PRESENTING SPONSOR
TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
stevehallgrimson foundation
Davidson Family Foundation
IN-KIND SPONSORS
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS
Aduro Advisors
Kraig Constantino
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 27th year, the program continues to grow and includes more than 50 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 27th annual celebration of San Jose's youth community.
Dawn Sweatt, Chair | Berliner Cohen
Audie Amirkiai | San Jose Earthquakes
Dr. Cole Armstrong | San Jose State University
Ginna Baldassarre | Adobe
Kraig Constantino | Intero Foundation
Jennifer Cosgrove | Intero Foundation
David Grissom | CCS
Amy Linton | Arcadis
Jacqueline-Rochelle Lopez | Team San Jose
Derek Michelson | San Jose Sharks
Elizabeth Narwal | Aduro Advisors
Rahul Patel | Qualcomm
Sal Pizarro | Mercury News
Neil Santiago | Heritage Bank of Commerce
Cindy Su | Advantage Homes
Jennifer Wilson-Pitzen | NTC Foundation
Geri Wong | Newmark
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
to CARRIE BENJAMIN, Director of the REACH Youth Scholarship Program for the past 17 years!
Thanks to Carrie’s extraordinary efforts, REACH has grown from an award and recognition breakfast to a scholarship fund distributing over $50,000 annually to deserving Santa Clara County high school graduating seniors who have overcome adversity through sport. We are all extremely proud of the legacy that Carrie has left for REACH and grateful for her hard work over the years resulting in our ongoing success of the REACH Youth Scholarship Program. Thank you again for an amazing seventeen years of service and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Robert Braunstein
Executive Producer and Host of 49ers Cal-Hi Sports Report
Matt Mahan Mayor of San Jose
Ronnie Lott
NFL Hall of Famer & Philanthropist
Brandi Chastain
FIFA Women’s World Cup & Olympic Champion
PRESENTATION OF STUDENT ATHLETES
2023 REACH YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION
CLOSING REMARKS
Video Production by Robert Braunstein, Adrian Soriano & Jake Vanderbrack
Event Photography by Terrell Lloyd
For photos and videos of today’s event, please visit www.sjsa.org
DYLAN ALLINSON
Basketball, Baseball
TANIA ANDRADE
Cross Country, Soccer
Track & Field
RAFAEL ARCE
Football, Wrestling, Track & Field
DIEGO ATWELL
Football
STUART CASH
Basketball, Baseball
RICHARD CHAVIRA
Basketball GIOVANNA CRUZ
Volleyball, Soccer
The first years of high school presented many obstacles for Dylan. Overcoming the loss of a parent and trauma of surviving a mass shooting, Dylan dedicated himself to basketball and became a team leader. Gilroy High School
As a self-taught track and field athlete, Tania demonstrated the passion required to become an elite thrower. Her success empowered belief in her capabilities as a student-athlete. Latino College Prep
Rafael’s mother and baby brother suffered from poor health conditions and were hospitalized during his first wrestling season. This took a toll on his mental health and wrestling became his lifeline. On the mat he learned to keep fighting through difficult times and one can persevere in unlikely circumstances. Los Altos High School
Diego and his brother were adopted from Columbia and came to the United States when he was 14. Faced with challenges of learning a new language and lifestyle, football helped him meet new friends, focus on school and taught him valuable lessons about dedication and resiliency. Milpitas High School
A baseball collision diving into third base shattered Stuart’s kidney. Determined to reach his ultimate goal of playing college baseball, he battled through a grueling recovery process and will compete at the next level in the sport he loves. Los Altos High School
In his mother’s absence participating in basketball offered support from coaches and teammates. Richard’s commitment as team captain helped players keep a healthy perspective as they navigated difficult times together as one unit. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy
Soccer empowered Giovanna to break free from negativity in her life. The sport allowed the opportunity to meet new people, provided lessons about resiliency and created a deeper connection with her parents. Eastside College Prep
Early in life Rex was diagnosed with petit mal epilepsy which developed into grand mal seizures causing him to struggle in school and sports. With encouragement from his family, he regained control over his dreams to play college basketball and success on the court gave him confidence. He is now a beacon of hope for other athletes with epilepsy. Pioneer High School
Adventuring into a new sport, Jillian initially struggled with confidence in her ability to play tennis. After losing her grandpa, tennis became an outlet to help clear her mind and boosted her self-confidence. Independence High School
As a member of the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities, Rafael found it difficult to be himself without losing relationships with friends and family members. His participation in sports gave him the space to develop into the person he was destined to be. Now with the support of his parents, family and community he wants to be a source of inspiration for his peers. Henry M. Gunn High School
Edward experienced a family tragedy during his freshman year. In the face of adversity, he took on financial responsibilities while balancing his school work and sports. This commitment to his family carries over in the devotion to his water polo team where he thrived in a leadership role as team captain. Milpitas High School
Being of multicultural heritage, identity challenges can be present. Sports helped Trinity realize her purpose in life - continuing to love and be kind to others because everyone is going through their own hardships. Fremont High School
In constant pursuit to improve her communication skills, sports gave Tiffany the practice needed to hone in on her strengths. Applying what she learned as a runner she organized the largest homecoming dance in school history. Milpitas High School
A surfing accident left Brandon completely paralyzed from the waist down from a rare spinal cord condition known as Surfer’s Myelopathy. Brandon’s courage never wavered. Taking inspiration from those who supported him he discovered para sports and found new hope in pursuit of Paralympic gold. Los Altos High School
KAREN LUNA
Cross Country, Track & Field
ESTRELLA MACIAS
Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field
LEYNA
MAI
Wrestling, Water Polo, Track & Field
JULIAN MARTINEZ
Basketball
NOAH MATTESON
Soccer, Football, Track & Field
NATALIE MCCARROLL
Basketball, Swimming, Water Polo
TJ MCGEE
Soccer, Cross Country, Softball
Possessing a natural running ability, Karen raced year-round. Although the loss of a loved one presented feelings of grief and sadness she continued onward and experienced the joy of accomplishing her goals. Andrew Hill High School
Life circumstances caused Estrella to grow up fast. As a parent figure to her siblings, she helped them navigate homelessness and the loss of their sister. Despite these extreme challenges, she will attend college and is motivated to find new solutions to reinvent the homeless shelters she once lived in.
Andrew Hill High SchoolThe hardships of being a girl on an all-boys wrestling team presented intimidating risks to Leyna. Fearless in her pursuit to break barriers, she is applying what she learned on the mat to advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Milpitas High School
Seeking a new challenge, Julian joined the basketball team to develop his leadership skills. Through hard work he became a motivating team captain and an off the court mentor to his sister. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy
The pandemic forced Noah to train for soccer on his own. With track and field being the first sport offered post pandemic, he saw it as an opportunity to train for the sport he loved most. Having the chance to play sports taught him how to put the team first and hustle to achieve his goals. The King’s Academy
The sudden loss of her father, left Natalie’s family in a difficult position. With the support of her mom and sisters, she continued playing sports and assembled the inaugural water polo team at her high school. Now her sights are set on playing college water polo and thanks her dad for inspiring her to discover her own potential. Leigh High School
The loss of her grandmother created feelings of loneliness and hopelessness for TJ. Feeling lost, she acted and found a supportive community of coaches and teammates. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy
Experiencing a unique middle school environment, Xander felt overwhelmed with the fast pace high school schedule. Participation in athletic programs helped him adapt and develop the tools needed for success in his new environment.
XANDER MOMMER Baseball, Football
Monta Vista High SchoolIsabelle moved from France to the United States during high school and had to adjust quickly to her new surroundings. Never losing sight of her goals, she worked hard to overcome obstacles and found a sense of purpose through involvement in sports.
Branham High SchoolISABELLE MORET Cross Country, Track & Field
SHUNSUKE MORIDAIRA Swimming
M. Gunn High SchoolStarting a new life in a different country presented a unique set of challenges for Shunsuke. Fearless in his pursuit of higher education, he will compete in swim collegiately while studying to assist people in living healthier lives. Henry
SHIRLEY NGUYEN Tennis
High SchoolPlaying tennis allowed Shirley to understand the importance of teamwork. Her courage to ask others for help gave a deeper meaning to the quote “teamwork makes the dream work”. Independence
When Joshua’s surgery was canceled due to the pandemic, he began teaching himself physical therapy to help alleviate his condition that kept him out of sports. His new-found knowledge paid off and he was able to avoid surgery and return to the court.
Andrew Hill High SchoolJOSHUA NOGUEZ Football, Volleyball
Growing up, Esmeralda felt pressure to be physically fit and succeed academically. She played sports year-round and reclaimed her self-confidence. She will study engineering to help give back to her community.
Luis Valdez Leadership AcademyBasketball was introduced to Marrielle by her father and family. Along her journey she disproved stereotypes and took pride in her craft. She wants the time and effort spent to improve her athletic ability to be a source of inspiration for the next generation.
Independence High SchoolESMERALDA ORTIZ Basketball, Softball, Cross Country
MARIELLE PENORINGAN Basketball, Volleyball
KARSON PHAN
Football, Basketball
TAYDEN PHILLIPS
Football, Basketball
Football, Track & Field SAHIL RAJ
Basketball, Track & Field, Cross Country
ISAAC ROMERO
Soccer, Track & Field
LUCAS SAMSON
Water Polo, Baseball, Basketball, Swim
Karson battled to bounce back after experiencing a seizure while playing basketball. The road to recovery tested his desire to continue playing, nevertheless his passion outweighed his fear. He continued to excel and is preparing to play college basketball.
Yerba Buena High SchoolHeart surgery halted Tayden’s dreams of playing sports in high school and beyond. After enduring years of recovery, he received medical clearance to participate in sports again. His love for the sport of football propelled him past adversity and onto a college football field this fall. Lincoln High School
Edgar’s grandparents were everything to him growing up. They always supported his athletic endeavors. Even though his grandparents are not here today, they would be proud of his perseverance through injury and hardship. Gunderson High School
A painful injury caused Sahil to miss his entire track season. When he returned in the fall for cross country he qualified for the state championship meet and learned tough times are only temporary and to keep a positive perspective. Milpitas High School
A soccer injury sidelined Isaac for years. His journey to recovery was an uphill journey where he lacked motivation and felt depressed. Conquering all emotional and physical barriers, he returned to the soccer field with a greater understanding of his inner self. Oak Grove High School
Lucas never let his Autism diagnosis keep him from playing the sport he loved. Instead, he used water polo as a vehicle to develop his communication skills and became team MVP as a result.
Milpitas High School
Hector took it upon himself to learn the game of soccer. His passion to play and be a good teammate created lasting memories throughout his high school career. Later in life, he wants to reciprocate the support of loved ones to his own family. Andrew Hill High School
HECTOR SANDOVAL Soccer
Mayra has worked tirelessly to ease the financial strain on her family. Balancing an AP class schedule and working for the family business, Mayra also found time to be a three-sport athlete. She viewed her busy life as an opportunity to sharpen her time management skills and persevere against all odds.
Luis Valdez Leadership AcademyOvercoming a learning disability and battling through injuries are just a few of the obstacles Skylar conquered. The close-knit bond and friendships she developed with teammates is what she will remember most about playing sports. Saint Francis High School
MAYRA JESENIA SUAREZ CASTILLEJOS
Distance learning introduced hardships for Uriel both academically and athletically. After returning to school in person, he credits his involvement in volleyball and soccer to work past these difficulties.
Eastside College Prep
Growing up, Athena relied on her grandmother’s support and care. Her participation in soccer gave her the courage and strength to overcome the obstacles she faced. DCP El Primero High School
Motivated to rise above the hurdles of her home life, June rode her bike every day to tennis practice. Immersed in her sport, she became team captain and found a community that became her new home. Yerba Buena High School
SKYLAR TUCH
Cross Country, Basketball
Cross Country, Volleyball URIEL
VELAZQUEZ-LEON Soccer, Volleyball
ATHENA
VIVEROS
Soccer, Cross Country, Track & Field
Now in its 27th 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 $350,000 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.
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
To the 2023 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!
Andrew P. Hill High School
Branham High School
Eastside College Prep
DCP El Primero High School
Fremont High School
Gilroy High School
Henry M. Gunn High School
Independence High School
The King’s Academy
Gunderson High School
Latino College Prep Academy
Leigh High School
Lincoln High School
Los Altos High School
Luis Valdez Leadership Academy
Milpitas High School
Monta Vista High School
Oak Grove High School
Pioneer High School
Saint Francis High School
Yerba Buena High School
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.
UC Berkeley, Class of 2023
“REACH gave me the platform not only to share my own story but also to stand for countless other survivors of sexual abuse. The scholarship was a blessing that alleviated the weight of guilt and silence that had burdened my life for many years, too. Being one of the scholarship recipients from my community also allowed me to demonstrate how those of us from East Side San Jose rise from concrete. REACH recognizes the adversity student-athletes may face as well as the grit and resilience it takes to come out thriving. Now that I am at Cal... (I see) how REACH makes a difference in higher education for students like myself. I will carry my life-changing experience with REACH forever!”
