REACH 2021 PROGRAM by San Jose Sports Authority

Presented by

REACH is a community initiative program of the San Jose Sports Authority.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE

23, 2021 | 8:00 PM |

REACH SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

steve hallgrimson f

IN-KIND SPONSORS

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS

Jess Brooking Kraig Constantino

Elizabeth Narwal Sheryl Spain

Dawn Sweatt Elizabeth Yannoni

WELCOME

REACH Welcome to the 25th Annual REACH Youth Scholarship Awards

The San Jose Sports Authority established the REACH Youth Scholarship Awards in 1996 and presented the first REACH scholarships to members of the Class of 1997. The program’s stated goal—both then and now—is to recognize and honor local high school senior student-athletes who have overcome adversity to excel academically and athletically. At the heart of the REACH program is the belief that participating in sports can be a source for good in a young person’s life, especially during difficult times. Twenty-five years later, REACH is still going strong and continues to make an impact. The global pandemic, however, brought new challenges. For student-athletes naturally inclined to be active and on-the-go, the combination of distance learning and canceled sports programs was particularly onerous. It was a tough time for REACH, too. Above all, we missed presenting the scholarship awards in person. While REACH could have gone on hiatus for two years, we took our cue from the student-athletes, adapted the program and stayed true to our mission. Given the challenges, we are extremely grateful for the individuals and organizations who contribute to REACH in meaningful ways, including Honorary Co-Chairs Ronnie Lott and Brandi Chastain; Heritage Bank of Commerce, our presenting sponsor; Qualcomm, our technology sponsor; the many other generous companies and contributors who support the program; and the dedicated volunteers who serve on the selection committee. We also appreciate our partners at NBC Sports Bay Area Cal-Hi Sports Report and Atomic Productions who welcomed us into their world of TV broadcasting. Last but most importantly, a huge shout-out goes to the school administrators, teachers and coaches who did not miss a beat during the pandemic and continued their involvement with REACH. Thank you for introducing us to your remarkable student-athletes who are so deserving of recognition. We are confident this scholarship nomination is just one of many accolades they will enjoy in the coming years as they continue to REACH for success. 1

BROADCAST INFO

2021 REACH Youth Scholarship Awards Show An Event of the San Jose Sports Authority Presented by

BROADCAST DATES & TIMES (ALL TIMES PST)

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA Wednesday, June 23, 2021 8 p.m. 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 24, 2021 4 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

NBC SPORTS CALIFORNIA Wednesday, June 23, 2021 10 p.m. 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 24, 2021 7 p.m.

CHANNEL FINDER https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/channel-finder ONLINE STREAMING Wednesday, June 23 @ 8 p.m. http://stream.nbcsports.com/rsn/nbcs-bay-area-event

PRODUCTION CREDITS

2021 REACH Youth Scholarship Awards Show NBC Sports Bay Area EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Carrie Benjamin Mike Kerhin SAN JOSE SPORTS AUTHORITY John Poch - Executive Director Carrie Benjamin - Director of Events Darren Centi - Event Specialist ATOMIC PRODUCTIONS Executive Producer - Danny Angotti, Producer - Mike Kerhin Director of Photography - Max King Camera Assistant - Tony Giang, Grip - Rikuto Sekiguchi Production Assistant - Jacob Fineberg Motion Graphics - James Walker, Editing - Matt Ruby NBC SPORTS BAY AREA Ben Rodrigues, Sr. Director of Programming REACH HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Brandi Chastain Ronnie Lott ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Sheryl Spain SPECIAL THANKS Arik Armstead, James Jones, Mayor Sam Liccardo, Devyn Lopez, Patrick Marleau, Jim Plunkett, Dawn Sweatt, Santa Clara University Women’s Soccer Team FOOTAGE & PHOTOS COURTESY OF 49ers Cal-Hi Sports Report, Atomic Productions, Betsy King Photography, Terrell Lloyd Photography, NBC Sports Bay Area, San Jose Sports Authority

2021 REACH NOMINEES

FLOR AGUILAR

Sports sparked change in Flor, as she developed close friendships with her teammates, improved her health and discovered that crossing the finish line—no matter in what place—is its own kind of victory.

ALICE BARBIERI

After a cancer diagnosis in her family, Alice channeled her emotions into her sport (soccer), amped up her already-demanding workouts and found purpose as a mentor to younger players. She credits her teammates and coaches for being her “rocks.”

BRYNN BOISE-FULTS

After years of chaos and trauma in her immediate family, Brynn found stability after moving in with her aunt and uncle. With their love and support, Brynn ﬂourished in school and on the lacrosse field. She plans to pursue a career in youth advocacy.

ALEXANDRA J. CERON

After three deaths in her family and other challenges, school and the gym were Alexandra’s go-to place for strength and stability. As Alexandra described in her essay, “You know how duct tape can fix everything? Wrestling is my duct tape.”

AMY CORTES SOLIS

When multiple health issues hit her family–one serious diagnosis after another—Amy found friendship, fun and sanity on the soccer field. She understands how fragile life can be as well as the value of her own health and wellbeing.

RYAN DAVIS

For Ryan, sports have been an outlet and a teaching tool. In the face of challenges, including an auditory learning disability, sports showed how he could push through any perceived limitations and achieve academic and athletic success.

Eastside College Preparatory School Vball, T&F, XC

Leigh High School Soccer, T&F

St. Francis High School Field Hockey, LAX

Los Gatos High School Wrestling

William C. Overfelt High School Soccer

Willow Glen High School FB, Baseball, Powerlifting

KYLE DESCHRYVER Having Type I diabetes can be aggravating—especially when Los Gatos High School Soccer

dealing with people who are misinformed about the condition—but Kyle hasn’t let the diagnosis keep him off the soccer field. Plus, he knows better than most the importance of a healthy diet!

2021 REACH NOMINEES

Diagnosed with dyslexia in fourth grade; a long, painful battle with a bacterial infection in seventh; torn ACL as a freshman. For Connor, this trifecta of challenges taught him how to roll with the punches, knowing he will, in time, be stronger for the experience.

CONNOR DODD

Los Gatos High School Football, LAX

Sports—especially basketball—helped Anthony learn more about ANTHONY GIANNI himself and handle personal challenges. As much as he hates to ARANDA DULAY lose, he has realized he can take something from the “L” and Downtown College Prep (DCP) Alum Rock focus on the comeback. Basketball Isaiah has awesome basketball skills, but his attitude (and mouth) could sometimes get in the way. Over time, he realized his coach had a point, and now he lets his work ethic and performance do the talking.

ISAIAH FRAZIER

Jay is not being hyperbolic when he writes, “basketball changed my life.” School was rife with challenges, but on the court–especially when playing with his brother—he learned how to be happy.

DYLAN (JAY) GAGE

Isa’s hearing disorder made school maddeningly difficult, but softball motivated her not to give up. The hard work paid off, as she now has a system for success that will serve her well for years to come.

ISABELLA GALLEGOS

After snapping his femur bone in a football game, Connor faced a long, hard recovery. Every step along the way was painful (literally!), but the experience revealed how playing sports is a luxury not to be taken for granted.

CONNOR GAMBELIN

Basketball came easily to Zoe, but she often wondered if she was good enough. Resolving never to give up—and also with the support of her teammates and coaches—Zoe realized her true potential.

Wilcox High School Basketball

Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy Basketball, Baseball

Willow Glen High School Softball, Vball

Archbishop Mitty High School Football, LAX

ZOE HACKEL

Prospect High School Field Hockey, Basketball

2021 REACH NOMINEES

GUY HAIBY

Recovering from his first torn ACL was tough. Recovering from the Homestead High School second (same knee!) was brutal, but Guy never lost focus. When he Football turned to the football field 11 months later, Guy played brilliantly— and relished every minute.

ANDREA HERNANDEZ

When her interest in school started to slip during her freshman year, Andrea used soccer as motivation to turn things around and get back to her old self. Or, as Andrea wrote in her essay, her “best self.”

ETHAN HUANG

The team-first mindset Ethan acquired through volleyball is now a way of life, both at school, where he was an effective student advocate, and at home, where he is providing support to a loved one battling cancer.

ALEXANDER HUIZAR

Teammates are like family, and that was exactly what Alex needed— and found—when he joined the basketball team. The journey has been difficult, but the future is bright for this accomplished young man.

JESSI JHA

For Jessi, running cross-country is both a source of joy and the perfect metaphor for life. Whether hill-training in practice or persevering on steep climbs at home and school, Jessi has the endurance to handle it.

NATHANIEL JIM

During their many years in foster care, Nate and his brothers found a safe haven in sports–chieﬂy basketball. Fueled by his love for the game and strengthened through hardship, Nate knows his parents are with him in spirit.

William C. Overfelt High School Soccer Mountain View High School Vball

Downtown College Prep (DCP) Alum Rock Basketball

Mountain View High School XC, T&F

Andrew P. Hill High School Basketball

BRANDON KRISH A psychologist “slapped him with a bunch of diagnoses,” but Los Gatos High School XC, T&F

Brandon got the last laugh. After success in other areas, he took up cross-country, made some great friendships, became an awardwinning filmmaker and found his fun-loving sense of self.

2021 REACH NOMINEES

Moving to a new country as a teenager was challenging for Zo, and he initially kept to himself. After resolving to join the track team, his self-confidence soared and transformed his high school experience.

ZO KUBA

Del Mar High School T&F, Football

Dayanira had a light-bulb moment when she began to apply her skills as an athlete—especially her mental toughness—to improve her performance in the classroom.

DAYANIRA ELENA LEON RODRIGUEZ

Through sports, Carson gained perspective on the world around him and developed a personal philosophy for success. He sees how playing sports is not just about progressing as an athlete, but also a way to build character.

CARSON LEDESMA

When Marvin is on the soccer pitch, he is not only playing the sport he loves, he also is honoring his father and showing appreciation for their strong bond.

MARVIN LINARES

During the last month of her father’s life, Michelle was a volleyball student-athlete during the day and a caretaker at night. Balancing her grief and her growth after his passing reminded her that she can only control how she responds to difficult situations.

MICHELLE LU

After the traumatic loss of her father, Rachel turned to her mom and sisters for support and to sports for a sense of normalcy. When she takes the field, she honors her dad and the values he instilled in her, including appreciation for life.

RACHEL McCARROLL

Latino College Preparatory Academy XC, Softball

Branham High School Wrestling, Baseball, FB

Eastside College Preparatory School Soccer, XC

Oak Grove High School Vball, Basketball

Leigh High School Softball, Water Polo, Basketball, Vball

Nathan has advice for anyone reading this: if you’re thinking about NATHAN taking up a sport—even if you’re not the athletic type—just go for it. MONTERO He speaks from experience, pointing to the many positive ways sports Downtown College Prep (DCP) Alum Rock inﬂuenced him. XC, Basketball

2021 REACH NOMINEES

DIANA K. MURILLO

After moving from Colombia to the United State this year, Diana recognized that playing sports would help her to stay healthy, practice her English and make good friends.

DANG AN NGO

Dang knows firsthand how mentally draining swimming can be and that burnout is a real thing. Hitting pause was hard, but after a 3-year hiatus, Dang returned to the pool reinvigorated—and had a recordbreaking season.

YADA PAK

When life gets to be too much, Yada turns to basketball because the sport never disappoints. It’s a stress-reliever, motivator, source of fun and place to learn. As Yada writes, basketball is the “bright side.”

GISSELLE PONCE

As much as Gisselle benefited personally from playing soccer, the sport also opened her eyes to bigger issues, including the financial barriers associated with some club programs as well as gender inequities at all levels of play.

FLORENCIA PORRAS

Realizing local COVID-19 regs could prevent her from being recruited by college volleyball programs, Florencia called every contact she had, raised funds, and traveled solo to New Orleans for a shot. End result: A spot with a DI team!

Andrew P. Hill High School Basketball, Vball, Soccer

Andrew P. Hill High School Swimming

Andrew P. Hill High School Basketball William C. Overfelt High School Soccer

Branham High School Vball, Basketball

LEIA PUNSALAN

A talented student-athlete who has enjoyed lots of success, Leia Silver Creek High School also knows life’s pain and disappointment. Through sports and Vball, Basketball, T&F family, she has learned to practice patience and to take things in stride.

2021 REACH NOMINEES

Inspired by his disabled cousin, Axel took up the demanding and disciplined sport of wrestling. Win or lose, he never gave up.

When Jalen learned he had leukemia during his junior year, his world could have spun off its axis; instead, with an army of support around him—family, girlfriend, friends and teammates—his focus remains on the day when “he can get back to life.”

AXEL RAMOS

William C. Overfelt High School Wrestling

JALEN RIOS

Live Oak High School Football, T&F

Even without a coach and a small roster, John’s volleyball team is a success story. He and his teammates worked tirelessly to keep the program alive, earning the respect of school administrators and forging unbreakable bonds of friendship. .

JOHN MICHAEL SANTIAGO

After multiple injuries forced Mone off the court, she rechanneled her energy, becoming an avid student of game strategy and a vocal, supportive leader to her teammates.

MONE SEKIGUCHI

William C. Overfelt High School Volleyballl

Los Altos High School Basketball

Fear of failure can wreak havoc on an athlete’s game. After a reality JANET ZAMUDIO check from her coach plus some of her own unvarnished self-talk, RUEDA Janet recalibrated her mindset and got back to playing Downtown College Prep (DCP) Alum Rock great volleyball. Golf, Vball, Soccer

25 Years of Recognizing Excellence, Adversity, Courage and Hard Work Now in its 25th 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. To date, REACH has awarded more than $250,000 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.

SJSA.ORG/REACH2021 DONATIONS: https://givebutter.com/REACH2021 @ReachYouthScholarship

@ReachYouthScholarship

@REACH_Scholar

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 Carrie Benjamin | Director of Events Darren Centi | Event Specialist

SJSA.ORG |

@sjsauthority

@sanjosesports

@sjsauthority

DONATE TODAY! Show Your Support For 25 years, the REACH Youth Scholarship program has provided more than $250,000 in scholarship funds to deserving senior student-athletes from San Jose and Santa Clara County. The success of the program—including its longevity and its impact—is made possible only through the generosity of individual donors and corporate sponsorships. We Need You, Coach! If you are reading this program, it is likely you are a sports fan, an athlete or both. (Or, at a minimum, you care about someone who is!) Regardless of the backstory, you have likely witnessed, heard or even delivered a few rousing halftime speeches of your own. When you donate to the REACH Youth Scholarship program, you take on the role of that coach. You become the reassuring, motivating presence who can deliver encouragement and demand excellence in the same breath. You recognize your players’ skills, and you applaud their ambition. The team may have faced some challenges, but oh, how you believe in them! Besides, you have seen them make comebacks before, and you know they can—and will—again. They just need a little help, and you’re in a position to provide it.

Please join us in showing your support—and rooting for—these extraordinary student-athletes by donating to the REACH Youth Scholarship Program. Let’s do this!

THREE WAYS TO DONATE: ONLINE

TEXT

givebutter.com/ REACH2021

“REACH” (73224) to 202.858.1233

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SELECTION COMMITTEE

THANK YOU FINAL NOTES To the 2021 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

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.

2021 PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLS Andrew P. Hill High School Archbishop Mitty High School Branham High School Del Mar High School Downtown College Prep Alum Rock Eastside College Preparatory Homestead High School Latino College Preparatory Academy Leigh High School Live Oak High School Los Altos High School Los Gatos High School Mountain View High School Oak Grove High School Prospect High School Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy Silver Creek High School St. Francis High School Wilcox High School William C. Overfelt High School Willow Glen High School

Supporting Our Community for Over 25 Years Heritage Bank of Commerce is a proud supporter of:

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