Diego Garcia began playing soccer at age eight, just before the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. As a child, he listened to matches on the radio and dreamed of playing like the superstars he heard about. Growing up in a low income, high challenge neighborhood in Richmond, California, organized sports opportunities were extremely limited. To participate, he and his brother often walked three to four miles each way to practice or relied on Coaches for rides.
At age twelve, Diego drifted away from sports and became involved in street gangs. Boxing became a turning point, providing structure and purpose and keeping him off the streets for several years. He was a highly successful boxer, compiling an amateur record of 23-2-0 and winning the Junior Olympics twice. At seventeen, Diego was invited to box professionally in Australia, but his mother insisted he focus on working rather than pursuing boxing as a career.
After leaving boxing, Diego returned to the streets, and a few months later he was shot and nearly lost his life. That experience ultimately shaped his lifelong commitment to youth sports and mentorship.
In 2003, Diego founded Richmond SOL after his sons wanted to play soccer and there were very limited youth soccer options in Richmond. With no roadmap for running a youth sports organization, the teams practiced wherever open space was available. Richmond had no dedicated soccer fields, and most parks were designed for baseball. Diego mowed grass, painted field lines, and set up goals himself until the City’s Parks and Public Works Department informed him he could not continue without permits. A City Council member at the time, Tony Thurmond, now California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, stepped in to guide him through the permitting process and encouraged Diego to join the Parks and Recreation Commission.
“I eventually became Vice Chair, and from there my involvement with the City grew. Over time, I was asked to serve on additional boards and commissions, and my commitment to the Richmond has continued to expand.”
More than three decades later, Diego is the President and Founder of RSOL, a successful soccer program serving more than 350 families in Richmond, California. Richmond is a low income community surrounded by other under resourced cities where volleyball opportunities are extremely limited.
Diego’s involvement in volleyball began through his daughter. After signing her up with a team, the season did not go well. The team struggled, and the overall experience was not positive for the athletes or families. By the end of the season, Diego volunteered to step in and Coach, driven by a desire to create a better environment and experience.
“Watching her passion for the sport and seeing the lack of access in our community motivated me to bring volleyball to Richmond in the same way I did with soccer.”
Although relatively new to volleyball, Diego brings more than 30 years of coaching experience in soccer and boxing. He also serves as a teacher and theAthletic Director at Richmond High School.
“In my first year, I launched the first volleyball program our community had ever seen. Despite the challenges, our inaugural season drew interest from more than 250 girls eager to participate. We proudly registered our teams with JVA.”
Accessibility was the key to the strong turnout. Volleyball did not exist in Richmond or surrounding communities in an affordable, organized format, leaving a significant unmet need. Families were eager for an opportunity that did not require long travel or excessive club fees. RSOL’s model focuses on keeping costs low while providing quality coaching, safe facilities, and meaningful competition. All resources are reinvested into the program, with strong reliance on fundraising, volunteers, and community partnerships.
“Our goal is to remove financial and logistical barriers so youth in our community have the same opportunities as those in more affluent areas, in both volleyball and soccer.”
Richmond SOL is more than a youth sports organization. It is a community based program rooted in service, development, and opportunity. Diego and his staff are deeply engaged in the community, organizing initiatives such as a Thanksgiving program serving more than 300 families with free haircuts, warm meals, clothing, and groceries. RSOL also leads park and street cleanups, community renovations, and hosts a highly successful annual haunted house fundraiser on Halloween that draws hundreds of community members and supports the teams. In addition, RSOL offers recreational and competitive soccer and volleyball, serving approximately 400 youth each season.
Diego’s commitment to the community he grew up in is reflected across his leadership roles, which strengthen his ability to support student athletes both on and off the court.
“Volleyball is an extremely expensive sport. Many clubs charge $2,500 or more per season, which is not realistic for families in our community. My wife and I decided to create a program that is affordable and accessible to every child.”
RSOL currently charges $175 for recreational volleyball and $450 for competitive teams. These fees include uniforms, tournaments, practice facilities, and games. Making this model work requires creativity, strong fundraising, and consistent community support. Diego’s advice to others is to lead with access and equity as the foundation and build from there. Support is essential, and no one can do this work alone.
All three of Diego’s sons are heavily involved in volunteer service through schools, community events, and RSOL programs. They serve as Coaches, referees, facilitators, and Directors. Their involvement allows RSOL to operate effectively while setting a powerful example of leadership and service for younger athletes. Each has earned a college degree and now helps run the family business while continuing to give back to the community that shaped them.