YOUTH VOICE

Lina Bittar
2026 Youth of the Year Nominee
Athletics | Big 8 Middle School Sports

“When I first joined the Boys and Girls Club in the Summer of 2019 as a Camp & Swim camper, I didn’t know how much my experiences at the Club would shape me and create such a positive impact on my future.

Playing field hockey, running cross country and track and field through the Boys and Girls Clubs Big 8 Middle School Sports program, my goals became more specific. I started setting goals, whether it was improving my mile time in cross country, shaving a few seconds off my 400m run or stepping up and taking a leadership role on the field hockey team. Along the way, I also set academic goals, like pushing myself to participate in class discussions, even when I felt unsure, especially advocating for myself and asking questions over and over again until I felt as though I understood the lesson.

One of the biggest shifts for me was in my communication skills. Early on, I was quiet, especially when I was nervous or talking to older kids. However, with the help of Trish Figueroa (or as the team called her: Coach Fig), I found my voice. I practiced speaking more clearly and standing up for my ideas as a team member. A special turning point for me was after a field hockey game, when I told our team that I felt we needed a different strategy for the next game. I encouraged them all to bring more energy and confidence. I specifically remember telling them, “Making mistakes is better than not trying and to ‘fake it till you make it'”. It was the first time I really spoke up, and I was surprised by how the team listened and adjusted. Despite losing that next game, our team had so much energy, and our sideline was so loud that after having played this sport at the middle school, club, and high school levels, it’s still the best game I’ve ever played. Looking back now, I realize that the Boys and Girls Club gave me the gift of confidence and taught me to trust myself.

Another specific skill I developed was teamwork. Coaching sports meant I couldn’t just rely on my own abilities–I had to learn how to bring out the best of everyone on the team. For instance, when I coached Track and Field at Carmel Valley Middle School this past year, I paid attention to each athlete’s progress and gave individual feedback after each practice. These moments helped me understand how to communicate encouragement and correction in a way that was clear but still supportive. It also allowed me to get to know each athlete personally.

The Boys and Girls Club gave me a place to grow in so many ways, whether it was setting small goals in sports, learning how to advocate and be a leader, or working on teamwork. Moving forward, I carry a deep sense of purpose, confidence, and the steadfast belief that I can create lasting change at the Club, in the community, and in my own future.”