The scholarship will award $5,000 to Estefani for her academic achievements, demonstrated leadership, and dedication to her community
SAN FRANCISCO (March 17, 2026) – Bay FC announced Estefani Ruiz, an East Palo Alto Academy High School senior, as the club’s Bay Area All Star Scholarship Team (BAASST) winner for her outstanding academic achievements, her commitment to her community, and her dedication to leadership. Estefani, who plans to major in biology, will attend the University of California, Los Angeles, in the fall.
Estefani is a respected leader in her community and has consistently demonstrated a passion for helping others and making a positive impact. Alongside her academic excellence, Estefani is actively involved with Youth United for Community Action, a grassroots nonprofit organization based in East Palo Alto. This organization, established and operated by young people of color—primarily from low-income communities—empowers youth to address environmental and social justice issues. As a member of the organization, Estefani has supported local residents through housing initiatives, environmental justice organizing, and advocacy. Additionally, during her junior year, Estefani spent a semester living, studying, and working on a farm in Vermont. There, she also excelled academically, developed leadership skills, and adapted to a completely new environment, which motivated her to continue serving her community. Estefani embodies Bay FC’s core community values of access and leadership.
Estefani will join fellow Bay Area professional sports team BAASST winners and be recognized on-field and presented a check for $5,000 at Bay FC’s home match against the Boston Legacy on Friday, May 15 at 7:00 pm PT at PayPal Park.
In 2026, Bay FC enters its second year as part of BAASST—a joint scholarship program for high school seniors—alongside the Golden State Valkyries, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, San Jose Earthquakes, and San Jose Sharks. The BAASST awards are given annually to six successful students who each receive $5,000 in funding to continue their education. This year, Bay FC’s territory comprised participating public high schools in San Mateo and Marin counties. All six Bay Area sports teams will recognize the winners at a home game or match during their 2026 season.
This Saturday, on March 21, during Bay FC’s Women’s Empowerment Match against in-state rival Angel City FC, the club will honor the first-ever women’s professional soccer team in the Bay Area – the Bay Area CyberRays – and the 25th anniversary of their 2001 historic Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) championship. Fans who would like to be a part of this historic celebration or any other matches this season can purchase tickets at BayFC.com/tickets. Visa is Bay FC’s preferred way to pay for tickets.
