Yonkers Guardians wide receiver Omar Areche have been nominated for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and the New York Giants.
The 2026 USA Football Heart of a Giant Award, presented by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and the New York Giants, announced the group of nominees for week 3. These outstanding Tri-State area high school students have all been nominated for the award by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character, and dedication on and off the field.
The voting period is now open for Week 3 nominees and will be live until October 11th. Voting link here: https://usafootball.com/heart-of-a-giant/vote
The nominee with the most votes will be named that week’s finalist. At the conclusion of the six-week process, there will be a total of 11 honorees (six weekly finalists and five honorable mentions) recognized for their work ethic and character. Each finalist will receive a $1,000 equipment grant for their high school football program, with the grand prize winner earning an additional $9,000 grant for their school and being honored on the field at a future Giants game this season. Selection of the grand prize winner will be based on video submissions explaining why they have the Heart of a Giant.
Omar Areche: WR/DB — Yonkers High School (Yonkers, NY)
Omar Areche embodies the Heart of a Giant through his commitment to his teammates and community. A two-time All-League selection with a 3.6 GPA, Omar leads by example and embraces whatever role his team needs, contributing as a wide receiver, defensive back, kicker, long snapper, and special teams player. Beyond the field, Omar gives back by volunteering as a coach in the Yonkers Girls Flag Football League. He helps younger athletes develop their skills while encouraging confidence, discipline, teamwork, and respect. Through coaching and mentorship, he has found a meaningful way to grow the game and make a positive impact in his community. Balancing varsity football, year-round training, academics, and community service has taught Omar the importance of discipline and perseverance. Even when his hard work has not immediately brought the results or recognition he hoped for, he has continued to improve and stay committed to his goals. Omar’s willingness to put his team first, support younger athletes, and lead through his actions demonstrates the Heart of a Giant.
What Heart of a Giant characteristic best describes you and why?
Community
I chose the Community category because giving back and helping younger athletes has become an important part of who I am. In addition to balancing academics and varsity football, I volunteer my time coaching girls’ flag football, helping players build confidence, improve their skills, and understand the importance of teamwork. I go beyond simply teaching the game by encouraging athletes to stay disciplined, support one another, and believe in themselves. Being a positive role model allows me to use my football experience to make a meaningful impact in my community.
How do you demonstrate leadership in football?
I demonstrate leadership by holding myself accountable, working hard, and setting a positive example for my teammates. On the field, I communicate, encourage others, accept coaching, and step into whatever role the team needs me to play. Off the field, I maintain strong academics and volunteer as a girls’ flag football coach, where I help younger athletes develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
How do you demonstrate leadership in your community?
I demonstrate leadership in my community by volunteering as a coach in the Yonkers Girls Flag Football League. I use my experience to teach younger athletes the fundamentals of the game while encouraging confidence, discipline, teamwork, and respect. I make an effort to lead by example and create an environment where every player feels supported and valued. Giving back allows me to be a positive role model and help grow the sport in my community.
How do you demonstrate leadership in the classroom?
I demonstrate leadership in the classroom by taking my academics seriously, staying organized, and holding myself accountable for my work. I maintain a 3.6 GPA while balancing the demands of varsity football, training, and community service. I participate, respect my teachers and classmates, and support others whenever they need help. I try to lead by example by showing that success as a student-athlete begins with discipline and effort in the classroom.
Academic Achievements
I have maintained a 3.6 GPA while balancing varsity football, year-round training, and community service. I have earned recognition on my school’s Honor Roll and Principal’s List. These achievements reflect my commitment to staying disciplined, managing my time effectively, and giving my best effort in the classroom.
Athletic Achievements
I earned All-League honors in Section 1 during both the 2024 and 2025 seasons as a wide receiver and defensive back. I was ranked among New York’s top defensive back/wide receiver prospects by Prep Redzone and received my first college football offer from Saint Anselm College. My versatility also allows me to contribute as a kicker, long snapper, and punt returner while consistently taking on whatever role my team needs.
Personal Accomplishments
One of my proudest personal accomplishments is volunteering as a coach in the Yonkers Girls Flag Football League. Helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game has shown me that my impact can extend beyond my own performance on the field. I am also proud of balancing academics, varsity football, year-round training, and community service while continuing to grow as a student-athlete and leader.
What are obstacles you’ve faced?
One of the biggest obstacles I have faced is balancing academics, football, training, and my responsibilities in the community. I have also experienced setbacks and moments when my hard work did not immediately lead to the results or recognition I hoped for. Football has taught me to remain disciplined, accept coaching, and keep working even when things are difficult. Those lessons have helped me become more resilient, confident, and prepared to handle challenges both on and off the field.
How did you first get involved in football?
I first became involved in football at a young age because I loved the competition, teamwork, and energy of the game. As I continued playing, football became more than a sport—it taught me discipline, resilience, and responsibility.
Only one other Westchester athlete was named as a finalist, see below.
Armita Mojazza: Wide Receiver — Woodlands High School (Hartsdale, NY)
Armita Mojazza embodies the spirit of the classroom through her academic excellence, empathy, and commitment to helping others succeed. A two-year varsity captain and multi-year starter, Armita leads by example, bringing the same discipline and curiosity to her education that she brings to the football field. As President of the National Honor Society and a former Tutoring Coordinator, Armita has organized study groups and tutoring opportunities to ensure her classmates feel supported. Her leadership also extends throughout her school and community. She serves as a Student Board Representative, founded a peer mentorship initiative, and has helped create a more inclusive environment for students in the Life Skills program. Armita’s impact on her football team is just as meaningful. She helped establish a tradition of shaking referees’ hands and thanking them after every game, earning her the Coaches Award for her sportsmanship and character. After initially struggling for playing time as a freshman, she used the experience as motivation to improve rather than give up, eventually becoming a team captain. With sustained academic honors, multiple honor society memberships, civic leadership, and a commitment to lifting up those around her, Armita demonstrates that being a student-athlete means leading in every environment. She is a true Heart of a Giant.