Club Naco Honors Top 2025 Athletes in Santo Domingo Celebration

In a celebration of athletic excellence and perseverance, the Board of Directors of Club Naco recently gathered in Santo Domingo to name its most outstanding performers of the previous year. The ceremony, held to a capacity crowd in the club’s main hall, officially recognized the “Atletas del Año 2025” (Athletes of the Year 2025), honoring a select group of competitors who dominated both local and international stages.

The top honors for the 2025 season were awarded to four standout individuals. In the female categories, Valentina Esteban Rijo (Swimming), Camila Rodríguez (Judo) and Mía Lugo Valdez (Gymnastics) were named Athletes of the Year. On the men’s side, José Brache took home the title for his achievements in Judo.

The event served as a reflection of the club’s diverse sporting pipeline, with awards spanning from youth developmental leagues to international-caliber competition. Mario Alvarez Soto, President of the Board of Directors and a revered figure in the sporting community, extended his congratulations not only to the winners but to the entire support system—including parents’ associations, coaches, and directors—who sustained the athletes’ efforts throughout 2025.

A Night of Recognition and Community

The atmosphere in the main hall was one of camaraderie and family, characterized by shared anecdotes and a sense of collective achievement among the “naqueña” community. The ceremony utilized large-screen animations to present the winners, adding a modern touch to the traditional honors.

One of the more poignant moments of the evening occurred when the award for José Brache was presented. Brache, who is currently in Brazil, was unable to attend the ceremony in person. His father stepped in to accept the Judo Athlete of the Year trophy on his behalf from the club’s directors.

The presentation of awards was handled by a group of club executives, including Luis Brea, Madelaine Andino, Erick Hernández, Michael Alfaro, and Treasurer Claudio Guzmán, who specifically presented Mía Lugo Valdez with her gymnastics honor.

Broad Success Across Multiple Disciplines

Although the “Athlete of the Year” titles captured the headlines, Club Naco recognized a wide array of talent across various age groups and sports. The list of additional winners highlights the club’s depth in both strategic and physical disciplines:

• Chess: Aila Hernández Reynoso and Luis Castillo.
• Basketball: Dilan Cepeda and Rafael Ramírez (Minor Categories).
• Baseball: Daymond García (7-8 years) and David Risk (11-12 years).
• Youth Soccer: Sebastián Lluberes (U-15) and Yosep Cuevas Pujols.
• Golf: Sara Sabillón Méndez (Female) and Jorge Peña Soto (Male).
• Judo: Camila Rodríguez (Female) and José Brache (Male).
• Gymnastics: Mía Lugo Valdez.

For those following the development of Dominican gymnastics, the recognition of Mía Lugo Valdez underscores a continued trajectory of success for the club’s artistic programs in the Distrito Nacional region.

Looking Ahead: Club Governance and Elections

Beyond the athletic celebrations, the event served as a platform for Mario Alvarez Soto to address the club’s membership regarding upcoming administrative milestones. The President called upon all members to participate in the scheduled Assembly this coming Sunday.

More importantly, the leadership urged members to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming club elections, which are officially set for Sunday, April 26.

The celebration of the 2025 athletic cycle marks a transition point for Club Naco as it balances the recognition of past achievements with the democratic processes that will shape the club’s future leadership and sporting direction.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the organization is the member assembly this Sunday, followed by the club elections on April 26.

Do you have a favorite athlete from the 2025 season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.