Claudia Souder is one of five members of the 2020 class elected to the Arroyo Grande Athletics Hall of Fame.
Souder began her tenure at AGHS in 1990 as the head girls swim coach, a position she still holds to this day. She's led the Eagles to 16 league titles in her 30 years, including a stretch of seven-straight from 2006-2012.
In 2000, Souder started the girls golf team and has since put the program on the map. On top of four league titles, the Eagles have captured back-to-back CIF Central Section championships (2018 & 2019).
On top of it all, Souder has been a physical education teacher in Arroyo Grande for 28 years.
Souder says it's been amazing to reflect on all the athletes, coaches, and parents she's worked with over the years.
"I've been doing just that, and it doesn't feel like 30 years whatsoever which is a good thing," Souder said. "It's been an incredible ride, extremely gratifying. It's wonderful to receive the recognition."
Former AGHS athletic director Dwight MacDonald, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019, worked with Souder up until his retirement just a few years ago.
"She's really had no break, but her enthusiasm, dedication, and loyalty to the school and athletes is incredible," MacDonald said. "She's been an incredible asset to our program. She's not in it for the recognition, she's in it for the good of the student-athletes."
Souder will join Pete Lambert, Heath Owens, Arturo Basulto, and Noelle Wondergem at the Hall of Fame induction dinner on Saturday, January 25 at the South County Regional Center.
