2026 REACH Youth Scholarship Program Breakfast - 30th Anniversary Digital Program

Presented by

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C e l e b r a t in g

YEARS

SAN JOSE MARRIOTT | FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026

REACH SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

CHAMPION SPONSORS

steve hallgrimson f

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COMMUNITY SPONSORS

GERI WONG

IN-KIND SPONSORS

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS

Sean Buchanan Neil Santiago

Chris Buchanan Jordan Shea

Ian Morran

Steve Wymer

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Celebrating

WELCOME

REACH 30 Welcome to the REACH Youth Scholarship

Annual Awards Breakfast

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The San Jose Sports Authority hosted its first youth scholarship program in the 1996-97 academic year. The REACH (Recognizing Excellence, Adversity, Courage and Hard work) Youth Scholarship Program is designed for high school seniors who have overcome adversity and excel in both academics and athletics. Now in its 30th year, the program continues to grow and includes more than 60 public and private high schools in Santa Clara County.

The REACH Youth Scholarship’s honorary co-chairs are Ronnie Lott and Brandi Chastain. This program is made possible by the generous support of the sponsors of the San Jose Sports Authority, City of San Jose, media, businesses and schools.

The REACH Youth Scholarship program is proud to recognize and honor these South Bay high school seniors. Thank you for your support of this 30th annual celebration of San Jose’s youth community.

REACH YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE Dawn Sweatt, Berliner Cohen & REACH Committee Chair Dr. Cole Armstrong, San Jose State University Ginna Baldassarre Madison Bernstein, San Jose Earthquakes Robert Braunstein, 49ers Cal-Hi Sports Stella Carpio, Synaptics Kraig Constantino, Intero Foundation Jennifer Cosgrove, Intero Foundation Dr. Svetlana Dani, Skyline Sports Medicine Javier Del Prado, Synaptics Dave Grissom, Central Coast Section Karla Gutierrez, Visit San Jose Elizabeth Narwal, Aduro Advisors Rahul Patel, Synaptics Sal Pizarro, Bay Area News Group Neil Santiago Shauna Smith, The.Circuit EPA Chelsea Wagner, San Jose Sharks Geri Wong, Newmark Knight Frank

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The San Jose Sports Authority is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the City of San Jose’s economic development, visibility and civic pride through sports. Serving as the City’s sports commission since its inception in 1991, the Sports Authority has provided leadership and support to attract or host hundreds of sporting events in San Jose and the South Bay. The Sports Authority also supports and operates community, youth and amateur sports programs, including the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame and the REACH Youth Scholarship Program.

John Poch | Executive Director • Darren Centi | Director of Events Chase Lazarus | Event Manager • Trevor Shore | SJ26 Specialist Shayla Tran | Marketing & Communications Manager

SJSA.ORG |

@sjsauthority

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@sanjosesports

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@sjsauthority

San Jose Sports Authority

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jamie Breslin | Stanford University Anne Warner-Cribbs * | BASOC Andy Dolich * | Dolich Consulting Charlie Faas,* Chair | Saint Mary’s College Pam Foley | San Jose City Council, D9 Staci Gustafson | Santa Clara University Erik Hallgrimson | Cushman Wakefield James Hamnett * | SAP Center Rikhi Jain | Stealth Jeff Konya | San Jose State University Andrei Losche | Zoom Matthew Martinucci | Visit San Jose

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Michael Mulcahy | San Jose City Council, D6 Lally Narwal | Roku Mookie Patel | San Jose Mineta International Leslie Rodriguez | California Strategies Jared Shawlee | San Jose Earthquakes John Southwell * | San Jose Marriott Larry Stone Dawn Sweatt | Berliner Cohen, LLP. Dustin Warford | Citizens Business Bank Aaron Woliczko | West Coast Conference Geri Wong | Newmark Knight Frank Blage Zelalich | City of San Jose, OED * Denotes Executive Committee Members

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EVENT TIMELINE

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Annual

REACH Youth Scholarship Awards Breakfast MASTER OF CEREMONIES Robert Braunstein Executive Producer and Host of 49ers Cal-Hi Sports

WELCOME INTRODUCTIONS Brandi Chastain

FIFA Women’s World Cup & Olympic Champion

SPECIAL GUESTS The Honorable Vice Mayor Pam Foley

PRESENTATION OF STUDENT ATHLETES 2026 REACH YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION CLOSING REMARKS Dawn Sweatt, REACH Committee Chair Video Production by Robert Braunstein, Aubrie Tolliver, Adrian Soriano & Jason Vanderbroek Event Photography by Victor Aquino For photos and videos of today’s event, please visit www.sjsa.org

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2026 REACH NOMINEES

JEREMIAH AHOFONO Volleyball

VASSIDY ALLEN Basketball

LINDA AMRHEIN Volleyball

BRIANNA ANTONIO CASTILLO Soccer, Swimming, Water Polo

ANAYA MEI BANNARBIE Basketball

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What began as a joyful church volleyball tradition became a lifeline during struggles with identity, friendships, and family challenges. The game offered belonging and confidence, turning difficult moments into resilience and hope both on and off the court. Eastside College Preparatory

Growing up in an environment shaped by uncertainty forced resilience at an early age. Basketball became a steady anchor, where discipline, leadership, and confidence provided structure.

What once felt like limitation became motivation, inspiring a commitment to academics and a determination to build a brighter future. Eastside College Preparatory

Thrust into uncertain medical odds at birth, sports became a pathway to strength, confidence, and belonging. Years later, that same spirit led to founding a beach volleyball team and coaching youth—turning personal resilience into a way to lift others.

Notre Dame High School

Leaving a small Chinantec village in Mexico to pursue education required courage and sacrifice in the face of a new language and unfamiliar culture. That journey, inspired by a mother’s dream for a better future, turned uncertainty into resilience and hope.

Prospect High School

Moving nearly 500 miles and beginning basketball later than many peers created doubt. Anaya found confidence and belonging on the court, helping lead her team to a historic state championship run.

Valley Christian High School

2026 REACH NOMINEES

Feeling out of place once fueled insecurity and fear of judgment, ANDREW CAMACHO but sports offered a new path forward. Soccer and cross country replaced doubt with confidence, showing how hard work can turn Cross Country, Soccer, uncertainty into strength. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy Track & Field, Volleyball

An unexpected loss of a loved one brought fear and uncertainty during a pivotal time in life. Soccer became a place to process that pain, where leadership and compassion transformed heartbreak into resilience and purpose. Valley Christian High School

Early fear and self-doubt once made stepping onto the soccer field overwhelming. Even after a season-ending injury, persistence turned the game into a source of confidence, leadership, and belief in the power of hard work. Archbishop Mitty High School

JACK CARLSON Soccer

ANGIE CAO Soccer, Volleyball

Growing up without consistent support brought instability and hardship. Basketball became Alejandro’s foundation, offering structure, discipline, and direction while inspiring a determination to rise above circumstance and pursue a brighter future.

Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School

ALEJANDRO CERVANTES

Lydia’s management of a health condition has required constant vigilance and resilience from a young age. Field hockey became an outlet to channel that discipline, turning daily challenges into strength and proving the power of preparation and perseverance.

Los Gatos High School

LYDIA CHUN

Basketball

Field Hockey, Track & Field

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2026 REACH NOMINEES

LUCA CONTARINO Football, Lacrosse, Water Polo

AVA CORCORAN Soccer, Track & Field

NICOLAS CORTEZ-REYES Soccer

BIANCA COVARRUBIAS Basketball, Flag Football

ROBERTO DE JESUS ALVARADO Baseball, Football

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A sudden injury ended participation in two cherished sports, forcing an unexpected reset. Water polo became the new arena for resilience, leading to championship success and proving that adapting to change can uncover new strength and opportunity.

Archbishop Mitty High School

Ava’s relationship with her brother fostered deep empathy, while personal adversity made confidence hard to find. Soccer and mentoring athletes with special needs slowly turned fear into leadership. Pioneer High School

Life in East Palo Alto brought constant change during high school. Soccer provided stability, where consistency to get better each day formed a pathway toward success.

Henry M. Gunn High School

After years of playing sports without finding a true connection, stepping onto the flag football field changed everything. The game sparked confidence and belonging, showing that passion often appears when you dare to try something new.

Presentation High School

When adversity began to make life feel overwhelming, football offered a place to channel pain into purpose and strengthened the resolve to succeed for family. Prospect High School

2026 REACH NOMINEES

Balancing school, athletics, and community service demanded discipline and persistence. Those experiences shaped a strong sense of purpose, inspiring the dream of becoming a nurse and helping others in their most difficult moments.

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

BRANDON ENZASTIGA FLORES

Through sports, Mateo learned how to stay disciplined and focused even when facing personal and academic challenges.

Over time, athletics became an outlet that transformed obstacles into motivation for growth. Santa Clara High School

MATEO ESPINAL

Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field

Volleyball, Track & Field, Basketball, Flag Football

A serious medical diagnosis and a year of treatment reshaped the meaning of life and sport. Golf became both a path to healing and a platform for advocacy, turning resilience into championship success and a mission to inspire others.

Santa Teresa High School

LIAM EYER

The loss of two loved ones within a single year brought profound grief and uncertainty. Sports provided stability and direction, where leadership and perseverance transformed heartbreak into the strength to keep moving forward. Andrew P. Hill High School

ANNALIYAH FELIX

Struggling to find a sense of place pushed personal identity into hiding and derailed academic focus. Soccer provided a place to reclaim confidence and authenticity, restoring belief in both personal worth and future goals.

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

Golf

Basketball, Flag Football, Softball

GENESIS FERNANDEZ Cross Country, Soccer

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2026 REACH NOMINEES

VALERIE FLORES Basketball, Softball, Volleyball

JULIANNE GARCIA Softball, Volleyball

LORENZO GARCIA Football, Wrestling

JOANNA GISELL PARDO Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball

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Starting over in a new community felt uncertain and isolating.

Volleyball became the bridge to new friendships and leadership, proving resilience can turn unfamiliar places into a true sense of belonging. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

Growing up with instability demanded resilience beyond one’s years. Sports, faith, and community became steady anchors, shaping a purpose to rise above hardship and uplift others along the way. Pioneer High School

A medical diagnosis turned everyday movement into a battle for strength and independence. Sports helped rebuild confidence step by step, inspiring a future dedicated to biomedical engineering and helping others fight illness.

Milpitas High School

Failure, pressure, and self-doubt once shook confidence as an athlete. Learning to stay present, lead teammates, and push through adversity transformed those struggles into resilience that now guides future goals. William C. Overfelt High School

2026 REACH NOMINEES

A new experience inspired the pursuit to remove barriers of opportunity from sports. Basketball and Athletes for Justice sparked action to expand access to sports so younger athletes feel seen and supported. Notre Dame High School

The journey to find a sense of place coupled with academic struggles made high school feel overwhelming. Soccer, along with support from family and faith, rebuilt confidence and proved that perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

Taking over as team captain demanded courage. By choosing encouragement and connection, Nathalie worked to unify the team, showing that leadership in sports begins with trust and positivity. Adrian C. Wilcox High School

A sports injury threatened a beloved athletic path and forced a long road to recovery. Sports taught resilience through that setback, while healthcare experiences inspired a commitment to nursing and helping others heal.

Valley Christian High School

ISELA GOMEZ TRUJILLO Basketball, Flag Football, Track & Field

ALEXA GONZALEZ Cross Country, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball

NATHALIE GONZALEZ ROMERO Flag Football, Track & Field

MAGNOLIA GRIDLEY Soccer, Swimming

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2026 REACH NOMINEES

LUCAS HAWTHORNE Football, Lacrosse, Track & Field

LUCAS HIROTSUKA Basketball, Golf, Track & Field

TANNER HOLEMAN Football, Lacrosse, Soccer

OSKAR IVARSSON Baseball, Football

DYLAN JACKSON Baseball, Basketball

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Losing a loved one at a young age brought deep isolation and grief. Football transformed that loss into belonging and purpose, teaching resilience and empathy while inspiring him to honor his father’s legacy through perseverance. Saratoga High School

The loss of a beloved grandparent and greatest supporter created a deep emotional void. Basketball became Lucas’s path forward, where dedication and leadership helped turn grief into motivation, reminding him that resilience through sport can honor loved ones while inspiring growth and strength.

Prospect High School

The tragic loss of a younger sibling reshaped Tanner’s world with grief and reflection. Through athletics, he found a way to channel that pain into purpose, using perseverance and teamwork to honor a loved one. Live Oak High School

Managing a medical condition while competing in football requires constant discipline, preparation, and resilience. Oskar refuses to let the condition define him, instead using sport as a reminder that challenges can become powerful sources of strength. Los Gatos High School

Balancing demanding schedules and pressure from baseball and basketball tested discipline and focus. Those challenges built resilience and time management, shaping confidence and determination for future goals. Adrian C. Wilcox High School

2026 REACH NOMINEES

Growing up with instability at home while supporting a brother facing a serious medical diagnosis demanded extraordinary resilience. Through field hockey and lacrosse, Leksi discovered perseverance through sport can turn life’s most difficult moments into purpose and hope. Los Gatos High School

A heartbreaking family event during freshman year made life overwhelming and uncertain. Football and basketball provided structure and purpose, building resilience and confidence to keep pursuing goals. Andrew P. Hill High School

Facing tough odds on the court, tested Braxton’s confidence.

Basketball became the proving ground where determination and leadership turned setbacks into growth. Pinewood School

During high school, life at home brought emotional strain and uncertainty. Swimming and water polo became powerful anchors helping Zayn transform hardship into mental strength and renewed focus both in athletics and in life.

Archbishop Mitty High School

As primary caregiver for his mother during a tough medical battle, Derek showed immense courage while balancing coursework and competing in three varsity sports. Derek used athletics to honor her memory and inspire his future goal of serving others. Milpitas High School

LEKSI KENNEDY Field Hockey, Lacrosse

JORDAN KHANN Basketball, Football

BRAXTON KIMURA Basketball, Track & Field

ZAYN LATIF Swimming, Water Polo

DEREK LAVARIAS Baseball, Football, Soccer

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2026 REACH NOMINEES

YADIRA LEÓN SANTIAGO Swimming, Track & Field, Wrestling

TRAVIS LINANE Baseball, Football, Soccer

DELILA MAGAÑA GONZALEZ Cheer, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball

JACQUELINE MARQUEZ JIMENEZ Basketball, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Track & Field

MALIA MARTIN Basketball, Track & Field

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Growing up Yadira faced feelings of uncertainty and lacked a sense of belonging. Wrestling changed everything, giving her confidence, community, and pride in her identity.

Presentation High School

Facing alopecia along with the loss of loved ones challenged Travis’s confidence and sense of identity. Through football and baseball, he discovered sports can empower someone to overcome judgment and inspire others facing similar challenges. Piedmont Hills High School

Balancing academics, two jobs, and leadership roles created constant pressure during senior year. Sports taught discipline and perseverance, building confidence to succeed while managing demanding responsibilities.

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

Growing up with limited access to sports and opportunities for many young athletes, flag football became the opportunity Jacqueline had been searching for. Taking full advantage on and off the field, she helped advocate for greater access to sports in underserved communities. Presentation High School

Leaving behind a deep passion for basketball forced Malia to confront a loss of identity and direction. Overcoming this setback with courage, she embraced track and field, where determination and self-belief ultimately led to Division I opportunity. Archbishop Mitty High School

2026 REACH NOMINEES

Injuries, knee surgery, and the loss of a beloved grandmother tested both resilience and identity. Soccer and the support of teammates helped turn adversity into leadership and determination to return stronger.

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

JOSE MARTINEZ JR.

After battling multiple medical challenges and surgeries, returning to sports felt uncertain. Yet America’s determination led her back to the volleyball court, proving that resilience can reignite dreams once thought impossible.

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

AMERICA MARTINEZ SALDANA

Losing a father figure challenged Andre’s emotional strength.

Sports and family support helped transform grief into motivation, building resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

Soccer

Basketball, Softball, Volleyball

ANDREA MATA ALEJO Basketball, Softball, Volleybal

The sudden passing of a family member brought unexpected grief and emotional confusion. Basketball and the unwavering support of teammates helped Akeisha find strength through the hardship. Prospect High School

AKEISHA MCDAID

Losing a loved one brought profound grief at a young age, but the support of family, friends, and the game of baseball helped Adolfo find his sense of direction and inspired him to pursue college baseball. Andrew P. Hill High School

ADOLFO MERAZ

Basketball

Baseball

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2026 REACH NOMINEES

MELIA RAE MORALES Basketball, Flag Football

OLIVIA MORENO Basketball, Volleyball

RASHEL NARANJO ARELLANO Cross Country, Soccer, Track & Field

RICHELLE NGUYEN Badminton, Tennis

LARRY O’BRIEN Football, Track & Field

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Melia was determined to play the sport she loved at the next level. With a strong belief in her potential and a diligent search for opportunity, she earned a college offer while helping pave the way for future female athletes in the sport.

Notre Dame High School

Balancing academics, expectations, and responsibilities created pressure and self-doubt. Basketball provided structure and teamwork, turning challenges into resilience and confidence. Santa Clara High School

Financial barriers initially prevented participation in organized sports. Running became an outlet for resilience and self-discovery, transforming limitations into motivation and growth. Eastside College Preparatory

A severe knee injury threatened her badminton career and required patience during recovery. Returning to competition built resilience and leadership while proving setbacks can spark growth. Andrew P. Hill High School

Mental health struggles once affected Larry’s confidence and athletic performance. By stepping away, seeking help, and returning stronger his senior year, he discovered that resilience and support can empower someone to thrive again.

Saratoga High School

2026 REACH NOMINEES

David experienced feelings of uncertainty about his role within the basketball program. Basketball revealed staying positive during difficult circumstances can strengthen character and inspire confidence. Santa Clara High School

The sudden loss of a lifelong friend and teammate at the start of senior football season brought overwhelming grief. Football and the support of teammates became a source of strength, inspiring him to honor that memory through perseverance.

Adrian C. Wilcox High School

DAVID OVASISI Basketball, Football

GILBERT PADILLA Baseball, Football, Soccer

Moving to a new country while navigating language barriers and family instability created significant challenges. Soccer provided stability and motivation, building resilience and inspiring him to pursue higher education.

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

ANTHONY PENALOZA

Balancing late-night work shifts, academics, and self-doubt created constant pressure. Basketball offered focus and discipline, helping turn adversity into confidence and meaningful achievement.

Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School

FERNANDO PEREZ GARCIA

Soccer

Basketball, Volleyball

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2026 REACH NOMINEES

ADRIAN KYAN LEE PHILLIPS Basketball, Football, Golf, Track & Field, Baseball

KAROL POVEDA Tennis

MATIAS RADA CORONEL Football, Lacrosse, Track & Field

YUNERY RAMON REYES Basketball, Cross Country, Track & Field

JADYN RAMOS Basketball

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Repeated injuries threatened Adrian’s ability to keep playing the sport he loves. Even while facing setbacks and uncertain recruitment, he continues pursuing excellence with grit, passion, and unwavering commitment.

Abraham Lincoln High School

Migrating to the United States brought financial hardship and cultural barriers. Tennis provided purpose and community, turning adversity into strength while honoring family sacrifices. Prospect High School

Supporting a sibling with a life-threatening heart condition brought fear and responsibility at a young age. Athletics and perseverance inspired a passion for medicine and the goal of becoming a pediatric heart surgeon.

Henry M. Gunn High School

Beginning cross country with little experience felt intimidating and uncertain. Through discipline and persistence, running built confidence and resilience that carried into basketball and personal growth.

Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School

A knee injury abruptly ended a standout soccer season and forced a difficult identity shift. Recovery and community service revealed purpose beyond athletics while strengthening resilience. Valley Christian High School

2026 REACH NOMINEES

Growing up with instability at home and financial hardship shaped an unpredictable future. Soccer became Marlen’s refuge, offering structure, discipline, and confidence.

Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School

MARLEN RAMOS MIRANDA

Managing internal emotional battles while helping build a developing lacrosse program required tremendous courage.

Along the way Mary discovered that sports can turn personal challenges into opportunities to uplift and inspire others.

Notre Dame High School

MARY RANGEL

Soccer

Cross Country, Soccer, Lacrosse, Volleyball

Academic pressure and the loss of a grandparent created emotional strain. Soccer became a safe space that strengthened resilience and confidence to keep pursuing goals. William C. Overfelt High School

EMMA ROBLES

Basketball became a source of motivation during difficult personal challenges. Years of dedication and teamwork built resilience and confidence, culminating in championship success. Henry M. Gunn High School

ISAAC ROMERO

Moving to the United States required adapting to a new language, culture, and school system. Softball helped Adilene find a sense of community, providing a place where cultural barriers are knocked down and doors to opportunity are opened. Henry M. Gunn High School

Soccer

Basketball, Football

ADILENE RUBIO Softball

2026 REACH NOMINEES

LEXIE SCHNEIDER Flag Football, Soccer

SHERLYN SEGURA Soccer

JORDAN SLATE Baseball, Basketball, Football

The loss of a loved one during sophomore year brought overwhelming grief and uncertainty. Through leadership in soccer and dedication to academics, Lexie transformed that loss into empathy and purpose inspiring others with strength and perseverance. Santa Clara High School

Joining varsity soccer with little experience created self-doubt and pressure. The experience instilled a belief that effort and overcoming adversity can transform challenges into meaningful personal growth. Eastside College Preparatory

A long commute added extra stress on top of balancing work, academics, and three sports. Jordan developed independence and discipline, proving that determination and hard work can turn demanding circumstances into success both on and off the field. Adrian C. Wilcox High School

Basketball

Emotional challenges and lack of belonging made the transition to high school incredibly difficult. Through the game, German rebuilt confidence and motivation, discovering that teamwork can help overcome even the darkest moments. Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School

EMILY TANG

After suffering a serious medical emergency, Emily endured surgeries, rehabilitation, and the challenge of relearning basic skills. Returning to archery became a powerful step toward rebuilding confidence, inspiring leadership and advocacy for patients while proving resilience defines true strength.

Valley Christian High School

GERMAN SOLIS RAMIREZ

Archery

2026 REACH NOMINEES

Balancing elite softball competition, managing a medical condition and supporting a loved one as a caretaker demanded extraordinary resilience. Returning as varsity proved that compassion and determination can overcome even the most complex challenges.

Silver Creek High School

Repeated injuries and mental health struggles disrupted a running career. Returning to cross country and track restored confidence and reinforced the sport as a source of resilience.

Branham High School

Early struggles to find a sense of community led to setbacks during Kimmora’s high school years. Wrestling transformed that energy into focus and leadership, culminating in a CCS championship. Adrian C. Wilcox High School

EMMA TANG Softball, Track & Field

CHLOE TEIL Cross Country, Track & Field

KIMMORA TEO Flag Football, Lacrosse, Wrestling

Moving to a new country created language barriers, cultural isolation, and the fear of not belonging. On the field, confidence replaced uncertainty, helping him embrace both cultures while discovering that identity, friendship, and belonging can grow through sport.

Henry M. Gunn High School

CRISTOPHER TORRES

Competing as the youngest player required resilience and determination. Baseball built discipline and leadership, leading to team captaincy and preparation for collegiate opportunities. Piedmont Hills High School

TOBIAS TORRES

Baseball, Football

Baseball, Football

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2026 REACH NOMINEES

MASON TRACY Football, Track & Field

ANTHONY TRAN Football, Lacrosse

RICHARD VO Cross Country, Track & Field

KATIE WALTZ Field Hockey, Lacrosse

MAGNUS WENG Tennis

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Living with autism created social and academic challenges.

Track and football built friendships, confidence, and perseverance through teamwork. Del Mar High School

Balancing rigorous academics, athletics, and family expectations as the child of immigrants required discipline and resilience. Football leadership transformed that pressure into motivation and teamwork. Saratoga High School

Recovering from painful surgery and later losing a loved one tested emotional strength. Track and field teammates provided support, helping turn grief into resilience and leadership. Andrew P. Hill High School

A severe knee injury sidelined athletics and created doubt and isolation. Faith and support from teammates fueled recovery and a determined return to sport.

Archbishop Mitty High School

Competing nationally in tennis while managing an autoimmune condition brought constant physical challenges.

Through discipline and resilience, he proved determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Leigh High School

PROUD TO SUPPORT SANTA CLARA COUNTY’S MOST INSPIRING STUDENT ATHLETES.

Congratulations to the REACH CLASS OF 2026!

2430 SAMARITAN DR, SAN JOSE, CA 95124 | 408.559.3889

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30 Years of Recognizing Excellence, Adversity, Courage and Hard Work

TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE REACH PROGRAM, SCAN HERE >> SJSA.ORG/REACH Now in its 30th year, the REACH Youth Scholarship is a program of the San Jose Sports Authority that recognizes student-athletes who have overcome adversity to excel both academically and athletically. Each spring, the high schools of Santa Clara County are invited to participate in the program by nominating qualified student-athletes for consideration. Since 2017, REACH has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarship funds to hundreds of remarkable student-athletes. The program relies entirely on the generosity of its sponsors and individual contributors for funding.

The San Jose Sports Authority launched the program in 1997 to shine a light on how sports can be a force for good in a young person’s life, especially during difficult times.

While each student-athlete’s story is unique, they have in common their experiences with personal pain and hardship as well as resilience and fortitude. Also universal is their love of sport, appreciation of the support of their families, friends, coaches and mentors. Today, the REACH Youth Scholarship Program is an enduring source of inspiration, encouragement and promise for the future. @ReachYouthScholarship

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Thanks to our close proximity to area attractions, you’ll enjoy more than just an amazing stay at the gorgeous San Jose Marriott.

With plush accommodations,a relaxing outdoor pool, incredible on-site dining at Coastal Manor, the exciting nightlife at our very own Cobre & Clay, and so much more, you’ll find the perfect interlude to adventure.

301 South Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: 408.280.1300, SanJoseMarriott.com

THANK YOU

FINAL NOTES To the 2026 REACH Youth Scholarship Finalists: Thank you for being a part of this year’s program and sharing your stories with us. We wish you the best!

THANK YOU 2026 PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLS

also, to every parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent, extended family member, school administrator, guidance counselor, teacher, athletic director, coach, mentor, faith leader and friend, as well as anyone not listed here, who serves as a positive influence and role model in the lives of the students of San Jose and Santa Clara County. You inspire us to REACH.

Abraham Lincoln High School Adrian C. Wilcox High School Andrew P. Hill High School Archbishop Mitty High School Branham High School Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School Del Mar High School Eastside College Preparatory Henry M. Gunn High School Leigh High School Live Oak High School Los Gatos High School Luis Valdez Leadership Academy Milpitas High School Notre Dame High School Piedmont Hills High School Pinewood School Pioneer High School Presentation High School Prospect High School Santa Clara High School Santa Teresa High School Saratoga High School Silver Creek High School Valley Christian High School William C. Overfelt High School

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