SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Ryan Liu of Burlingame High School and Mona Sugawara of West High School, Torrance, were selected as the 2026 CIF Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Since 1982, the scholarship award has honored student-athletes who excel in the classroom and athletics and are strong contributors to their schools and communities. They will be recognized at the State Capitol in Sacramento on June 4, and each will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

“Ryan and Mona represent more than 800,000 CIF student-athletes and truly embody what education-based athletics should be,” said CIF State Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “They’ve dedicated countless hours to athletic excellence while achieving at the highest academic level, all while serving their communities.”

Ryan Liu, Burlingame High School (Central Coast Section)

Liu is captain of the Cross Country and Track teams at Burlingame High School. He is the founder and President of the Current Events club at BHS and is also a Panther Pal Ambassador. Additionally, for the past three years, he has served as an intern and researcher for the Burlingame Mayor’s Office, managing field operations, community engagement events, and researching housing demographics. He also volunteered with Congressman Kevin Mullin’s office.

 “…trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship aren't abstract ideals—they're daily choices in how I engage with my community, building connections that make our hometown stronger for everyone,” states Liu.     

• College: University of Pennsylvania
• Primary Sport: Cross Country

Mona Sugawara, West High School, Torrance (Southern Section)

Sugawara is a four-sport athlete at West High School participating in Tennis, Water Polo, Swimming, and Badminton. Additionally, she is involved with the West High Entertainment Unit, where she serves as Section Leader, Head Woodwind Captain, and is a three-year Bassoon Soloist. She is a two-year head captain of the WHS Olympiad, the founder and President of the school Science Club, and the WHS National Science Bowl team. Sugawara is also an intern at the Ocean Surgery Center and previously worked as a research intern at the Lundquist Institute.

“In sports, winning separates the fast from the faster and the strong from the stronger. Yet ironically, athletics—an arena built on distinction—has become the foundation of my unity-driven character,” states Sugawara.