Valencia, Bilezikjian named Rio Hondo College Student-Athletes of the Year

All-conference women's basketball standout Alexia Valencia and All-American wrestler Julian Bilezikjian have been named the 2024-25 Rio Hondo College Student-Athletes of the Year.

Valencia, originally out of Santa Ana and a graduate of Pacifica Christian High School, had an amazing freshman season for the Roadrunners women's basketball team.

She was regarded as one of the top shooters in the South Coast Conference as Valencia earned first-team All-SCC North Division honors by averaging 13.4 points per game. She led the SCC with 88 three-pointers and on Feb. 5, she tied the Rio Hondo single-game record by making 11 three-point baskets.

Valencia will be taking her talents to the next level. In May, she committed to nearby Whittier College.

Rio Hondo women's basketball head coach Rene Herrera had nothing but praise for his departing student-athlete.

"Alexia emerged as one of the top shooters in the state and was instrumental in keeping us competitive throughout the season," Herrera said. "She was a selfless teammate, stepping into multiple roles whenever needed due to injuries. We're incredibly proud of her as she prepares to continue her journey at Whittier College. She will be deeply missed, and her impact will be hard to replace."

Bilezikjian capped an impressive two-year Rio Hondo wrestling career this past fall season with a fourth-place finish in the 285pound weight division at 2024 3C2A State Championships on his way to earning All-American accolades.

He captured a Southern California Regional championship with a first-place showing for the Roadrunners and placed at every tournament he competed in during the fall.

Bilezikjian also excelled in the classroom as he earned a 3.7 grade point average.

Following the fall season, Bilezikjian transferred to Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship and earned Dean's List honors during his first semester this spring.

Rio Hondo wrestling head coach Mike Tellez was proud of Bilezikjian's achievements.

"Julian trained hard year-round to become a very successful wrestler," Tellez said. "He was our team captain and led by example in both practice and competition."