soccer, Hirsch has also been involved with the Servite Admissions committee and Sports Med Club while carrying a 4.27 GPA. He is headed to Cal Baptist University in the fall to study aviation and unmanned aircraft.
