Lassen High standout Jessica Nakanishi was one of six students across the state to be named as recipients of the prestigious CIF ‘Spirit of Sport’ award for the 2023-24 school year. The six winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship, an award, commemorative patch, and be recognized at the spring CIF Federated Council luncheon on April 5th, in San Francisco.
“Congratulations to the six deserving recipients,” said CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti. “These student-athletes embody the intent and spirit of education-based athletics.”
The CIF Spirit of Sport Award recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated the sixteen principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor, are active in school and community service, and exhibit leadership qualities. The principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor are the operating principles of the CIF and have been adopted by the 1,624-member high schools throughout the state.
Nakanishi is captain of the soccer and field hockey teams at Lassen and also serves as the school’s FBLA Community Outreach Officer, is President of Interact Club, and is the public relations officer for CSF.
Additionally, she also plays harp and violin in the Susanville Symphony.
“High School athletics is not only where I made my best memories but also where I made my best friends,” states Nakanishi. “High School athletics gave me a place to belong, and it was a space where I felt secure in who I was… High School Athletics shaped me to not only become the best player I could but also the best person.”
