Player and coach honored as Champions for Character

The Oaks Christian Athletic Department focuses on developing student-athletes with high levels of character and integrity. Those qualities were recently recognized in two members of the OCS athletic community.

Manaia Ogbechie, a star on the Oaks Christian girls’ volleyball team, and Dr. Joel Perttula, coach for the boys’ and girls’ tennis team, were awarded the CIF-Southern Section Dr. Jim Staunton Champions for Character award on Monday, Sept. 23. Perttula is the first Oaks Christian coach to be honored with the award.

“Being a champion of character means instilling a culture of excellence,” Ogbechie said in her acceptance speech. “My dad always taught me that culture is what you do and what you tolerate. I truly believe that a champion of character is a leader and a connector.”

Ogbechie is a standout volleyball player who is committed to the University of Nebraska. Over the summer she played for United States Girls’ U-19 Volleyball team. She was named championship MVP as she helped Team USA secure a gold medal. Ogbechie is one of 24 high school athletes named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association and Nike Volleyball National Player of the Year Watch List.

Ogbechie is driven by her desire to lead and love those around her.

“God is the reason for everything. All the love and kindness are a part of being a Christian. I believe those are some of the main values of being a Christian,” she said.

Lions volleyball coach Julie Bennet has worked with Ogbechie since her freshman year and has watched her develop as a player and leader.

“From day one, Manaia has been a leader and someone of integrity and somebody that the other girls look up to,” Bennet said. “It’s cool when someone is a baller and also a wonderful human being.” 

Developing Christlike characteristics in his student athletes is how Perttula defines success. He’s been leading the Oaks Christian tennis program since 2010. In 2021, he stepped into the classroom as a Bible teacher at Oaks Christian.

“It’s a great privilege to coach and mentor high school athletes and it’s an honor to invest in the development of their future,” Perttula said in his acceptance speech. “Every student who gets to go through our program will go on to live a meaningful and significant life.”

Head of Athletics Dr. Brad Cook nominated Perttula for his years of service at Oaks Christian. 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another,” Cook said. “I would have no hesitation allowing Joel to coach my own child, which is one of the best praises one coach can give to another.”

The Oaks Christian girls’ tennis program is 3-3 and 2-1 in Marmonte League. Perttula wrote his dissertation about how athletes can integrate sports and spirituality. 

“I see each kid as a unique masterpiece that’s created in God’s image. Everyone has a set of gifts and talents. While coaching I like to develop and unlock that skill,” he penned. “Sweat is God’s way of smiling at you because you’re doing the things you love and you’re doing it for the glory of God.”