Mario Solis

Jul 29, 2024 | nbclosangeles.com | Mario Solis |Helen Jeong

John Speraw did not plan on becoming a volleyball coach as the Arcadia native studied microbiology and molecular genetics at UCLA to become a doctor. But after he graduated from the university, Speraw got a call from Al Scates, a legendary volleyball coach who led the UCLA Bruins for nearly five decades. “My mentor called and asked if I could help out,” Speraw recalled. “I eventually changed my path and just went into that full time. It's worked out amazingly well.

Jul 26, 2024 | nbclosangeles.com | Mario Solis |Helen Jeong

For first-time Olympic boxer Jajaira Gonzalez, boxing runs in her family. Her father grew up boxing in Mexico. Her three brothers are fighters. When Gonzalez was 8 years old, it was her turn to put on the gloves. “I remember telling (my dad,) boxing’s for boys. I don’t want to box. Girls don’t fight,” she recalled. Gonzalez lost that battle with her father, but she hasn’t lost many in the ring since then. At age 17, she dominated the competition at the Youth Olympics.