Essex County College Women’s Soccer Captain Xiomara Rivera Honored with 2026 Essex County Althea Gibson Leadership Award
Newark, NJ — Sophomore women's soccer captain Xiomara Rivera of Essex County College has been named the College's recipient of the 2026 Essex County Althea Gibson Leadership Award, recognizing her outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and achievements as a student-athlete.
Rivera and three other outstanding high school students from the Essex County Technical Schools were nominated for the 2026 Essex County Althea Gibson Leadership Award during the County's annual Women's History Month celebration hosted by Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., Essex County Executive.
"Through their academic achievements and contributions to their local communities, these remarkable young women are on the road to success. Each is unique in their own way, having a profound impact on their schools. Striving for their goals and never letting anything stop them is part of what has driven them to reach the level of success that they have achieved thus far in their lives," DiVincenzo said. "These young women have made tremendous contributions and are establishing themselves as leaders of our future generations," he added.
The award is named after trailblazing tennis champion Althea Gibson and recognizes outstanding female students from across Essex County who demonstrate leadership, perseverance, and dedication to their schools and communities.
Other distinguished New Jersey leaders were also in attendance and delivered remarks during the celebration, including U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 8th Congressional District Rob Menendez, New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, and Essex County Commissioner President Carlos M. Pomares, along with several other influential leaders from across New Jersey.
A Social Science major at Essex, Rivera has excelled both academically and athletically during her time with the Wolverines. She maintains a strong GPA while balancing the responsibilities of being captain of the women's soccer program. Her academic dedication has earned her recognition on both the Garden State Athletic Conference Academic Team and the NJCAA Region 19 All-Academic Team.
On the field, Rivera delivered several standout performances during the 2025 season, emerging as one of the Wolverines' top playmakers and leaders. Her strong play throughout the season ultimately earned her NJCAA Region 19 Division II First Team All-Region honors.
In addition to this incredible honor, Rivera was also named the 2025–26 NJCAA Region 19 Female Athlete of the Year for Essex County College, recognizing her outstanding athletic and academic achievements as well as her dedication to community service.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Rivera serves as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Essex County College. Through this role, she has demonstrated leadership beyond athletics by helping coordinate community engagement initiatives and sharing her experiences as a student-athlete to inspire younger students in the Newark community.
"Xiomara represents everything we want in an Essex County College student-athlete," said Athletic Director David Tomkins. "She leads by example in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. Being recognized with the Althea Gibson Leadership Award is a well-deserved honor and reflects her dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence."
"I am truly honored to receive the Althea Gibson Leadership Award," Rivera said. "Essex County College has given me so many opportunities to grow as a student, athlete, and leader. I'm grateful to my coaches, teammates, and the entire Essex community for their support."
Rivera plans to continue both her academic and athletic career after graduating from Essex County College and has committed to transfer to Caldwell University, where she will continue her soccer career on an athletic scholarship.
The annual Althea Gibson Leadership Awards celebrate young women who exemplify the legacy of Gibson by demonstrating leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their schools and communities. Rivera's recognition reflects the strong tradition of leadership and excellence among student-athletes at Essex County College.