Kofa High School enshrines Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - This past weekend marked a milestone moment for Kofa High School athletics, as alumni, coaches and supporters gathered to celebrate the induction of the Kofa Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Led by Athletic Hall of Fame Chairman Billy Leguna, the ceremony honored a distinguished group whose achievements represent Crimson and White excellence. The Class of 2026 features six athletes, one coach and one team, representing individual and team success from five of the last six decades of Kofa athletics.

Among the inductees was Edgar Ramirez (Class of 2003, baseball), who reflected on the honor and the people behind the recognition.

“Just to hear the amazing people that are involved with this, and everyone who gets nominated - kudos to the Hall of Fame Committee for putting this together,” Ramirez said.

Fellow inductee Andrea Renteria (Class of 2003, softball/volleyball) described the emotional weight of the weekend, noting that the significance of the moment didn’t fully set in until the ceremonies began.

“I’ve been trying to soak it in and just live in the moment and really get all the feels,” Renteria said. “It wasn’t until yesterday, when all the ceremonies started, that it actually began to sink in.”

One of the most prestigious honors of the night belonged to former boys soccer coach David Givens, who was inducted both as an individual and as part of the 1989 Boys Soccer State Championship team. The recognition makes Givens a three-time member of the Kofa Athletic Hall of Fame, along with his induction as the head coach of the 1983 Boys Soccer State Championship team.

Despite the accolades, Givens remained characteristically humble.

“There’s been a lot of great coaches come through here,” Givens said. “I appreciate the honor, but the coach is only as good as the players that play for you. I’m more excited about the guys than I am myself.”

For the athletes inducted, the journey to Hall of Fame status was built on more than talent alone.

“A lot of it goes to perseverance, grit, time, reps,” she said. “There’s definitely no excuses when it comes to this game, especially if you want to make it to the next level.”

Ramirez echoed that sentiment, highlighting lessons learned beyond the field.

“Accountability,” he said. “Showing up on time - if you’re ten minutes early, you’re actually five minutes late. Little things like that teach you more than just the game; they teach you about life.”

After years of representing Kofa High School with pride, the Class of 2026 now stands immortalized in one of the Desert Southwest’s most storied athletic traditions - a lasting reminder of the dedication, discipline, and legacy built through Kofa athletics.