Grisel Hernandez

Grisel Hernandez/Program Coordinator in San Rafael

Grisel Hernandez spent her childhood in the Yucatán in Mexico, surrounded by family. In 2003, when she was nine, her mother moved Grisel and her sister to San Rafael. Grisel entered fifth grade mid-year speaking no English, unsure of how to communicate, and missing her old home. But the following year at Davidson Middle School, Grisel found her footing.  “I saw lots of kids like me—from Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico— and they were learning English too. I didn’t feel so alone.” 

Sports became her outlet. Grisel picked up soccer and track and field, and cross country in high school, activities that expanded her community and her confidence.  Later, at College of Marin, she focused on first aid and childhood education. 

Grisel joined SCORES as a coach on San Rafael Saturday game days. Today she’s a program coordinator, working with Laurel Dell, San Pedro, Bahia, and Short elementary schools. She draws on her own experiences to connect with her student-athletes. “I’m so grateful to America SCORES,” she says, “and I wish it had been an option when I was in middle school, because I saw so many kids who needed it. I enjoy it so much.”

Contact Grisel - grisel@americascores.org