5 Super Athletes With Ties To Temecula

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Temecula area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Jourdan Ziff (Soccer)

A talented forward in professional soccer, Jourdan Ziff has played for clubs around the world, including Santos in Brazil and her current team, Whitecaps FC Elite in League1 British Columbia. Raised in Temecula, she began her soccer journey with the TVSA Hawks before excelling at Loyola University Maryland, where she earned multiple Patriot League honors for her on-field performance and academic excellence. Ziff's diverse career includes historic milestones, such as being the first American to score in the Brazilian Women's Championship, showcasing her exceptional skill and versatility.

2. Sophina DeJesus (Gymnastics)

A standout gymnast and dancer, Sophina DeJesus gained national attention during her collegiate gymnastics career at UCLA, where she was a three-time All-American on the uneven bars. Raised in Temecula, her dynamic floor routines, including a viral performance in 2016, showcased her unique blend of athleticism and artistry, earning her a spot on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. DeJesus trained at SCEGA Gymnastics and attended Temecula Valley High School, where she also choreographed for the school's dance teams.

3. Reed Johnson (Baseball)

A versatile and reliable outfielder, Reed Johnson enjoyed a 13-year MLB career, playing for teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and Atlanta Braves. Known for his clutch performances and ability to make game-changing plays, Johnson holds the distinction of being hit by a pitch three times in a game on multiple occasions, a unique MLB record. Johnson attended Temecula Valley High School, where he excelled in baseball and soccer, earning All-League and All-County honors.

4. Jabin Sambrano (Football)

Jabin Sambrano made his mark as a wide receiver in professional football, with stints on NFL rosters such as the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. After excelling at the University of Montana, he transitioned to arena football, playing for teams like the Los Angeles KISS and Spokane Shock. A native of Temecula, Sambrano currently plays for the Portland Steel in the AFL.

5. Ed Cuff, Jr. (Golf)

A celebrated amateur golfer, Ed Cuff Jr. achieved significant milestones in his career, including winning the 1998 California State Amateur and being a two-time champion of the SCGA Four-Ball Championship alongside Bob Clark. He gained recognition for defeating Tiger Woods in the semifinals of the 1994 California State Amateur, marking Woods' only match-play loss that summer. A San Diego native who later settled in Temecula, Cuff’s connection to the region runs deep, reflecting the community’s strong golfing tradition.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.