Up2Us Sports recently recognized Lio Quezada as one of our two 2021 Coaches of the Year for his exemplary service and commitment to coaching and mentoring students in Fairfax, Virginia. Lio is prominently featured in our 2021 film, “Sports-Based Youth Development Works.”

Coach Lio is in his second service year as an Up2Us Coach. He first served with the Virginia Ramblers Wrestling Club and is currently with the Northern Virginia Wrestling Club (NOVA) in Fairfax, Virginia. Lio is an individual who is passionate about the growth of his youth both on and off the mat and has been highlighted by both the Washington Post and Telemundo because of his work with youth. Lio's ultimate goal upon completing his Masters in Education at George Mason University is to become a Special Education teacher.

Davis - also featured in the film “Sports-Based Youth Development Works” - is a wrestler who Lio recruited to be part of the NOVA wrestling club and Fairfax High School team. There had initially been a language barrier with his family because they didn’t speak much English but luckily Spanish is Lio’s first language.

Davis and Lio had a strong connection immediately because both of their parents were immigrants from Central America, specifically El Salvador. Davis had been in and out of trouble growing up, which made him more susceptible to going down the wrong path and had been lost in the public school system, something Lio himself had experienced when he was younger. He was influenced by the same bad behavior when he was younger, and luckily wrestling had been Lio’s green light out of this troubling life. Davis and Lio shared many heartfelt conversations about choosing the right lifestyle and going down the right path. 

Because Up2Us Sports and the NOVA Wrestling Club brought them together, they have been able to share many highlights including winning wrestling matches, celebrating birthdays, and giving Davis a second family. Up2Us Sports has allowed this relationship to happen and Davis' determination will stick with Lio forever. He wouldn’t be the same without the positive role models sports put into his own life and he is so glad that he has been able to give something so meaningful back.

During our 2021 Gala on June 15, 2021, Lio and Janeicia were recognized with their Coach of the Year awards. Up2Us Sports Ambassador Collette V. Smith interviewed the two of them live during the Gala. Watch the interview below or on our YouTube Channel.