Judge Nash '26
When the alarm chirps on a weekday morning, Judge Nash, a senior in the class of 2026, throws the covers off and attacks the day. “I just try to get up as fast as possible. I recognize that moment is probably the worst transition from comfort to discomfort in my day,” Judge says with a grin.
Judge is no stranger to discomfort. For many years, after breakfast, he has contended with a two hour commute from his home in Vallejo, numerous AP and honors courses, and a grueling football schedule.
And yet, the young wide receiver, committed to play at Harvard next year, never complains about the sacrifices he’s had to make to chase his dream of playing in the NFL. “There’s that competitive fire in me.” The rocking and constant noise of the BART train may make writing his homework neatly a difficult task, but it’s a small price to pay to be a part of a team this closely knit.
The Path to 12-1
Humble beginnings make for the best success stories. When Judge arrived at Riordan, the football team had a 3-7 record. Judge may have been an early standout, but it wasn’t always easy.
“I couldn’t remember my plays, couldn’t figure out where to go. It was my second year playing, and Coach Adhir would pull me aside and say, ‘Hey are you ok? I know it’s hard, but you’re a great player. You’re an awesome kid.’ He would invest that into me and just be that kind voice telling me ‘you’re right where you need to be.'” That faith and the hard work of so many people on and off the team would soon pay off.
Judge’s favorite memory from this year’s incredible run is equal amounts pain and surprise. “The game against Serra. I tore my labrum. I dislocated my shoulder. It was the worst game I ever played. I couldn’t finish the game, but the team rallied for me and came through and got that win.”
The injury and adversity. None of it mattered. Instead, Judge could treasure the camaraderie and the team photo after the game. “I’m always going to remember that. That moment my guys came through for me.”
At Home At Riordan
Despite the confidence that comes with success, Judge remembers acutely how it felt to be a new student at Riordan. “I was here to do well in school, get good grades, but I just wanted to fit in. I wanted a group. I wanted friends.” He would find that in football, of course, but also with other students who shared his passion for anime and manga. Riordan, Judge says, is a place where “everyone talks to everyone. There’s no cliques or separation. It’s just a conglomerate whole.”
Inspired by his parents, Judge focused on his learning just as much as his athletics and social life. “I always had high academic expectations for myself. I knew that, no matter what, my education was going to be most important to me, even if football didn't pan out.”
Dr. Gochoko-Tsuyuki, Judge remembers, especially encouraged him in his academics. “She’s the first person to say, ‘you have the potential to go to an Ivy league school.’ She didn’t even know I played sports,” Judge smiles. When Judge doubted himself, “Dr. T. was in my ears telling me, ‘you got this.’”
The Riordan community couldn’t be prouder of its young star, who thrilled fans with his improbable catches and hard-fought yards, but it’s Judge’s commitment to excellence that will leave a lasting mark on the school, proof for future students that a willingness to “put in the hours” makes chasing a dream possible.
Looking ahead to Harvard, Judge knows there won’t be any shortage of challenges, but he’s excited about the shorter commute from dorm to classroom.
