Presented By

2020 Presented by

TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020 | 5:00 PM | REACH SPONSORS

Presented by

DIAMOND SPONSORS REACH PLATINUM SPONSORS steve hallgrimson foundation

GOLD Mike Bruner, Ronnie Lott, Larry Stone, SPONSORS Charlie Faas, Victor Arrañaga, John Poch, Dawn Sweatt

Blage Zelalich, Cole Armstrong, Dan Bozzuto, Daniel Angotti, David Mark Purdy, David Obenour, Deborah Centi, Elizabeth A Narwal, Erlene Anticouni, Giovanna Baldassarre, SILVER Jacqueline-Rochell Lopez, Jeffrey Sanchez, Jennifer Pitzen, SPONSORS John Tortora, Julie Brown, Lawrence Fan, Marie Tuite, Marsha Locicero, Maureen Langan, Michael Kerhin, Michelle Alvarado, Niraj Trivedi, Patti Ann Maletta, Ronald Zraick, Shelly Wolfe, Sheryl Spain, Victor M Arrañaga Jr, William Jarvis, Pat Quinn

IN-KIND SPONSORS WELCOME

Welcome to the 24th Annual REACHREACH Youth Scholarship Awards The San Jose Sports Authority hosted its fi rst 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 to excel in both academics and athletics. Now in its 24th year, the program continues to grow and includes more than 50 public and private high schools in Santa Clara County.

The REACH Youth Scholarship is chaired by Ronnie Lott and Brandi Chastain. The program is made possible through the generosity of sponsors of the San Jose Sports Authority and individual donors as well as through its partnerships with civic, business and media organizations.

Thank you for joining us to recognize and honor these local high school senior student-athletes who truly inspire us.

2020 REACH Youth Scholarship Awards An Event of the San Jose Sports Authority

Presented by

BROADCAST DATES & TIMES (ALL TIMES PDT)

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA NBC SPORTS CALIFORNIA

Tuesday, Wednesday, Wednesday, June 23, 2020 June 24, 2020 June 24, 2020 5 p.m. 6 a.m. 10:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 7 a.m. 11 p.m.

CHANNEL FINDER https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/page/channel-locations-csn-bay-area

ONLINE STREAMING Tuesday, June 23 @ 5 p.m. https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/live

2 PRODUCTION CREDITS

2020 REACH Youth Scholarship Awards Show NBC Sports Bay Area Broadcast EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Carrie Benjamin Robert Braunstein SAN JOSE SPORTS AUTHORITY John Poch, Executive Director Carrie Benjamin, Director of Events Darren Centi, Event Specialist 49ers Cal-Hi SPORTS REPORT Robert Braunstein, Executive Producer and Co-Host Aubrie Tolliver, Producer and Co-Host Chiara Biagini, Reporter Adrian Soriano, Videographer NBC SPORTS BAY AREA Ben Rodrigues, Sr. Director of Programming REACH HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Brandi Chastain Ronnie Lott ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS Mike Kerhin, Atomic Productions Sheryl Spain, Better Call Sheryl SPECIAL THANKS Brent Burns, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Garoppolo, James Jones Mayor Sam Liccardo, Devyn Lopez, JT Marcinkowski, Rahul Patel FOOTAGE & PHOTOS COURTESY OF 49ers Cal-Hi Sports Report, Atomic Productions, Golden State Warriors Betsy King Photography, Terrell Lloyd Photography, NBC Sports Bay Area, Qualcomm, San Francisco 49ers, San Jose Earthquakes, San Jose Sharks, San Jose Sports Authority, Team San Jose 3 2020 REACH NOMINEES

ISABELLE After being diagnosed with a serious medical condition that requires ALDUINO daily management of her diet and water intake, Isabelle worked Westmont High School tirelessly to achieve her goal of playing volleyball at the college level.

RICKY AMADOR One of the bigger athletes on his teams, Ricky developed an inner Eastside College strength while playing sports that gives him the confi dence to shut Preparatory School down trash talkers and stand up for others in need of support.

CESAR BARAJAS After moving to the U.S., Cesar found his voice – as well as his Latino College friends – on the soccer fi eld, en route to becoming a team captain Preparatory Academy with a 3.8 GPA.

NINA BARRY Financial hardships forced Nina and her family to move repeatedly Valley Christian throughout her childhood, but with faith and a superior work ethic, High School Nina earned preferred walk-on status on Sacramento State’s women’s basketball team.

ELLIE BLACH A serious car accident and a torn meniscus upended Ellie’s junior Presentation and senior seasons on the soccer fi eld, but through the pain, she High School discovered the depth of her character and resolve.

JESSLYN At a crossroads as a basketball player, Jesslyn turned to her coach for CABANGBANG advice and learned the importance of making her health and family Branham High School a priority.

LEONARDO Inspired and motivated by his mother, coaches, and teammates to do CAMPOS well in the classroom and on the football fi eld, Leonardo is now a William C. Overfelt mentor to the younger players. High School

CYNTHIA Golf can be a pressure-fi lled sport – it’s just you and the ball. For DHARMAWAN Cynthia, however, it’s the place where she learned how to respond to Henry M. Gunn life’s pressure with confi dence, calm and focus. High School

4 2020 REACH NOMINEES

Molly and her four sisters had to pull together after their father’s MASON ECHOLS death and mother’s ongoing struggles with addiction. Molly found Eastside College solace – and success – on the volleyball and basketball courts, Preparatory School honoring her father’s memory through her commitment to school and athletics.

Molly and her four sisters had to pull together after their father’s MOLLY EREZO death and mother’s ongoing struggles with addiction. Molly found Silver Creek solace – and success – on the volleyball and basketball courts and High School honored her father’s memory through her commitment to school and athletics.

The demands on her time were relentless, but as Bailey learned BAILEY ERICKSON to balance her academic and athletic commitments, she also Prospect High School developed her leadership skills and the ability to speak up on behalf of others.

Samuel juggled several jobs to contribute to the family fi nances SAMUEL ESPINO and helped care for his grandmother until her passing last year. He HERNANDEZ credits his love of family for his success in school and sports. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy A champion cheerleader with exceptional leadership skills, ANGELIQUE Angelique creatively relied on her sport to excel in the classroom, GONZALES using rhythm, rhymes, and repetition to overcome a Anzar High School learning disability.

As Rachel and her family made multiple moves across the country, RACHEL GRANT she used sports as an outlet and to develop friendships. Injuries Henry M. Gunn were another challenge, but she acquired the will and stamina of a High School champion.

Born with severe food allergies and asthma, sports became BRANDON Brandon’s motivation to persevere. Despite pain in his lungs and the JOHNSON shortness of breath, Brandon lettered in 10 varsity sports and will Santa Teresa compete as a distance runner in college. High School

Gangs and drugs are all too real in Katherine’s East San Jose KATHERINE neighborhood. With the goal of attending college at the forefront of KINDLE her mind, Katherine relied on softball for the structure and support William C. Overfelt she needed to excel. High School 5 2020 REACH NOMINEES

JONATHAN LESLIE Born into trauma and dysfunction, Jonathan found strength and Lynbrook High School stability with his amazing foster (now adoptive) mom. Today, Jonathan is an accomplished athlete, a leader in the community and a role model to his four younger sisters.

JASMINE Family loss required Jasmine to take on many adult LOYOLA- TINNEY responsibilities at a young age. Volleyball kept her going, Wilcox High School helping her to fl ourish, accept life’s limitations, and fi nd her voice.

ANTHONY For Anthony, the impact of his mother’s drug use during pregnancy MADRIGAL resulted in his placement in foster care as well as a learning Valley Christian disability. Despite these challenges, he excelled and will soon be a High School football student-athlete at SJSU.

MASON MANCA A gifted athlete, Mason took a fall – literally – when rock-climbing Los Gatos High School and broke his femur, tibia, and several vertebrae. The long road to recovery taught him perspective, patience, and fortitude.

NANCY MIRANDA While life at home could be chaotic, Nancy’s focus on school and Luis Valdez basketball kept her on track. The captain of the basketball team, she Leadership Academy helped found her school’s LGBTQ club and earned numerous acco- lades for her leadership.

GLORIA Instability and trauma were the two constants in Gloria’s early child- MOTO–TORRES hood until she went to live with her aunt in East San Jose. She has William C. Overfelt since developed an inner resolve and optimistic outlook while also High School enjoying success as a student-athlete.

KIYOMI NGUYEN Being born to a single teenage mother may have its challenges, but Branham High School for Kiyomi, she learned the importance of never giving up, no matter the odds. That mindset – plus her critical thinking skills – helped her to excel on the softball fi eld.

BRYAN NIETO Raised in a tough neighborhood, Bryan used the structure of school Andrew Hill and the discipline required as a wrestler to stay on track, serve as an High School example to his younger siblings, and honor his mother.

6 2020 REACH NOMINEES

Naysayers can be loud, but Dallas’ determination to play pro soccer DALLAS ODLE is louder. His work ethic sustains him, while criticism fuels him. Homestead As he pursues his goals, Dallas aims to help kids achieve High School their dreams, too.

Colby thought he might be a baseball player like his dad, but his COLBY OKINAKA father passed away before they got a chance to play. He became a Monta Vista swimmer, and the sport taught him perseverance and stamina; his High School dad would be proud.

Basketball was the one thing keeping Cynthia strong when CYNTHIA OLIVO everything around her was out of control. Cynthia credits her Apollo Academy coach for seeing her potential when she could not – a lesson she will never forget.

As an athlete and a team captain, Evelen learned how to free her EVELEN mind and enjoy her time on the volleyball court as well as how to SAHAGUN- solve confl ict and build trust on a team, boosting her self-confi dence OROCIO and mental clarity. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

A season-ending injury spiraled into a dark period for John, but JOHN PANTOJA with a strong support system in place, he forged a new path, Archbishop Mitty discovering his aptitude and passion for theoretical physics. High School

Tristin grew up fast. His older brother has special needs and is TRISTIN non-verbal, and for as long as he could remember, his mom was PELLETAIRE battling breast cancer. After she passed away when he was 11 years Leigh High School old, Tristin stepped up to assist with many of the responsibilities at home, but also found time for both school and sports. His mom’s fi ghting spirit is part of everything he does.

Alondra’s neighborhood can be tough, but her love of school and ALONDRA enthusiasm for soccer have helped her to look past its shortcomings RODRIGUEZ and challenges. Service-oriented at heart, she hopes to become a VIDRIO social worker. Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

7 2020 REACH NOMINEES

SAMANTHA ROSS After tearing her meniscus, Samantha worked hard to rehab her Archbishop Mitty High knee, only to be met with disappointment when she did not make School the fi eld hockey team the next year. She turned the setback into an opportunity, however, by adapting to the situation and making the track team.

RAYMOND RUIZ Raymond learned how to overcome life’s challenges by running from Eastside College them – literally. An avid runner, he fi nds joy in beating in his own Preparatory School times and pushing beyond his limits. He plans to run in the Chicago marathon this fall.

CHRIS SAGAHON For Chris, gunshots and drugs are part of life in his neighborhood. Branham High School With his focus on the future, he lives by the mantra, “stay tough in the grind,” knowing that the journey must precede the destination.

LAMIN SANNOH When Lamin moved from war-torn Sierra Leone to the U.S., sports Leigh High School provided him with much-needed opportunities to learn English and make friends. The four-sport athlete is the fi rst in his family to graduate from high school and to attend college.

EITAN SMOLYAR Eitan had never seen an American football game before moving Henry M. Gunn to the U.S. from Israel. He not only gave it a try, he became a High School great fullback, was named a captain, and helped turn the team’s fortunes around.

JUAN SOLIS Balancing work, school, and soccer was challenging for Juan, as Latino College was growing up in a tough neighborhood. The team captain is a Preparatory High School go-to problem-solver, and he looks forward to becoming more fi nancially stable with a college education.

PAYTON STOKES After several misdiagnoses, Payton learned a bone tumor was causing Saratoga High School the searing pain in his leg. A battle with his health insurance company over treatment options ensued before Payton fi nally had surgery and recovered in time to play his fi nal football season.

AUDREY TELKAMP For Audrey, playing sports as well as coaching and refereeing at the Mountain View YMCA have provided countless opportunities for growth as well as High School many meaningful and lasting memories. 8 2020 REACH NOMINEES

From rehabbing her way back after twice tearing her ACL to intense Gurpreet Uppal workout sessions to improve her keeper skills to holding down a job Fremont High School to cover her own club fees, Gurpreet brings tenacity and heart to all that she does.

At fi rst the SoCal native felt daunted by her new school, but then VICTORIA VALDEZ a teacher suggested a learning disability might be the issue. After Monta Vista getting the help she needed, Victoria soon found her confi dence as High School a student and athlete.

Tearing his ACL at the fi rst club soccer practice of the year wiped SIGI VALENCIA out two things for Sigi: a promising senior season and his dream to Los Gatos High School lead his team to its fi rst CCS title in decades. He found a way to be there for the team - as an asst. coach - and realized that through adversity comes gratitude.

Aiden believes overcoming adversity is inherent to being an athlete AIDEN VELESQUEZ and that every challenge provides an opportunity to strengthen Branham High School one’s character. He credits his teammates with instilling in him a deep sense of camaraderie.

After making the varsity team as a freshman, Xitlali worked tirelessly XITLALI VENEGAS to meet the high expectations set for her. She learned to accept William C. Overfelt playing different roles as needed, understanding that adaptability is High School essential for lifelong success.

High school may not have been an easy adjustment for Alan, but ALAN VILLANUEVA after a friend twice encouraged him to try out for sports, he landed William C. Overfelt a spot on the badminton team, where he excelled for four years and High School also found his confi dence.

A health condition requiring regular doctor visits prevented Elaine ELAINE-JANE from dedicating time to school and sports. Her desire to be a great S. VILORIA swimmer provided hope and empowered her to achieve her goals. William C. Overfelt High School Kimberly played basketball for both her high school and local KIMBERLY VO community center. After her father passed away suddenly, she found Andrew Hill strength and support through her basketball families – for which she High School will always be grateful. 9 "Recognizing Excellence, Adversity, Courage and Hard work"

The REACH Youth Scholarship program recognizes student-athletes who have overcome adversity to excel in the classroom and on the playing field. Each spring, the high schools of Santa Clara County are invited to participate in the program by identifying and nominating qualified student-athletes for consideration. To date, the program has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarship funds to hundreds of deserving high school seniors whose accomplishments, fortitude, and resilience continue to inspire.

The San Jose Sports Authority is the sports marketing agency for the City of San Jose. A nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to bringing premier sporting events to the area as well as promoting youth and amateur athletics through our community programs. We are proud to bring you the 24th annual REACH Youth Scholarship Awards.

John Poch | Executive Director Carrie Benjamin | Director of Events Darren Centi | Event Specialist DONATE

DONATE TODAY! Show Your Support

Over the past 24 years, the REACH Youth Scholarship 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 lon- gevity 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 QR CODE givebutter.com/ “REACH” to REACH2020 202-858-1233 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADVISORY BOARD Bernard Muir | Stanford University Kim Walesh | City of San Jose

12 THANK YOU

2020 PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLS Andrew Hill High School Anzar High School Apollo Academy Branham High School Eastside College Prep. School FINAL NOTES Fremont High School To the 2020 REACH Youth Scholarship Henry M. Gunn High School Finalists: Thank you for being a part of Homestead High School this year’s program and sharing your Latino College Prep Academy stories with us. We wish you the best! Leigh High School Los Gatos High School Lynbrook High School Archbishop Mitty High School THANK YOU, Monta Vista High School also, to every parent, sibling, aunt, Mountain View High School uncle, grandparent, extended family William C. Overfelt High School member, school administrator, guidance Presentation High School counselor, teacher, athletic director, Prospect High School coach, mentor, faith leader and friend, Santa Teresa High School as well as anyone not listed here, who Saratoga High School serves as a positive influence and role Silver Creek High School model in the lives of the students of Luis Valdez Leadership Academy San Jose and Santa Clara County. You Valley Christian High School inspire us to REACH. Westmont High School Wilcox High School