Franceska Colocado, 19, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, has been named a regional honoree for the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award. The award recognizes young leaders who are making a lasting impact in their communities through service and advocacy.
"Billie Jean King's legacy is super big. She fought a lot for women's sports, and that's something I heavily align with," Colocado said. "In addition to that, I am passionate about championing change through sports."
Colocado is the founder of Gear for Greatness Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to removing financial and accessibility barriers that prevent young people from participating in sports. It's a program she was inspired to start three years ago while playing competitive volleyball in Webster.
Since its founding, Gear for Greatness has served more than 1,500 athletes, awarded more than $5,000 in financial assistance, and distributed more than 500 pieces of sports equipment to athletes locally and internationally.
"Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't," Colocado said. "We are dedicated to bridging the gap for athletes by supporting their financial support, gear, and education resources so they can be the best athlete on and off the court."
Colocado is one of 20 students who were honored with the regional award. Three others, including Kelis Armstrong of Dallas, Texas, were named national winners and will be honored during the 2026 ESPY Awards broadcast.
Here's everything fans and viewers need to know about the 2026 ESPY Awards.
When are the ESPYS?
The show takes place Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
How to watch the 2026 ESPYS
The 2026 ESPYS will broadcast live on ABC and stream on ESPN+ on the ESPN app.
It will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu, Disney+, the ESPN App, and ABC Video on Demand.
Who is hosting the 2026 ESPYS?
Comedian Marcello Hernández will host the ceremony for the first time and said "it is an honor, and frankly feels crazy" to be doing so.
Where are the 2026 ESPYS?
This year marks the ESPYS return to New York City, where the event will air live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
The annual awards, which were previously held at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, were last held in New York in 2021.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ESPN and ABC13.