February 2026, Leo Lopoz, VP for Athletics

Dear Spartan Nation,

The Spartan community has begun the 2026 school year with great momentum, as our students participate in numerous academic and co-curricular opportunities. From Theater Arts to Athletics to the annual Crab Feed, our community continues to be a place where all members are able to thrive and enjoy being part of Winton Drive in many different activities.  

As January came to a close, we’ve had around 400 student-athletes participate in the first six sports of the school year. Our winter sports teams have been competing at a high level in 2026, and I want to take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of both our fall and winter sports programs. 

Our student-athletes achieved many incredible milestones during the first semester – both individually and, more importantly, as teams. Their efforts continue to make our entire athletic program stand out as one of the best in the nation.

• Our fall sports programs (cross country, football, and water polo) captured two league championships (water polo and basketball), a North Coast Section championship, and were highlighted by football’s runner-up state finish in the Open Division. Congratulations to these student-athletes and coaches on their tremendous success. 
• It is also important to note that all of our fall teams finished with a combined team GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• We had great turnouts at several of our alumni affinity events. It is always heartwarming to reconnect with alumni over the holidays and see them interact with our current Spartans. Thank you for the continued support of our alumni! 
• Our winter sports teams (basketball, soccer, and wrestling) had a busy Christmas break, with our teams traveling to Southern California to compete against some of the best programs in the state.
• In keeping with our Lasallian charism to “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve,” our teams also participated in various service-learning activities during the first semester, including turkey drives, food donations, and book readings with local elementary students, to name a few.
• We have been blessed with 21 senior student-athletes committing to play at the NCAA level next year. Please see more information on our NLI Signing webpage.  

As we transition from winter to spring, there is no shortage of exciting events and activities. Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to come out and support our student-athletes. Spring sports officially begin on February 9.

We also pause in remembrance and offer our deepest condolences to our Golf Coach Jim Collins and his family following his unexpected passing. Coach Collins touched so many lives on and off the golf course and around Northern California for decades and will never be forgotten. Please keep them in your prayers during this difficult time.

As I close, I want to recognize that the strength of our athletic program is built on the incredible support of our alumni, fans, friends, families, faculty, and staff. Thank you for the many ways you support our young men, both on and off the field of play, and for helping shape them into Men of Faith, Integrity, and Scholarship. I am especially grateful to our volunteers who generously give their time and talents behind the scenes to support our student-athletes and coaches and to represent our De La Salle community throughout the year. 

Please continue to support our student-athletes by following us on the De La Salle app, social media, and live stream. I look forward to seeing you at a game soon!  

Live Jesus in our hearts,

Leo Lopoz
Vice President for Athletics