Handball Players Charge into City Hall
Pioneer players were recognized in city hall for playing handball internationally.
By Riyana Siva
Pioneer players were recognized in city hall for playing handball internationally.
By Riyana Siva
On Nov. 8, Pioneer’s Beach Handball Club was recognized by the City of San Jose for representing the United States in handball in their first participation at the Youth Beach Handball World Championship in Heraklion, Greece.
At 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, nine players of the US Youth Men’s Beach Handball National Team who are San Jose residents received their diploma-like commendations from the District 10 Council Member Matt Mahan. Pioneer players were recognized at San Jose City Hall at the start of the city hall council session. Five out of the 13 Team USA players are Pioneer students.
Martin Bilello, who coaches the Youth Men’s National Team, the teams at John Muir and Castillero Middle Schools and the clubs at Pioneer, reached out to the city and informed them of the team's accomplishment.
“Either the city, when they are aware, or a person, when they feel compelled, sends a recommendation for a person or group of persons that are San Jose residents based on an important achievement or service,” said Bilello. ”Then the City evaluates it and decides whether or not to move forward with it.”
Five-year-veteran Ezekiel McClintock, 12, is grateful and excited about receiving the honor.
“We received the commendation for our participation in the (International Handball Federation) beach handball world championships tournament and selection process. This was the first time the US had sent a youth team to this event and the first youth national beach handball team in our history,” said McClintock.
Bilello is pleased with the team’s attitude and the hard work that they put in to receive the accomplishment.
“I’m very proud of the time and effort all the players have put in their dedication to the team and beach handball, and this recognition is a just reward for it,” said Bilello.
Defensive player Aaron Wolf-Bloom, 10, feels they can use the commendations to guide people to join the sport and show all that handball has to offer.
“The city is recognizing us and it really shows the amazing opportunities that playing handball offers,” said Wolf-Bloom.
As a coach for many handball programs, Bilello has worked to bring awareness towards the lesser-known sport.
“It is a minor sport right now, but we are working to make it grow, together with San Francisco CalHeat, the local club and the USA Team Handball Federation at the national level. Team handball is an Olympic sport, and we are working to develop the athletes that will represent the U.S. at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics,” said Bilello. “The Bay Area has the only youth league in the entire country for both boys and girls in middle and high school, and San Jose is the center of it. We will continue growing this league and the numbers of kids playing the sport. We hope that this recognition will bring more attention to the sport and spread the word in the community.”
Ian Hodgson, 12, is honored to represent his country through this sport and commendation.
“The commendation, just like any award, adds to my resume and hopefully opens doors to future teams,” said Hodgson.
The team and McClintock are excited to keep bringing awareness to handball in the future.
“I am extremely grateful to have been a part of the effort to expand handball as a sport of interest in the US at the youth level,” said McClintock. “I can't wait to see where we go next.”
At 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, nine players of the US Youth Men’s Beach Handball National Team who are San Jose residents received their diploma-like commendations from the District 10 Council Member Matt Mahan. Pioneer players were recognized at San Jose City Hall at the start of the city hall council session. Five out of the 13 Team USA players are Pioneer students.
Martin Bilello, who coaches the Youth Men’s National Team, the teams at John Muir and Castillero Middle Schools and the clubs at Pioneer, reached out to the city and informed them of the team's accomplishment.
“Either the city, when they are aware, or a person, when they feel compelled, sends a recommendation for a person or group of persons that are San Jose residents based on an important achievement or service,” said Bilello. ”Then the City evaluates it and decides whether or not to move forward with it.”
Five-year-veteran Ezekiel McClintock, 12, is grateful and excited about receiving the honor.
“We received the commendation for our participation in the (International Handball Federation) beach handball world championships tournament and selection process. This was the first time the US had sent a youth team to this event and the first youth national beach handball team in our history,” said McClintock.
Bilello is pleased with the team’s attitude and the hard work that they put in to receive the accomplishment.
“I’m very proud of the time and effort all the players have put in their dedication to the team and beach handball, and this recognition is a just reward for it,” said Bilello.
Defensive player Aaron Wolf-Bloom, 10, feels they can use the commendations to guide people to join the sport and show all that handball has to offer.
“The city is recognizing us and it really shows the amazing opportunities that playing handball offers,” said Wolf-Bloom.
As a coach for many handball programs, Bilello has worked to bring awareness towards the lesser-known sport.
“It is a minor sport right now, but we are working to make it grow, together with San Francisco CalHeat, the local club and the USA Team Handball Federation at the national level. Team handball is an Olympic sport, and we are working to develop the athletes that will represent the U.S. at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics,” said Bilello. “The Bay Area has the only youth league in the entire country for both boys and girls in middle and high school, and San Jose is the center of it. We will continue growing this league and the numbers of kids playing the sport. We hope that this recognition will bring more attention to the sport and spread the word in the community.”
Ian Hodgson, 12, is honored to represent his country through this sport and commendation.
“The commendation, just like any award, adds to my resume and hopefully opens doors to future teams,” said Hodgson.
The team and McClintock are excited to keep bringing awareness to handball in the future.
“I am extremely grateful to have been a part of the effort to expand handball as a sport of interest in the US at the youth level,” said McClintock. “I can't wait to see where we go next.”