Michael Yanover was a big part of many teams during his days at Napa High School, and was that rare “four sport athlete.” He was on the soccer, basketball and baseball teams but he played one season of football in his senior year as the team’s kicker.
A common trait for Yanover was that he was a scorer. Yanover recorded 100 goals and 50 assists during his soccer career for the Indians, and as a basketball player – while playing “shut down defense” – averaged ten points per game. When kicking for the Napa High Football team he contributed with extra points and field goals.
Scoring points wasn’t Yanover’s only strength as a Napa High athlete. NHS Hall of Fame basketball coach Denny Lewis stated that, “He was one of those players that you just don’t see too often, he really worked hard defensively. I thought he was the best defensive player in the MEL at that time – a great athlete, great athletic talent, very strong kid, with great reactions.”
Yanover developed a reputation as one of the area’s best soccer players, having been named All-Napa County Player of the Year, MEL Most Valuable Player, and soccer team captain. Perhaps baseball was Yanover’s best sport since he was considered a “five tool” player where his athletic skills were on full display whenever he was throwing, running, fielding and hitting for both average and power.
Yanover’s athletic accomplishments were rightfully recognized in his senior year at Napa High when he was named as the Napa Valley Register’s Male Athlete of the Year for the 2001-02 school year.