Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award honors Franceska Colocado’s fight for access in sports

Billie Jean King’s legacy is driving the next generation of advocates.

Franceska Colocado, a 19-year-old Houston native and University of Texas at Austin student, was named a regional honoree for the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award on 15 July 2026. The award recognizes young leaders reshaping access in sports through service and advocacy.

What happened?

Colocado founded Gear for Greatness Inc., a nonprofit removing financial and accessibility barriers that keep young people off the court. She launched the organization three years ago while playing competitive volleyball in Webster, Texas. Since then, Gear for Greatness has supported more than 1,500 athletes, awarded over $5,000 in financial aid, and distributed more than 500 pieces of equipment locally and internationally.

Colocado is one of 20 regional honorees. Three national winners, including Kelis Armstrong of Dallas, will be honored at the 2026 ESPY Awards broadcast on 15 July at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. The show airs live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Why it matters for Billie Jean King

Colocado cited Billie Jean King’s lifelong fight for women’s sports as a guiding force behind her work. “Billie Jean King’s legacy is super big,” she said. “She fought a lot for women’s sports, and that’s something I heavily align with.” Colocado added that she is passionate about championing change through sports.

Gear for Greatness operates on a simple principle: “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t.” The nonprofit provides financial support, gear, and education resources to help athletes perform at their best on and off the court.

What comes next?

Colocado will join three national winners at the 2026 ESPY Awards. Comedian Marcello Hernández will host the ceremony for the first time. “It is an honor, and frankly feels crazy,” he said. The ESPYs return to New York City after five years away, last held in the city in 2021.

The 2026 ESPY Awards will broadcast live on ABC and stream on ESPN+ via the ESPN app. It will also be available the next day on Hulu, Disney+, the ESPN App, and ABC Video on Demand.