Help This Westfield Student Athlete Show She Has The 'Heart Of A Giant'

WESTFIELD, NJ - A student at Westfield High School is being honored for her characteristics both on, and off of the field.

Ana Sanchez, a senior, is a nominee for the 2025 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants. Students are nominated by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication. The awards are open to Tri-State high school tackle football players, flag football players, student managers and student athletes who display a strong work ethic and love for the game.

Each week, one nominee will be crowned a winner. The six finalists will receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their football program, along with an additional $9,000 grant for the grand prize winner to be put towards their school. The overall champion will also be honored on the field at a New York Giants game this season, and will be selected from video submissions showing finalists answering why they feel they have the "Heart of a Giant." A group of five nominees will also finish as honorable mentions.

This is the 12th consecutive year for the program, but just Ana's first playing flag football after her friends joined her in signing up to try a new activity together. She says she "fell in love with the game" and that now, she can't imagine a life without football. One of her highlights came at the very end of the season, when she made two key interceptions to help her team clinch a playoff spot.

"One obstacle I faced was learning to perform under pressure," Sanchez says, "...football taught me to turn that pressure into motivation. By trusting my preparation and leaning on my teammates, I built resilience and gained confidence that I can step up in any situation."

When she is not taking the field as her team's linebacker and center, Ana keeps busy as a CCD teacher, math tutor and student council member. She stays active as a taekwondo practioner and instructor, earning her second-degree black belt and helping younger students achieve their goals.

"Each role gives me the chance to give back," Sanchez adds, "whether it's helping students succeed or creating a welcoming environment...what I'm most proud of is the impact I have on my community and the ways I inspire and support others through my leadership and involvement."

Voting is now live for Week 1 nominees through Sept. 21. You can vote for Ana here.