Top Performers

Celebrating our outstanding athletes and their achievements

Ponies Hall of Fame

The Pasadena Ponies have a rich tradition of developing exceptional athletes who excel both on and off the field. Here we celebrate our top performers, from NFL professionals to community leaders.

Professional Athletes

Tyron Brackenridge

Position: Cornerback
Ponies Years: 1998-2002
Current: NFL Free Agent
Achievements:

  • San Jose State University standout
  • Signed with Kansas City Chiefs (undrafted free agent)
  • Ponies Youth Leadership Award recipient

“Playing for the Ponies was foundational—it taught me respect, discipline, and how to strive for excellence. The coaches didn’t just teach us football; they taught us how to be men.”

Calen Bullock

Position: Safety
Nickname: “Superglue”
Ponies Years: 2011-2015
Current: Houston Texans
Achievements:

  • USC Trojans starting safety
  • 2024 NFL Draft pick
  • Ponies Defensive Player of the Year (3x)
  • Team captain at age 10

“This program gave me mentors who believed in me and taught me that adversity could be overcome. After losing my father, the Ponies became my extended family.”

Darnay Holmes

Position: Cornerback
Ponies Years: 2007-2011
Current: New York Giants
Achievements:

  • UCLA Bruins standout
  • 2020 NFL Draft (4th round)
  • Sponsored team as “Pasadena Giants” (2021-2023)
  • Ponies Alumni Mentor

“We all have something in common, we all want to improve—no L’s, only lessons. That’s what I learned as a Pony, and that’s what I try to give back.”

College Athletes

Marcus Washington

Position: Linebacker
Ponies Years: 2012-2016
Current: Arizona State University
Achievements:

  • Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year
  • High School All-American
  • Ponies Scholar-Athlete Award

DeAndre Thompson

Position: Running Back
Ponies Years: 2014-2018
Current: San Diego State University
Achievements:

  • 2,000+ yards in final Ponies season
  • Team MVP (2018)
  • Academic All-Conference

Jasmine Rodriguez

Position: Cheer Captain
Ponies Years: 2013-2017
Current: UCLA Cheer Squad
Achievements:

  • National Cheerleading Champion
  • Ponies Cheer Leadership Award
  • Youth coaching volunteer

2024 Season Stars

10U Division

Offensive MVP: Jaylen Martinez

  • QB/Safety
  • 1,500 passing yards, 20 TDs
  • Team captain
  • 4.0 GPA

Defensive MVP: Anthony Chen

  • Middle Linebacker
  • 85 tackles, 5 sacks
  • Coaches’ Award winner

Most Improved: Sierra Williams

  • Wide Receiver
  • First-year player
  • 15 receptions, 3 TDs

8U Division

Team MVP: Damon Parker

  • Running Back
  • 800 rushing yards
  • Sportsmanship Award

Rising Star: Maya Johnson

  • Quarterback
  • First female QB in program history
  • Leadership Award

Flag Division (5-6)

Rookie of the Year: Elijah Brown

  • 20 flag pulls
  • 10 touchdowns
  • Perfect attendance

Academic All-Stars

The Ponies pride ourselves on developing scholar-athletes. These players maintained a 3.5+ GPA while excelling on the field:

2024 Academic Team:

  • Jordan Mitchell (4.0 GPA)
  • Aaliyah Davis (3.9 GPA)
  • Christopher Lee (3.8 GPA)
  • Destiny Washington (3.8 GPA)
  • Nathan Garcia (3.7 GPA)

Championship Teams

2021 National Runner-Up (6U)

Our 6U team’s magical run to the AAU Youth National Championship finals put Pasadena on the national football map.

Key Players:

  • QB: Marcus “Little General” Smith
  • RB: Twins Jayden & Jordan White
  • Defense: The “Pony Wall” - allowed just 28 points all season

2019 SCEYFL-AAU Super Bowl Champions (10U)

Undefeated season (12-0) capped with dominant Super Bowl victory.

Standouts:

  • MVP: DeShawn Williams
  • Leading Rusher: Carlos Mendoza (1,200 yards)
  • Defensive Player: Asia Thompson (first female defensive MVP)

2016 SCEYFL-AAU Super Bowl Champions (8U)

Back-to-back league championships with historic defensive season.

Records Set:

  • 4 shutouts
  • Only 42 points allowed all season
  • 10 players went on to high school varsity

Community Leaders

Dr. Michael Anderson

Ponies Years: 1990-1994
Current: Pediatrician at Huntington Hospital
“The discipline I learned at Ponies helped me through medical school.”

Captain Maria Gonzalez

Ponies Years: 1995-1999
Current: Pasadena Fire Department
“Teamwork on the field translated to saving lives.”

James Kim, Esq.

Ponies Years: 1988-1992
Current: Civil Rights Attorney
“Ponies taught me to fight for what’s right.”

Nominate a Top Performer

Know a Ponies alumni making a difference? Nominate them for our Hall of Fame!

Criteria:

  • Exemplary character and leadership
  • Success in athletics, academics, or career
  • Positive impact on community
  • Embodiment of Ponies values

Submit nominations to: halloffame@pasadenaponies.com

“Once a Pony, Always a Pony” - These athletes prove that the lessons learned on our fields last a lifetime.