Gunnison Valley High’s Ramiro Mendoza recognized nationally for resilience, leadership

INDIANAPOLIS—The National Federation of State High School Associations has named Gunnison Valley High School student-athlete Ramiro Mendoza as a winner of the 2026 Spirit of Sport Award.

Mendoza is a four-year letter winner for the Gunnison Valley football and wrestling squads, but a major injury during a football game last season sent the linebacker by helicopter to the hospital for surgery to save his life. Mendoza had a kidney removed and has endured a slow and painful recovery.

Gunnison Valley athletic director Rhett Jackson said Mendoza has been an inspiration to all students at the school, regardless of whether they are athletes.

“Through his slow and difficult recovery, Ramiro maintained a fantastic attitude, and demonstrated an amazing desire to support his fellow teammates through the rest of the football season and all of the wrestling season,” Jackson said. “He has served as an inspiration to the entire student body on what it means to be courageous in the face of immense physical pain, the emotional trauma of losing his own opportunities, and the life changes that have come with losing a kidney.”

According to NFHS official Jordan Morey, Mendoza’s “upbeat attitude and encouragement of his teammates have served as an inspiration to all.”

“Mendoza’s journey embodies the very spirit behind the NFHS Spirit of Sport Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate resilience, courage, and the core values of education-based athletics,” Morey added.

Nominations for the award were generated through NFHS member state associations and reviewed by the NFHS National High School Spirit of Sport Award Selection Committee. Mendoza, along with other winners, will be recognized June 26 at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City.

The National High School Spirit of Sport Award was started in 2008.