Positive Athlete West Region

From an East Hollywood parking lot to a globally loved brand, is one of those Los Angeles stories that reminds you what can happen when people believe in an idea and keep going.

Started by three childhood friends with just $900 and a dream, Dave’s built something that caught fire because people showed up, believed in it, and kept coming back. That kind of journey means something in a room full of student-athletes who are just beginning to shape careers, futures, and dreams of their own. It is a true Los Angeles reminder that where you start does not determine where you can go. That is exactly the kind of message we want surrounding our student-athletes as they think about what comes next, pursue big goals, and begin building futures of their own.

We are proud to have Dave’s Hot Chicken as our catering partner for the 2026 Los Angeles Positive Athlete Recognition Event. Thank you for helping us bring both incredible food and a true Los Angeles success story to this special night.

We’re honored to recognize this outstanding group of award winners from Washington in the West Region. Each of these leaders brings character, leadership, and impact to their communities.

Bud Bannon, Kent-Meridian High School, Football, Flag Football
Beloved coach known for building athlete confidence, creating positive team culture, and leading every practice with encouragement and heart.

Andria Terry, Woodland High School, Dance
Built Woodland into a perennial state dance contender while holding athletes to elite standards in academics, leadership, humility, and work ethic.

Shayna Heimbigner, Easton School, Volleyball
Led Easton volleyball to a Districts run while building a joyful, community-driven culture rooted in mentorship, accountability, and team connection.

Jordin Alexander, Mount Tahoma High School, Track & Field, Volleyball
AVID tutor, student mentor, and thoughtful leader known for honest advice, uplifting teammates, and creating supportive environments for others.

That wraps our Award Winner announcements from Washington. Congratulations to this outstanding group of nominees. That concludes our announcements from all West Region markets. Thank you for celebrating with us over the last week!

The celebration continues today as we’re proud to highlight our last groups of Award Winners from the West Region, this time from Washington. These nominees truly represent what it means to be a Positive Athlete!

Lexie Zabel, Everett High School, Hockey, Bowling
Multi-year captain and state qualifier who persevered through a house fire and loss of her bowling coach while mentoring teammates with positivity.
 
Theodore Molnar, Sammamish High School, Football, Baseball
Three-sport leader overcoming Crohn’s disease while mentoring teammates, leading AP Calc study groups, earning biliteracy honors, and serving family daily.

Sophie Lin, Mercer Island High School, Artistic Swimming, Swimming
National artistic swimmer, DECA state champion, Level 2 coach and judge, Food Lifeline volunteer, and mentor who returned stronger after a knee injury.
 
Zander Morrow, Mabton High School, Basketball, Track & Field
Gave up a shot at an individual state title to help Unified athletes win state while serving as student board rep, captain, referee, and mentor.

Jordin Alexander, Mount Tahoma High School, Sport Not Listed
AVID tutor, student mentor, and thoughtful leader known for honest advice, uplifting teammates, and creating supportive environments for others.

Matvii Ustinov, Lake Washington High School, Judo
Mariupol war survivor and Type 1 diabetic using judo, resilience, and leadership to rebuild his life while inspiring others through adversity.

Brynn Hughbanks, Chelan High School, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball
4x state volleyball champion, 3x WA Player of the Year, Florida State beach commit, volunteer youth coach, and humble small-town leader with a 4.0 GPA.

More Washington winners are on the way today—keep following along as we continue the announcements.

The stories behind these Coach and AD nominees made a lasting impression on us, and we are proud to name them 2026 Award Winners in the Outer Two market. These school leaders continue to raise the bar in every way.

Jeremy Honold, Hanalani Schools, Athletic Director, Cross Country & Track & Field
Respected athletic director and coach who leads with faith, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to putting students first.

Charles Hiers, Hanalani Schools, Basketball & Flag Football
Beloved mentor and coach known for building trust, leading with integrity, and investing deeply in every student-athlete he serves.

Keila Tsutsui, Hanalani Schools, Basketball
Former Hanalani standout turned mentor and coach inspiring young athletes through humility, leadership, and genuine care for her players.

That concludes our Outer Two market announcements! Stay tuned as we continue recognizing winners from the West Region through tomorrow afternoon.

Today we shine a light on Hawaii and Alaska, where we were incredibly inspired by the stories shared about these nominees, so much that we chose them as some of our Award Winners in the Outer Two market for 2026. Read more about them here:

Kamalei Sanchez, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Wrestling
Two-time Hawaii state wrestling placer, team captain, special education volunteer, and future forensic pathologist rooted in service and culture.

Kingston Cabreros, Maui High School, Air Riflery & Muay Thai
State air riflery qualifier, award-winning student filmmaker, Muay Thai competitor, and 4.1 GPA freshman praised for unmatched discipline and leadership.

Bristol Clifton, Sitka High School, Volleyball, Basketball & Softball
ACL recovery inspired teammates as she became her teams’ biggest supporter while balancing leadership, fly fishing, and Alaska community service.

Evan Hadfield, Homeschool, Swimming
Founded Wavemakers Worldwide providing swim gear to 100+ athletes across Africa, teaches water safety in Hawaii, and leads homeschool service clubs.

Alex Marx-Beierly, Juneau-Douglas High School, Wrestling
Formerly bullied student turned state wrestling qualifier, youth coach, Alaska Native culture mentor, and transformational leader in Juneau wrestling.

Chloe Obuhanych, Pearl City High School, Wrestling & Shooting Sports
Athlete with Selective Mutism whose resilience, trust-building, and silent leadership redefine what strength and communication look like in sports.

Iris Garrick, Polaris K-12 School, Equestrian
USEF dressage competitor, Alaska Dressage junior board member, and Girl Scout Gold Award leader advocating for horse trail safety after injury.

Keep following along as we announce even more Award Winners from the Outer Two market later today. Other West Region award winners to be announced tomorrow.

Next up, we are recognizing the Coach and Athletic Trainer award winners from Nevada. Get to know these exceptional school leaders:

Sequoia Holmes, Mojave High School, Basketball
Former UNLV and professional standout returned to her alma mater to mentor, inspire, and empower young women through basketball and leadership.

Sopheap Khuon, Cimarron-Memorial High School, Volleyball
Respected volleyball coach who overcame facility challenges to keep athletes competing while teaching accountability, sportsmanship, and leadership.

Rachel Levy, Desert Oasis High School, Athletic Trainer
Desert Oasis alum and trusted athletic trainer known for exceptional care, athlete advocacy, and building lasting trust with student-athletes.

That concludes our Nevada winner announcements! We’ve got plenty ahead, so follow along with us as we continue to celebrate incredible winners from the West Region through Monday.

Today, we’re delighted to recognize our award winners in the West Region from Nevada. This year, we’re recognizing more award winners from Nevada than ever before.

Trey Lundeen, Dayton High School, Wrestling
National student leadership representative, class president, wrestler, Starbucks employee, and daily source of positivity across campus.

Melina Duffy, Bishop Gorman High School, Track & Field
Honor Roll captain balancing varsity athletics, dentistry volunteering, Miracle League service, and leadership supporting athletes of all abilities.

Landon Bates, Fernley High School, Soccer
4.06 GPA striker, JV captain, youth soccer coach, dual-enrollment architecture student, and self-made entrepreneur funding his soccer dreams.

Dylan Ekins-Faught, Churchill County High School, Basketball & Volleyball
A scholar-athlete, church youth leader, varsity athlete, soup kitchen volunteer, and compassionate mentor known for resilience and positivity.

Connor FitzSimons, Lincoln County High School, Football & Basketball
Multi-sport athlete, volunteer firefighter trainee, JAG officer, and community leader dedicated to service, teamwork, and helping others first.

Danny Taylor, Sparks High School, Football, Track & Field & Wrestling
Valedictorian, state track champion, three-sport varsity leader, youth sports official, and humble role model known for relentless work ethic.

Siena Tinderholt, Coronado High School, Archery
Multi-time Nevada archery champion, Culture Club president, AP scholar, youth mentor, and aspiring geophysics researcher passionate about service.

Be sure to continue following along as we announce our School Official winners later today. More market recognition to be announced in the coming days.

Next up, we are recognizing outstanding Coach and AD award winners from Southern California. Get to know these exceptional school leaders:

Monique Lamphiere-Tamayoshi, Mt. Carmel High School, Gymnastics
A legendary 36-year coach whose G.R.A.C.E. philosophy helped build 12 CIF titles while preserving and elevating high school gymnastics across San Diego.
 
Jake Erenberg, Palm Valley School, Multi-Sport Coach
A no-cut coach and mentor known for tutoring athletes free of charge, developing the whole student, and creating inclusive opportunities for every player.
 
Jennifer Constuble, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Flag Football
A transformational coach empowering young women through mentorship, resilience, and leadership while building one of California’s premier girls flag football cultures.
 
Darin Mott, Murrieta Valley High School, Athletic Director
A respected athletic director known for his open-door leadership, mentorship, and commitment to creating a unified and positive culture for every program on campus.
 
That concludes our Southern California winner announcements. We’ve got plenty ahead, so follow along with us as we continue to celebrate winners from the West Region this week.

We’re back with more amazing award winners from the West Region, featuring standout nominees from Southern California. Their stories continue to inspire us:

James Obleda, Mater Dei High School, Soccer
A CIF State Champion captain, RAD camp counselor, and Second Harvest volunteer known for making every teammate feel seen, valued, and included.
 
Melayna Kiflezghie, Villa Park High School, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball
A Best Buddies vice president and youth volleyball coach helping create inclusive spaces while leading student culture across Orange County schools.
 
Chris Adamson, Mission Bay High School, Track & Field
A legally blind national T11 record holder and future SDSU athlete advocating for inclusion while redefining what’s possible in high school sports.
 
Amiah Olvera, Rancho Mirage High School, Softball
A CIF Champion captain and honor student known for creating positive team culture while leading teammates with accountability, humility, and encouragement.

Edwin Flores Jr., Bonita Vista High School, Wrestling
A top San Diego wrestler and future physician mentoring youth athletes, coaching elementary students, and overcoming a major knee injury with resilience.

Kaylah Tasser, JSerra Catholic High School, Cross Country, Track & Field, Soccer
A Nike Cross Nationals runner and Medical Magnet scholar leading hospital service projects, environmental initiatives, and community drives across the OC.

Gavin Gabal, Aliso Niguel High School, Water Polo, Swimming
A National Merit scholar and CIF captain who founded a Cinderella’s Closet chapter, led beach cleanups, and mentored over 40 youth athletes.

There’s more to come—stay with us as we recognize our upcoming Coach and AD winners from Southern California later today. More West Region markets to be announced later this week.

We are stoked to recognize our award winners in the West Region from Southern California. These award winners raise the bar every day around their campuses:
 
Jelena Pivaroff, Mission Viejo High School, Flag Football, Lacrosse
A Girls Flag Football All-American and ASB Athletic Commissioner using her platform to expand recognition, inclusion, and opportunities for female athletes.
 
Patricia Guerrero, Indio High School, Dance, Cheer
A resilient cheerleader and dancer who continues uplifting her teammates and school community despite overcoming the loss of both parents.
 
Gio Visco, California School for the Deaf-Riverside, Basketball, Football, Flag Football, Lacrosse
A USA U21 Deaf National Team selection and class president who broke school scoring records while inspiring inclusion and leadership within the deaf community.
 
Craig Okamura, Beckman High School, Lacrosse
A future aerospace engineer earning his Associate’s Degree in high school while caregiving for his mother after her stroke and serving through UNICEF and NLYM leadership.

Camila Meza, Gompers Preparatory Academy, Tennis
A first-generation student leader pursuing pediatric oncology while mentoring middle schoolers and advocating against youth substance abuse in San Diego.

Paloma Bhangoo, Sage Hill School, Fencing
A state medalist and founder of Riposte & Reuse, the world’s first fencing gear reuse nonprofit supporting athletes from Mexico to India.

Paul Marcelin, El Cajon Valley HS, Football, Wrestling, Swimming
A multilingual ASB Cultural Commissioner who created campus celebrations for Ramadan and Hispanic Heritage Month while leading as football captain.
 
Be sure to continue following along as additional winners from Southern California are announced later today. More West Region markets to be announced through this week.