De La Salle High School has been selected as one of just 11 schools nationwide to participate in the inaugural Take Back Sports Back-to-School Program, a national initiative led by ESPN in collaboration with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) focused on creating a more positive high school sports experience for student-athletes, parents, coaches and school communities.
As part of the initiative, De La Salle hosted its first Athletics & Parents Partnership event Wednesday evening, bringing together parents and school leaders for an important conversation about the role each plays in supporting student-athletes.
The evening focused on establishing shared expectations, strengthening communication and addressing some of the challenges that can arise throughout the high school athletic experience. At the heart of the conversation was De La Salle's commitment to developing young men of faith, integrity and scholarship through athletics.
"We are honored to be selected as one of just 11 schools in the country to participate in this important initiative," said De La Salle Athletic Director Leo Lopoz. "We are committed to creating an athletic culture where our student-athletes feel supported, challenged, and valued, and where they have the opportunity to grow not only as competitors, but also as young men of faith, integrity, and scholarship."
Through Take Back Sports, De La Salle will have access to parent workshops, coach and student-athlete resources, communication tools and other materials designed to help build a healthier and more positive sports culture.
Wednesday's event marked the first step in an ongoing partnership between parents, student-athletes, coaches and school leadership. De La Salle looks forward to continuing the conversation throughout the school year and working together to ensure athletics remains an environment where students can compete, grow and thrive.
The conversation will continue on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, when De La Salle hosts its second Athletics & Parents Partnership event. The event will take place from 6:30–8:00 p.m. in the Hofmann Center and will provide another opportunity for parents and school leadership to come together around the student-athlete experience.
