Athlete of the Month: Levi Oakes

“Levi brings a very high level of skill – that we needed, and a tremendous amount of basketball IQ. He has natural leadership and a lot of experience since he’s been on varsity since his freshman year. I’m excited to see what playoffs bring for him and the team and to watch everyone grow.” Says Head Coach Greg Zuffelato. 

It’s for these reasons that The Forge Santa Barbara High School’s Athlete (SBHS) of the Month this edition is Levi Oakes. Oakes is a junior at SBHS and a captain of the boys varsity basketball team. Despite it being his first year here, Oakes has gone above and beyond to prove he is a Don. 

After transferring from Moorpark High School to Santa Barbara, Oakes joined the basketball team to pursue his passion for the sport. He had been playing basketball for 10 years prior and chose to continue because he enjoys it and views it as an escape. 

“My favorite thing about being on the team is definitely being around close friends on and off the court. I try to communicate with the team as a captain and try to motivate my teammates; especially if we didn’t play as well as we expected or had a hard practice,” says Oakes. Despite this being Oakes’ first year at SBHS he achieved 1,000 career points as a junior which was an important accomplishment for him as well as the entire team. 

Freshman Lars Ohlgren says, “He’s a very encouraging person and if someone were to mess up, he would tell you it’s all good and to try again. I played with him all through the summer and a few games. Levi would help command the team in an orderly manner in order for everyone to be able to play a part. I look up to him because he’s a good leader and he would give me rides to practice.”