A basketball player jumping towards the hoop during a game, with teammates and spectators in the background.

What we are looking for in a scholarship recipient


This scholarship is awarded to an individual who has excelled despite significant personal hardships. This student should reveal how he or she has grown as an individual and learned to persevere to obtain what they set their mind to achieving despite the hardship.

A young man wearing a gray t-shirt, floral shorts, a gray cap backwards, and blue sunglasses, smiling and holding a football at the beach with a cloudy sky in the background.

Application Details

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who has challenged themselves in high-level classes (AP/Honors) and learned what it takes to overcome obstacles to persevere. The individual recipient will be able to document how their personal growth and focus on the future endeavors of attending a two-year or four-year college are essential to success. We are proud to have given over $24,000 in sponsorships and donations to local athletes.

Our Partner Schools

  • Antelope High School

  • Granite Bay High School

  • Oakmont High School

  • Roseville High School

  • Roseville Pathways

  • West Park High School

  • Woodcreek High School

Ways to Apply

  1. Email your completed application & essay to: info@ljbranerfoundation.org (the fastest way to submit your application to the scholarship committee)

  2. Submit your completed application to your YBA coach.

  3. Submit your application online at ljbranerfoundation.org (you can find both applications online as well)

Our 2025 Scholarship Winners

Our 2025 Scholarship Winners

Three students in blue graduation gowns standing under an archway labeled 'ACADEMICS,' celebrating their graduation with their mortarboards raised.

Meet four outstanding student-athletes who were awarded the LJ Braner - Silver Linings Legacy Foundation Sports Scholarship in 2025. Their dedication, perseverance, and leadership make them shining examples of what it means to excel both on and off the field.

  • Mauricio Rodriguez

    High School: Oakmont High School

    Sport: Track & Field, Soccer

    College Attending: Undecided

    College Major: Nursing

    Graduation Year: 2025

    Winner of our Presidential award, Mauricio emphasizes the importance of guidance, encouragement and the responsibility in his personal growth and ambitions. He gives back to helping others, highlighting the value of kindness and the support in overcoming challenges. An Excellent student, involved in the community and received many honors and awards.

  • Ella Wang

    High School: Granite Bay High School

    Sport: Lacrosse, Tennis

    College Attending: Duke

    College Major: Public Policy and Economics

    Graduation Year: 2025

    Winner of our Academic award, Ella's demonstrates exceptional qualities including here intelligence, motivation, and positive attitude. Her dedication to community service and her interest in understanding mental health issues demonstrates her empathetic personality and the desire to contribute positively to society. She is the class valedictorian and will continue her studies at Duke University.

  • Aubree Headrick

    High School: West Park High School

    Sport: Volleyball

    College Attending: Sacramento State

    College Major: Photography

    Graduation Year: 2025

    Aubree is the winner of our Presidential award. She overcame personal hardships which strengthened her resilience and leadership skills . Her involvement in sports, community service  and academic achievements helped her grow. She believes challenges teach valuable lessons about perseverance and teamwork, motivating to pursue further education. She will be attending Sacramento State for Photography.

  • Macy Coad

    High School: Granite Bay High School

    Sport: Swim

    College Attending: University of the Pacific

    College Major: Health and Exercise Science

    Graduation Year: 2025

    Macy is the winner of our Academic award. She faced many challenges through her years and with the support of her family and her determination, she fought through it. Macy participated in Swim and extracurricular activities , which help with her confidence and develop resilience. Macy's journey reflects perseverance, gratitude and a strong desire to continue making a positive impact. She will be attending UOP and studying Health and exercise science. 

2024 Scholarship Winners

2024 Scholarship Winners

  • Whitney Cser

    High School: Woodcreek High School

    Sport: Flag Football, Track & Field, Water Polo, Wrestling, Golf 

    College Attending: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

    College Major: Neurobiology, Physical Therapy

    Graduation Year: 2024

    Whitney’s journey is one of perseverance. Overcoming injuries and setbacks, Whitney became her Flag Football team’s Captain and helped their team to a 21-0 record and top 5 national ranking. As well as ranking 25th in her class for Academics. 

  • Jeremy Santos

    High School: Woodcreek High School

    Sport: Soccer

    College Attending: San Diego State

    College Major: Mechanical Engineering

    Graduation Year: 2024

    Jeremy’s passion for soccer began at an early age, and through years of dedication, he says, prepared him to succeed in nine AP classes. Maintaining a 4.13 GPA,  Jeremy also dedicates time to being a soccer camp counselor/mentor.

  • Kendall Brown

    High School: Cosumnes Oaks High School

    Sport: Basketball

    College Attending: Willamette University

    College Major: Kinesiology

    Graduation Year: 2024

    Kendall has been a leader on and off the court, guiding their team to multiple state championships while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Despite personal hardships, Kendall remained committed to academics and athletics, mentoring younger players and volunteering in the community.