2020

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

Presented by

REACHsteve hallgrimsonf o u n d a t i o n

REACH SPONSORS

GOLDSPONSORS

SILVERSPONSORS

IN-KINDSPONSORS

DIAMONDSPONSORS

PLATINUMSPONSORS

Presented by

Mike Bruner, Ronnie Lott, Larry Stone, 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, Jacqueline-Rochell Lopez, Jeffrey Sanchez, Jennifer Pitzen, 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

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Welcome to the 24th Annual REACH 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.

REACH YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEEDawn Sweatt, Chair | Berliner Cohen

Dr. Cole Armstrong | San Jose State UniversityGinna Baldassarre | Adobe

LiLinda Carta-Samuels - San Jose MarriottKraig Constantino | Intero FoundationJennifer Cosgrove | Intero FoundationStacy McCorkle | San Francisco 49ers

Amy Linton | ArcadisJed Mettee | San Jose Earthquakes

Duane Morgan | Central Coast SectionElizabeth Narwal | Aduro Advisors

Ron Olander | The Olander CompanyMarissa O’Rourke | Service NowPatti Palmer | San Jose Marriott

Rahul Patel | QualcommSal Pizarro | San Jose Mercury News

Jacqueline-Rochelle Lopez | Team San Jose Neil Santiago | Heritage Bank of Commerce

Jennifer Wilson-Pitzen | NTC Foundation

REACHWELCOME

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

BROADCAST DATES & TIMES (ALL TIMES PDT)

CHANNEL FINDER

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

ONLINE STREAMING

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BROADCAST INFO

Presented by

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

6 a.m.7 a.m.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

5 p.m.8 p.m.11 p.m.

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA NBC SPORTS CALIFORNIA

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

2020 REACH Youth Scholarship Awards ShowNBC Sports Bay Area Broadcast

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERSCarrie Benjamin

Robert Braunstein

SAN JOSE SPORTS AUTHORITYJohn Poch, Executive Director

Carrie Benjamin, Director of EventsDarren Centi, Event Specialist

49ers Cal-Hi SPORTS REPORTRobert Braunstein, Executive Producer and Co-Host

Aubrie Tolliver, Producer and Co-HostChiara Biagini, Reporter

Adrian Soriano, Videographer

NBC SPORTS BAY AREA Ben Rodrigues, Sr. Director of Programming

REACH HONORARY CO-CHAIRSBrandi Chastain

Ronnie Lott

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS Mike Kerhin, Atomic ProductionsSheryl Spain, Better Call Sheryl

SPECIAL THANKSBrent Burns, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Garoppolo, James Jones

Mayor Sam Liccardo, Devyn Lopez, JT Marcinkowski, Rahul Patel

FOOTAGE & PHOTOS COURTESY OF49ers 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

PRODUCTION CREDITS

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2020 REACH NOMINEES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspired and motivated by his mother, coaches, and teammates to do well in the classroom and on the football fi eld, Leonardo is now a mentor to the younger players.

ISABELLEALDUINOWestmont High School

NINA BARRYValley Christian High School

RICKY AMADOREastside College Preparatory School

JESSLYN CABANGBANGBranham High School

CYNTHIADHARMAWANHenry M. Gunn High School

CESAR BARAJASLatino College Preparatory Academy

LEONARDO CAMPOSWilliam C. Overfelt High School

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

ELLIE BLACHPresentation High School

Molly and her four sisters had to pull together after their father’s death and mother’s ongoing struggles with addiction. Molly found

solace – and success – on the volleyball and basketball courts, honoring her father’s memory through her commitment to school

and athletics.

Born with severe food allergies and asthma, sports became Brandon’s motivation to persevere. Despite pain in his lungs and the

shortness of breath, Brandon lettered in 10 varsity sports and will compete as a distance runner in college.

Molly and her four sisters had to pull together after their father’s death and mother’s ongoing struggles with addiction. Molly found solace – and success – on the volleyball and basketball courts and

honored her father’s memory through her commitment to school and athletics.

Gangs and drugs are all too real in Katherine’s East San Jose neighborhood. With the goal of attending college at the forefront of her mind, Katherine relied on softball for the structure and support

she needed to excel.

Samuel juggled several jobs to contribute to the family fi nances and helped care for his grandmother until her passing last year. He

credits his love of family for his success in school and sports.

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2020 REACH NOMINEES

MASON ECHOLSEastside College

Preparatory School

BRANDON JOHNSON

Santa TeresaHigh School

MOLLY EREZOSilver Creek High School

KATHERINEKINDLE

William C. Overfelt High School

SAMUEL ESPINO HERNANDEZ

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy

The demands on her time were relentless, but as Bailey learned to balance her academic and athletic commitments, she also developed her leadership skills and the ability to speak up on

behalf of others.

BAILEY ERICKSONProspect High School

As Rachel and her family made multiple moves across the country, she used sports as an outlet and to develop friendships. Injuries

were another challenge, but she acquired the will and stamina of a champion.

A champion cheerleader with exceptional leadership skills, Angelique creatively relied on her sport to excel in the classroom,

using rhythm, rhymes, and repetition to overcome a learning disability.

RACHEL GRANTHenry M. Gunn

High School

ANGELIQUEGONZALES

Anzar High School

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Born into trauma and dysfunction, Jonathan found strength and 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.

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

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

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

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

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

JONATHAN LESLIELynbrook High School

NANCY MIRANDALuis Valdez Leadership Academy

JASMINE LOYOLA- TINNEYWilcox High School

GLORIA MOTO–TORRESWilliam C. Overfelt High School

ANTHONY MADRIGALValley Christian High School

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

BRYAN NIETOAndrew Hill High School

MASON MANCALos Gatos High School

2020 REACH NOMINEES

Being born to a single teenage mother may have its challenges, but 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.

KIYOMI NGUYENBranham High School

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

Alondra’s neighborhood can be tough, but her love of school and enthusiasm for soccer have helped her to look past its shortcomings

and challenges. Service-oriented at heart, she hopes to become a social worker.

Tristin grew up fast. His older brother has special needs and is non-verbal, and for as long as he could remember, his mom was

battling breast cancer. After she passed away when he was 11 years 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.

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As an athlete and a team captain, Evelen learned how to free her mind and enjoy her time on the volleyball court as well as how to

solve confl ict and build trust on a team, boosting her self-confi dence and mental clarity.

JOHN PANTOJAArchbishop Mitty

High School

ALONDRA RODRIGUEZ

VIDRIOLuis Valdez

Leadership Academy

Basketball was the one thing keeping Cynthia strong when everything around her was out of control. Cynthia credits her coach for seeing her potential when she could not – a lesson

she will never forget.

CYNTHIA OLIVOApollo Academy

TRISTIN PELLETAIRE

Leigh High School

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

dad would be proud.

COLBY OKINAKAMonta Vista

High School

EVELEN SAHAGUN-

OROCIOLuis Valdez

Leadership Academy

2020 REACH NOMINEES

Naysayers can be loud, but Dallas’ determination to play pro soccer is louder. His work ethic sustains him, while criticism fuels him.

As he pursues his goals, Dallas aims to help kids achieve their dreams, too.

DALLAS ODLEHomestead

High School

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2020 REACH NOMINEES

After tearing her meniscus, Samantha worked hard to rehab her knee, only to be met with disappointment when she did not make 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 learned how to overcome life’s challenges by running from them – literally. An avid runner, he fi nds joy in beating in his own times and pushing beyond his limits. He plans to run in the Chicago marathon this fall.

When Lamin moved from war-torn Sierra Leone to the U.S., sports 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.

After several misdiagnoses, Payton learned a bone tumor was causing 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.

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

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

For Audrey, playing sports as well as coaching and refereeing at the YMCA have provided countless opportunities for growth as well as many meaningful and lasting memories.

SAMANTHA ROSSArchbishop Mitty High School

LAMIN SANNOHLeigh High School

EITAN SMOLYARHenry M. Gunn High School

RAYMOND RUIZEastside College Preparatory School

PAYTON STOKESSaratoga High School

CHRIS SAGAHONBranham High School

AUDREY TELKAMPMountain ViewHigh School

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

JUAN SOLISLatino College Preparatory High School

From rehabbing her way back after twice tearing her ACL to intense workout sessions to improve her keeper skills to holding down a job to cover her own club fees, Gurpreet brings tenacity and heart to all

that she does.

High school may not have been an easy adjustment for Alan, but after a friend twice encouraged him to try out for sports, he landed

a spot on the badminton team, where he excelled for four years and also found his confi dence.

At fi rst the SoCal native felt daunted by her new school, but then a teacher suggested a learning disability might be the issue. After

getting the help she needed, Victoria soon found her confi dence as a student and athlete.

A health condition requiring regular doctor visits prevented Elaine from dedicating time to school and sports. Her desire to be a great swimmer provided hope and empowered her to achieve her goals.

Aiden believes overcoming adversity is inherent to being an athlete and that every challenge provides an opportunity to strengthen

one’s character. He credits his teammates with instilling in him a deep sense of camaraderie.

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2020 REACH NOMINEES

Gurpreet UppalFremont High School

ALAN VILLANUEVAWilliam C. Overfelt

High School

VICTORIA VALDEZMonta Vista

High School

ELAINE-JANE S. VILORIA

William C. Overfelt High School

AIDEN VELESQUEZBranham High School

Tearing his ACL at the fi rst club soccer practice of the year wiped out two things for Sigi: a promising senior season and his dream to 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.

SIGI VALENCIALos Gatos High School

After making the varsity team as a freshman, Xitlali worked tirelessly to meet the high expectations set for her. She learned to accept

playing different roles as needed, understanding that adaptability is essential for lifelong success.

XITLALI VENEGASWilliam C. Overfelt

High School

Kimberly played basketball for both her high school and local community center. After her father passed away suddenly, she found strength and support through her basketball families – for which she

will always be grateful.

KIMBERLY VOAndrew Hill High School

John Poch | Executive Director

Carrie Benjamin | Director of Events

Darren Centi | Event Specialist

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.

"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.

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 indi-vidual 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!

DONATE TODAY!Show Your Support

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 –

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 indi-vidual donors and corporate sponsorships.

DONATE TODAY!Show Your SupportShow 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

Show Your SupportShow Your Support

DONATE

THREE WAYS TO DONATE:

ONLINE

givebutter.com/REACH2020

TEXT

“REACH” to 202-858-1233

QR CODE

SAN JOSE SPORTS AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Charlie Faas, Chair | San Jose State UniversityVictor Arrañaga, Jr. | Hewlett-Packard Company

Renee Baumgartner | Santa Clara UniversityJamie Breslin | Stanford University

Anne Cribbs | Anne Cribbs & CompanyDev Davis | City of San Jose

Andy Dolich | Dolich ConsultingAl Guido | San Francisco 49ers

Erik Hallgrimson | Cushman & WakefieldJames Hamnett | San Jose Sharks Sergio Jimenez | City of San Jose

Matthew Martinucci | Team San Jose Lally Narwal | Waymo

Gloria Nevarez | West Coast ConferenceJared Shawlee | San Jose Earthquakes

John Southwell | San Jose MarriottLarry Stone | Office of the Santa Clara County Assessor

Marie Tuite | San Jose State UniversityJamie Zaninovich | PAC 12 Conference

Blage Zelalich | City of San Jose

ADVISORY BOARDBernard Muir | Stanford University

Kim Walesh | City of San Jose

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2020 PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLSAndrew Hill High SchoolAnzar High SchoolApollo AcademyBranham High SchoolEastside College Prep. School Fremont High SchoolHenry M. Gunn High SchoolHomestead High SchoolLatino College Prep AcademyLeigh High SchoolLos Gatos High SchoolLynbrook High SchoolArchbishop Mitty High SchoolMonta Vista High SchoolMountain View High SchoolWilliam C. Overfelt High SchoolPresentation High SchoolProspect High SchoolSanta Teresa High SchoolSaratoga High SchoolSilver Creek High SchoolLuis Valdez Leadership AcademyValley Christian High SchoolWestmont High SchoolWilcox High School

FINAL NOTESTo the 2020 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!

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.

THANK YOU

THANK YOU,