High school is an exciting, and often overwhelming, time for many young people. Between academics, athletics, and planning for the future, students can feel stretched thin. That’s what makes it especially powerful when one chooses to devote their limited free time to making a meaningful difference in the community.
Rhiya Beckham is a 15-year-old high school freshman with two passions: soccer and community service. Growing up in a family of doctors, she developed an early interest in health and medicine. These two worlds, sports and health, would unexpectedly collide during an Angel City FC match in May 2025, setting her on a path she hadn’t anticipated.
From the stands of the football match, Rhiya watched as player Savy King experienced an on-field cardiac emergency and received life-saving care. The moment opened her eyes to a sobering realization. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, at any time, even elite professional athletes. For Rhiya, the takeaway was clear: more people, especially young athletes, needed to understand cardiac arrest and know how to respond. She felt compelled to take action.
Working alongside her soccer coaches, Rhiya developed the idea for Legends for Life, an organization dedicated to empowering youth athletes, teams, and communities to become capable bystander responders during cardiac emergencies. Her vision was ambitious and she knew she couldn’t do it alone. To make it a reality, she would need guidance, resources, and community support.
That support came through the LA Promise Fund, a nonprofit that helps students identify social issues in their communities and develop actionable plans to address them. The program provides mentorship and financial backing to a group of participants picked out of the many applicants. Rhiya submitted a proposal outlining her mission and the resources she would need to succeed. She was accepted into the program and awarded grant funding along with hands-on support to help bring Legends for Life to life.
With a clear plan and growing momentum, Rhiya turned to her teammates. It didn’t take much convincing to get them on board. Her passion proved contagious. Together, they began hosting educational events throughout their community, partnering with schools and sporting events to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and provide CPR training to fellow youth athletes.
Reflecting on the experience, Rhiya says one of the most meaningful lessons has been seeing how quickly others rallied around the cause. What started as a single idea grew into a collective effort, fueled by shared purpose and a willingness to act. Often, creating change simply requires someone brave enough to speak up and take the first step.
Looking ahead, Rhiya plans to continue growing Legends for Life throughout her high school years and beyond. While the future holds many possibilities, one thing is certain: the impact she and her teammates are making is only just beginning.
To learn more about Legends for Life, visit their website below.