Janae Bradford is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Bourgade Catholic for AZPreps 365.

The Anaya-Medina family is no stranger to adversity and resilience. On Oct. 1, Bourgade Catholic sophomore Jalen Medina’s uncle Joel Castaneda passed away from cancer, and the funeral was the day before Medina had a football game against the high school his deceased father attended. 

Yet, that didn’t stop Jalen’s grandparents, Chris Anaya and Mary Jane Medina from showing up to the game ready to assist other parents. 

“It's a little weird seeing them at school all of the time and everyone knows them,” Jalen said. “I just really appreciate that we get the stuff we need, and I'm thankful for that every day.”

Fridays are dedicated to family and football. While Jalen,15, is starting on the defensive line, Anaya and Medina are helping out in some way, from cooking burgers  to setting up decorations hours before kickoff. 

“My mom and dad didn’t have time to go watch me play,” Chris said. “It’s something to look forward to. It’s a chance to spend time with the kids. Being with them is so special.”

Sports has always been a place of comfort and community for them, especially after the loss of Jalen’s parents. On Nov. 23, 2013, Patty Castaneda and Christoper Medina Jr. passed away in a car accident when Jalen Medina was 7 years old and his younger brother, Darien Medina, was just 2 years old. 

Christopher Anaya Jr. and his wife Patty Castaneda took this photo in Aug. 2013, three month before they passed away in a car accident. (Photo courtesy of Chris Anaya)

“I remember seeing the little look on his face when we told (Jalen), “Your parents have been in a car accident and they will not be here anymore,’”  Mary Jane Medina said. “You will not physically see them. They are in heaven now and will be watching over you. But your family is here for you to keep you safe and we love you.’” 

People rarely see emotions come out of Jalen, yet his immediate family and friends know how big his heart is for the people he cares about.

“I couldn’t imagine us not being friends,” sophomore teammate Tyler Preach said. “He brings happiness and joy to the team. It’s like he’s a part of my family, and that’s how it is here at Bourgade.” 

At 11 years old, Jalen displayed a strong sense of identity with what he wanted to do with his life. His family let him try baseball, but it didn’t bring the same kind of joy football provided. 

One of Jalen’s friends invited him to football practice and ended up walking in on travel team Therm U’s practice. The team admired his passion, invited him to the next practice and Chris took him to get his own equipment the next day. 

“On his very first day of practice with pads, they put him up against their best player,” Chris said. “Jalen literally mowed him over and he was half his size. He was just so determined to impress his coach and that was it. It became his calling.”

The game came naturally to Jalen. He loved having permission to be aggressive, and now, football is everything to him. Chris emphasized that once Jalen is all in, he’s all in.

No. 72 Jalen Medina kneels with his second travel team, Top Flight, for prayer. To this day, Medina prays before every game to honor his parents. (Photo courtesy of Chirs Anaya)

“It's a stress reliever. I don’t have to worry about anything,” Jalen said. “I just have to play and do what I love to do. Being about to talk crap and not get in trouble for it is fun. Knowing that I have the potential to keep going is what motivates me.”

The Bourgade Catholic coaching staff has high hopes for one of their youngest varsity starters. Coach Marcel Lopez has seen Jalen’s growth the most since their families grew up together. Knowing the Anaya-Medina family history helps Lopez understand his starter. 

“We keep things normal for him,” Lopez said. “We don’t separate his outside life from here. He is one of our groups and he’s a part of this family. We don't have to handle him with baby gloves. We are able to just coach him. Him being out here allows him to get a break from that stuff.”

Chris made sure to pick a school that provides the best academic and social life for his grandson. It’s in his blood to give back to the place and people that support his family through hard times.

“It’s awesome to have families like that,” Lopez said. “I know they come from a significant distance, and that goes to show you the kind of community we have here.”

The Anaya-Medina family has made a name for themselves in the Golden Eagles football program. But everything Chris and Mary Jane do is for Jalen and Darien, and they have no regrets for how life has played out.

“My life isn't my life anymore. It's his and his little brother’s,” Chris said. “Of course I love my other kids, but after what they've been through, I don’t know how they got through it. It’s also not just about being here, it's being closer to him to see his accomplishments on the football field and school.”