Honoring Athletes Who Lead Beyond the Game
The 49ers Foundation is proud to introduce the Tony York Unity Award, a new honor celebrating athletes who lead beyond the game. This award recognizes flag and tackle football players who exemplify dedication, leadership, community service, and the power to inspire others. Throughout the season, the 49ers Foundation accepted nominations to highlight outstanding student athletes who will be named the Tony York Unity Award recipients. The top six finalists will receive a scholarship as well be invited to a special on-field celebration.
Applications for 2025 are now closed.
About the award:
Created in honor of Tony York, a standout high school student-athlete, who, after graduating from Tulane University, founded Koda, a startup dedicated to helping recent graduates transition into the working world, a mission shaped by his own transformative experiences. Deeply passionate about giving back, Tony was an active supporter of the 49ers Foundation and carried a lifelong commitment to community service.
Eligibility Criteria (Applicants must meet the following requirements):
- Male and female high school football players (flag or tackle)
- Reside within a 75-mile radius of the Levi's Stadium
- Demonstrated track record of volunteerism, community service, and leadership
- Maintain strong academic standing (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Verifiable football statistics (season and career) with designation as tackle or flag player
Winners
Isela Trujillo
Notre Dame High School, San Jose
Isela is a leader on and off the field. As captain of her high school's inaugural flag football team since 2023, she leads with focus, faith, and determination motivating her teammates daily while contributing on both offense and defense. She prioritizes teamwork and trust, helping build a strong, united team culture.
Beyond athletics, Isela serves as President of Latinas Unidas, where she celebrates and shares Latino culture through dance, events, and community engagement. She is also active in Athletes for Justice, volunteering through service projects such as supporting veterans, preparing meals at JW House, and helping at Sacred Heart Community Service. Additionally, she is a founding member of Amigos de Cesar Chavez, a family-led initiative that prepares and delivers 150 lunches each year to thank farmworkers for their vital contributions.
Jonah Shelton
Arroyo High School, San Lorenzo
Jonah exemplifies leadership beyond the game. A rare three-year varsity captain and starting quarterback since his sophomore year, he leads with accountability, humility, and a relentless work ethic. With 1,850 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and the 2025 WACC Offensive Player of the Year honor, Jonah's impact on the field is clear, but his character stands out even more.
Off the field, Jonah is equally dedicated to serving others. As a member of Arroyo High School's Future Academy Leadership Council, he supports initiatives focused on social awareness, community impact, and personal growth. For the past two years, he has mentored younger students academically and personally, including the current JV quarterback, helping them succeed both in the classroom and in athletics.
Runners-Up
Aubree Rosenblum
Branham High School, San Jose
Aubree is an exceptional athlete and a true leader both on and off the field. As team captain, she organized summer practices, recruited classmates to try the sport, and helped build a culture that is competitive, inclusive, growth-focused, and fun.
After starting the season 0-4, Aubree helped lead her team to the CCS Division I Championship Game. Even in defeat, she uplifted her teammates, reminding them to keep their heads high and believe in the team's ability to continue that success in the future.
Jaslyne Coronado
Salinas High School, Salinas
Jaslyne stands out not just for the many sports she excels in, but for the community she uplifts. A relentless multi-sport varsity athlete, she pairs competitive drive with a deep commitment to service in the Salinas Valley.
With more than 800 service hours, Jaslyne has built Little Libraries that will outlast her, mentored younger Girl Scouts to see service as a pathway, and supported families through organizations such as Dorothy's Kitchen, Boots and Roots, and Best Buddies Sports. Her impact is tangible, lasting, and deeply felt.
Kyle Healy
Salinas High School, Salinas
Kyle demonstrates true leadership through resilience and selflessness. After serving as the backup quarterback in 2024 and stepping in when the starter was injured, he entered the 2025 season ready to compete for the starting role. When a sophomore ultimately earned the position, Kyle chose to support the team rather than step away.
Embracing the backup role, he became a mentor to the younger quarterback sharing his varsity experience, offering guidance, and helping him grow into a confident and successful player. Kyle's willingness to put the team first exemplifies the kind of leadership that defines a program.
Jason Cordova
Arroyo High School, San Jose
Jason brings discipline, humility, and a strong work ethic to every part of his life. On the field, he is a disruptive and dependable defensive leader, known for his toughness, relentlessness, and ability to elevate those around him. He approaches every practice and game with focus and a team-first mentality, earning the respect of coaches and teammates through consistency.
Off the field, Jason leads by example. As Junior Class President and a Futures Leadership participant, he balances academics, athletics, and service with maturity beyond his years. Whether helping run St. John's annual crab feed or assisting at the Cal State East Bay Dog Show, Jason shows up ready to work, support others, and make a positive impact without seeking recognition.