January 2023 - Leo Lopoz '94, VP for Athletics

Let us remember…..we are in the holy presence of God.  

Hello Spartan Nation!  

Happy New Year!  It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to update you on Spartan athletics. As many of you know, we are in constant year-round activity in athletics. Like many other areas of life, we live in an ever-changing, challenging athletic environment. The past year presented many new variables and challenges for our coaches and student-athletes. It is therefore important to take a moment and reflect on the great achievements and growth we have been able to experience with our student-athletes over the last few months. With continued dedication and commitment to our mission, we have been able to sustain, evolve, and thrive. The entire De La Salle community should be proud of the accomplishments of 2022, both on and off the field of play.         

In particular, I’d like to take a moment to recognize some of our fall accomplishments that continue to make our athletic program stand out as one of the best in the nation. 

• Congratulations to our fall student-athletes and coaches! Cross country, football, and water polo combined secured one league championship, two North Coast Section championships, and state runner-up in football. 

• National Letter of Intent - Thus far for 2022-23, after two signing periods, 16 Spartans have committed to play at the next level. Congratulations to all these student-athletes. We wish you continued success at the NCAA level. For multiple years, we've averaged more than 5% of our senior class, signing national letter of intent commitments to NCAA institutions.    

• Thank you to the many volunteers that work tirelessly behind the scenes to help support the needs of our student-athletes and coaches. From game operations to team dinners to special events, the call is always answered by someone in our community. Our volunteers are essential to supporting and representing the De La Salle community countless times each year! 

As we look to the year ahead, I want to take this opportunity to outline some of our goals for the De La Salle athletic community. 

1. Continue to focus our emphasis and operate as an educational athletic program centered on providing a Lasallian-based co-curricular experience.  

2. Demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who have chosen to dedicate themselves to working with our student-athletes. We are blessed to have phenomenal coaches who are teachers first and foremost and coaches second.    

3. Encourage high levels of integrity and class when our Spartans are competing. The passion, love, and support shown toward our student-athletes at all levels is second to none.  Let’s continue to show respect to all involved in athletic contests - student-athletes, players, spectators, and officials.  

I want to finish by saying that the success of the entire athletic program is only possible through support from alumni, fans, friends, families, and faculty and staff. We are grateful for your dedication in supporting these young men on and off the playing field, and in helping them become Men of Faith, Integrity, and Scholarship. 

Saint John Baptist de La Salle…..Pray for us 

Live Jesus in our hearts…… Forever

Mr.  Leo Lopoz '94
Vice President for Athletics 

Please continue to support and follow our student-athletes. For schedules, rosters, and news, please download the DLS Spartans app and go to www.dlsspartans.org