SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — Isaac Sandoval (South HS, Bakersfield), Chloe Teil (Branham HS, San Jose), Rocco Tompkins (JSerra Catholic HS), Ansh Vinchhi (Righetti HS, Santa Maria), Kira Wong (George Washington HS, San Francisco), and Camellia Zahiri (Harvard-Westlake School) were named the recipients of the prestigious CIF Spirit of Sport Award for the 2025-26 school year. These six statewide winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship, an award, a commemorative patch, and be recognized at the spring CIF Federated Council luncheon on April 24, 2026, in Oakland.
“The CIF Spirit of Sport Award honors student-athletes who exemplify character, leadership, and dedication,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “These individuals lead by example, demonstrating integrity, sportsmanship, and a strong commitment to their communities.”
The CIF Spirit of Sport Award recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated the 16 principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm, are active in school and community service, and exhibit leadership qualities. The principles of Pursuing Victory with Honorsm are the operating principles of the CIF and have been adopted by the 1,628-member high schools throughout the state.
Fall Honorees
Rocco Tompkins is a three-sport athlete at JSerra Catholic High School, San Juan Capistrano, participating in football (captain), lacrosse, and wrestling as a senior. He is the founder of Tri Saxum Foundation, a nonprofit that helps youth engage in sports/activities by removing financial barriers so they can stay active, connected, and grow through the power of sports and community. Additionally, Tompkins is an Eagle Scout, a CSF member, and is part of the Engineering Magnet Honors program at JSerra.
Tompkins reflected on being part of a team, “I learned about different cultures, perspectives, and what it means to genuinely belong. These are my brothers. My family. That is what education-based athletics is all about: belonging, growing, learning, connecting, and competing together.”
Camellia Zahiri is the captain of the Girls Volleyball and Girls Beach Volleyball teams at Harvard-Westlake School, Studio City. She is a DigPink Ambassador, organizing her team's PinkDay program and tournaments through the Side-Out Foundation, and she is the President of the UNICEF Club. Zahiri is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Additionally, she is the leader and founder of Harvard-Westlake Stride for Change, organizing annual marathons to raise funds for community-based programs focused on women’s health.
“Education-based athletics gave me a strong sense of community,” stated Zahiri. “I tried to give others the same feeling by creating an environment where everyone felt involved and supported. This is what I will remember most from my four years in high school sports.”
Winter Honorees
Isaac Sandoval is a three-sport athlete at South High School, Bakersfield, participating in soccer, football, and track & field. He currently serves as the SHS Athletic Commissioner in ASB, is the Link Crew President, and is a member of FCA. Additionally, Sandoval serves as a youth sports coach and referee.
“Even though my time in high school is ending and I'll soon turn in that jersey for good, the lessons and family I gained, and the positive influence I had on others and on me, define what a good high school career is,” states Sandoval.
Kira Wong is captain of the girls basketball team at George Washington High School, San Francisco. She is the co-President and Founder of the Young at Heart Club, volunteering and spreading kindness to senior citizens. Wong is also a member of the Physical Therapy Club, the Athletes in Math Club, and the Beacon Buddies Club. Additionally, she serves as an elementary and middle school basketball coach.
“My senior year, I was named team captain,” stated Wong. “I focused on creating the same environment that once supported me, one built on accountability, encouragement, and
respect. I led by example, checked in with teammates, and worked to ensure everyone felt confident in their role. I'm so grateful that I got to grow on and off the court the past four years, and I was able to pick up values and lessons along the way.”
Spring Honorees
Chloe Teil is a two-sport athlete at Branham High School, San Jose, participating in track & field and cross country. She is a member of the school’s choir and National Honor Society, is President of the French National Honor Society, and has served as President, VP, and Secretary of the BHS Injury Prevention Club. Additionally, Teil has also been a member of the Girl Scouts since 2013.
“The most satisfying thing to come from my career at Branham has been watching all of my teammates grow, each succeeding in running and, more importantly, in life,” stated Teil. “After years of dedication and hard work, we have a team that trusts each other and is always there when someone needs support. We may not all have something in common outside of practice, but at the end of the day, we are all teammates, and that is what brings us together.”
Ansh Vinchhi is a two-sport athlete at Righetti High School, Santa Maria, serving as captain of the track & field and cross country teams. He is the founder and President of the Engineering Club at RHS, President of the Interact Club, and a member of the National Honor Society. Vinchhi is also an Eagle Scout and has interned with Cal Poly SLO Aerospace Engineering Lab for two years.
“As a team captain, I’ve enjoyed helping younger athletes remain motivated through such a physically challenging and mentally demanding sport,” stated Vinchhi. “Once this chapter of my life closes, I hope to leave a lasting impression on my team not through fast times or awards, but by inspiring the next generation of athletes to lead and serve their team, just as my coach had inspired me.”
Additionally, the CIF will select a male and female Section winner, for each season of sport, from all submitted applications to receive a $1,000 scholarship. A list of all Section recipients will be announced on www.cifstate.org later.