VIRTUE IS ITS OWN reward,” is a quote used by the parents of JSerra Catholic High School sophomore Evan Brady, which has guided his service direction and desire to help others.
Brady is an active student athlete at JSerra, with an impressive 4.83 GPA. He is on the JV1 baseball team as a pitcher and outfielder.
Brady enjoys science, which came from his maternal grandmother, who often gave him birthday science-related presents. His true passion, however, is entrepreneurship, and this, combined with lessons learned from his parents and love for sports has guided his quest to help those less fortunate. He follows JSerra’s mission which “encourages students to pursue personal and professional excellence in life.”
The school’s principal, Eric Stroupe, spoke highly of Brady.
“What Evan is doing is emblematic of the best of JSerra,” he said. “In addition to taking an extremely challenging academic slate of classes and competing in one of the top-tier baseball programs in the nation, Evan is showing that one leads by serving. I am proud that he has used his passion for sports as a vehicle to support those who simply lack the means to purchase sports equipment.”
Brady, 15, got the idea to meaningfully repurpose used athletic gear a few years ago. Along with his mother and younger sister, Tatum, the family came up with the name, Gear2Give with the tagline, “Bringing Equity to Youth Sports Programs Across Southern California.”
Brady had personal experience with how athletic gear can quickly stack up in a family garage due to outgrowing equipment. This led to visiting neighbors and contacting schools, churches and other organizations to explain the nonprofit’s goal. A website was developed and Gear2Give quickly took off.
One early event, “First Drive” was held in October 2024 during a football game tailgate. Over 100 pieces of equipment were donated. By August 2024, the organization had become an official club on the JSerra campus. This effort has brought about more student involvement and awareness, which has widened the organization’s presence. Gear2Give has also partnered with the Bradley Rofer Foundation, Empower Play and Cathedral High School in San Diego.
Brady has had strong influences in helping develop Gear2Give. He lists his maternal grandfather as a strong mentor in his life.
“My grandfather has taught me basic skills that will be valuable in all aspects of life.”
He added, “My dad has also been a strong mentor for me with his business knowledge, having been involved in various companies of his own.”
Brady said both of his parents have always taught him the importance of service to others. His father runs the Harvest West Division of Eco-Salvage, which donates useable items to organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
He also admires Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout.
“He continually gives back to the community and is a strong role model as a father,” Brady shared.
While he admits that maintaining a strong GPA, participating in a competitive sport and running a growing non-profit organization can sometimes be overwhelming, it is well worth it. With a supportive family, good friends and a strong faith, Brady is continually inspired to move forward with the Gear2Give mission to give back to the less fortunate.
For information about donating visit, www.Gear2Give.org