As the Spring 2026 Semester comes to a close, several Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) student-athletes are preparing to take the next step in their academic and athletic journeys. From long practices and road-trips to late-night study sessions and finals preparation, these student-athletes balanced the demands of competition and academics while creating lifelong friendships and memories along the way.

TMCC Athletics celebrates the accomplishments of this year's graduating student-athletes, whose hard work and dedication have helped shape the continued growth of the Mighty Lizards programs both on and off the field. With support from teammates, coaches, counselors, faculty and staff, these student-athletes have built experiences and relationships that will continue to impact them long after their time at TMCC.

Among the student-athletes graduating this Spring are Angel Nava, Anthony Garcia, Alan Gutierrez, Robert Castillo, Fernando Eligio, Valentin Linan, Julian Velazquez, Marco Monreal, Karlee Moskoff, Kendra Luna, Nevaeh Scorza, Sierra Gomez, and Dakota Gomez. 

Several athletes will also participate in TMCC's commencement ceremony, including Angel Nava, Anthony Garcia, Alan Gutierrez, Kendra Luna, Nevaeh Scorza, Sierra Gomez, Dakota Gomez, and Evelyn Hidalgo. 

For many of these sophomores, their journeys at TMCC were about much more than athletics. While competing against some of the top programs in the region, they also pursued degrees in fields such as business, nursing, criminal justice, radiologic technology, welding, nutrition and kinesiology. Many plan to continue their education at four-year universities, pursue careers within their fields, or continue competing at the collegiate level. 

Throughout their enrollment at the College, these student-athletes created memories that extended far beyond the pitch. From preseason camping trips to Trinity Lake and traveling to Washington, to rainy training sessions and long road trips with teammates,  these shared experiences became a defining part of their journeys. 

Women's Soccer student-athlete Nevaeh Scorza reflected on how meaningful her experience at TMCC has been as she became the first person in her immediate family to earn an associate degree and continue pursuing higher education. Between traveling for matches, balancing coursework and competing throughout the season, Scorza says the support around her helped her continue pushing forward. 

"Amazing, I've made the best memories and friends while being a student-athlete," Scorza said. 

Scorza credited study halls, tutoring sessions and teammates for helping her stay motivated during difficult moments while learning the importance of teamwork and discipline throughout her journey. 

For Julian Velazquez, TMCC represented an important step toward both his academic and professional future. Velazquez is graduating with an Associate of General Studies Degree before entering TMCC's Radiologic Technology Program, where he hopes to continue working toward a career in healthcare. 

"Being a student-athlete requires a lot of commitment," Velazquez said. "Being able to know I can commit to something and give my 100% shows I can commit to something and get it done," he added. 

Balancing assignments during long away trips and competitions taught Velazquez the value of time management, while difficult courses like human anatomy and physiology showed him the rewards that come with dedication and hard work. 

Anthony Garcia, who is graduating with a degree in Communication Studies, reflected on how TMCC helped provide the foundation and support needed to continue building toward his future goals. 

"It means a huge accomplishment, but it is not yet where I want to be," Garcia said. "This is just another step to get to where I would love to be, and this institution gave me the tools to keep building my own path," Garcia added. 

Garcia suggests that new recruits understand that "being a student-athlete is a privilege, so take advantage of every opportunity and piece of support given to you, and never take the experience for granted." 

Robert Castillo reflected on the discipline and persistence required throughout his time at TMCC while balancing athletics, academics and a job during the season. Castillo, who is graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and plans to pursue a career in forensics, described the experience as both challenging and rewarding. 

"Graduating from TMCC is a huge accomplishment to me, especially being a student-athlete," Castilla said. With the process being such a challenge, Castillo added, "It made me work harder and push myself double the amount."

Throughout his journey, Castillo says communication, professionalism, and staying committed helped him continue succeeding both on the field and in the classroom.

Fernando Eligio described his TMCC experience as "memorable and exciting" while working toward a degree in business, and he plans to continue studying mechanical engineering. Between athletics and academics, Eligio says TMCC helped him develop discipline, organization and scheduling habits that will continue helping him long after graduation.

Dakota Gomez reflected on how stepping outside her comfort zone during her time at TMCC helped shape who she is today. While balancing academics, athletics, and personal life, Gomez says she discovered the importance of discipline, hard work, and appreciating every moment shared with teammates. 

"I went out of my comfort zone and found myself through it," Gomez said. 

As she prepares to continue her education and athletic career, Gomez says some of her favorite memories came from the smaller moments shared with teammates during practices and team activities. 

"In sports, cherish the practices with everyone laughing and having fun — those are the best moments," Gomez said. 

Karlee Moskoff, who is graduating with an Associate of Science Degree, reflected on the discipline and commitment required throughout her time balancing academics, athletics, work and personal life at TMCC. 

"My journey as a TMCC student-athlete has been challenging but rewarding, helping me grow as a leader, teammate, and a more disciplined person both on and off the field," Moskoff said. 

Through balancing practices, games, assignments and work responsibilities, Moskoff says she learned the importance of organization, responsibility and showing up with full effort in everything she does. 

"It goes by fast. Enjoy it as it will be some of the best but most challenging two years," Moskoff tells future TMCC athletes. 

For Angel Nava, graduating from TMCC marks the end of one of the most meaningful chapters of his life. Nava, who is earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Office Management and Business, reflected on the relationships, experiences, and opportunities that shaped his journey as a student-athlete. 

"It marks the end of one of the best chapters of my life — meeting new friends, building meaningful relationships, playing the sport I love, and achieving my goal of earning my degree with great grades," Nava said. 

Nava described his TMCC experience as one filled with growth, opportunity, and lifelong friendships that become a brotherhood. Through balancing the workload of full-time academics and athletics, he said consistency and discipline became some of the most important lessons he learned. 

"If you want it, put the work in and go get it. Stop making excuses. You control your mind, it doesn't control you," Nava stated.

Sierra Gomez, who plans to pursue film school while continuing soccer after graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree, reflected on her TMCC experience as one full of growth, creativity, and unforgettable memories. 

"My journey as a TMCC student-athlete was one full of transformative experiences and memories that will last a lifetime," Gomez said.

While balancing work, athletics and academics often came with challenges, Gomez says the experience taught her the importance of gratitude, perseverance and embracing every moment throughout the journey. Through classes like creative writing, she rediscovered her passion for storytelling and creativity while continuing to grow both personally and academically. 

"Every single practice, class, game, and huddle is a blessing, so have fun and enjoy every moment," she suggests to new recruits. 

Beyond the memories and accomplishments, coaches emphasized the lasting lessons student-athletes take with them after graduation. Men's Soccer Head Coach Kyle Kelly reflected on the importance of appreciating the smaller moments throughout the journey. 

"We plan and gear up for seasons, games and trips, sometimes wishing for time to speed up," Kelly said. "Then all of a sudden, the season is over and what are we left with? Memories from the trips, the joy of victory and the agony of defeat. Be fully present in the small moments leading up to the seasons, games and trips. These little moments tend to be the most memorable," Kelly said. 

Women's Soccer Head Coach Debs Brereton also reflected on the resilience and togetherness displayed by the sophomores throughout their careers at TMCC. 

"You've left your mark on this program, and future players will continue to build on the legacy you've created," Brereton said. "Although you didn't begin your TMCC journey with me, I feel truly privileged to have been with you at the end of it. Once a Mighty Lizard, always a Mighty Lizard," Brereton emphasizes.

While their time with TMCC Athletics may be coming to an end, the lessons, friendships, and experiences gained along the way will continue far beyond the classroom and field. As these student-athletes move toward new opportunities, they leave behind a lasting impact on the Mighty Lizards program and a legacy that will continue to inspire future student-athletes at TMCC. 

One more team chant for the graduating athletes because once a Mighty Lizard, always a Mighty Lizard: Family on me family on three — 1,2,3 FAMILY!