Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award honors rising advocate inspired by tennis legend

Billie Jean King’s name is again in the spotlight as a 19-year-old Houston native earned the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award for her work creating opportunities for young athletes.

The honor recognizes Franceska Colocado, a University of Texas at Austin student and founder of Gear for Greatness Inc., a nonprofit that removes financial and accessibility barriers in youth sports. Colocado is one of 20 regional winners announced ahead of the 2026 ESPY Awards, which air live on ABC and ESPN+ on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET.

What happened?

Colocado’s nonprofit has served over 1,500 athletes, awarded more than $5,000 in financial aid, and distributed over 500 pieces of sports equipment since launching three years ago. Her program targets talent everywhere but opportunity nowhere, supporting gear, funding, and education resources for athletes locally and internationally.

“Billie Jean King’s legacy is super big,” Colocado said. “She fought a lot for women’s sports, and that’s something I heavily align with.”

Why it matters for Billie Jean King

The award ties Colocado’s advocacy directly to King’s fight for gender equity in sports. King, a 12-time Grand Slam singles champion and founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation, has long championed equal access in athletics.

Colocado’s work mirrors King’s mission. Gear for Greatness removes financial hurdles that sideline young athletes, a gap Colocado first noticed while playing competitive volleyball in Webster, Texas.

What comes next?

Three national winners, including Kelis Armstrong of Dallas, will be honored at the 2026 ESPY Awards on July 15. The ceremony returns to New York City’s David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, marking the first time in five years the event is held outside Los Angeles.

Comedian Marcello Hernández will host for the first time, calling the role “an honor, and frankly feels crazy.” The show streams live on ESPN+ and ABC, with replays available on Hulu and Disney+ the next day.

How to watch the 2026 ESPYs

Fans can tune in Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC or stream via the ESPN app. The broadcast will also be available the following day on Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, and ABC Video on Demand.

Colocado’s recognition underscores how King’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of advocates in sports. Her nonprofit’s growth-from a local idea to an international effort-reflects the same drive that defined King’s career on and off the court.