At just 17 years old, Adan Rivera already lives a life full of passion and perseverance. A rising junior at a local high school in Fullerton, CA, Adan’s daily schedule would challenge even the most disciplined adults. He’s an honor student enrolled in AP European History and Honors English, a standout water polo athlete, and a young man driven by a goal: “I’m going to become an Olympic water polo player.”
But this journey—fueled by hustle and hope—would not be possible without one vital support system: HopSkipDrive. Adan was first introduced to HopSkipDrive through the McKinney-Vento (MKV) program back in middle school. At the time, Kristen Holm, who was Adan’s elementary school principal and is now a Special Education Coordinator at Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified, was among the first to recognize his potential and the support he needed. Their relationship goes all the way back to third grade, and even now, Kristen remains a strong presence and mentor in Adan's life.
“I can’t swim,” Kristen recalls Adan once jokingly saying when she suggested joining the water polo team. Now she smiles every time she watches him achieve new goals in his sport. “He is a survivor. Honestly, I cannot tell you how grateful I am to your company,” she says. “HopSkipDrive has saved his life, along with water polo. And if there were no HopSkipDrive, there’d be no water polo…it has provided [him] so much opportunity and equity,” Kristen highlights.
The Challenge:
Adan maintains a demanding schedule, starting his day before 6:30 a.m. and often not returning home until 10:00 p.m. Balancing school, homework, and multiple water polo practices requires unwavering commitment. Transportation was a major barrier; Adan needed to travel to school, practices, and tournaments up to an hour away with the SoCal Water Polo Club. Without consistent access to reliable rides, continuing his pursuit of excellence would have been nearly impossible.
When Adan transitioned into high school, his access to HopSkipDrive rides was discontinued. Not long after, his mentor Kristen was advised that he was frequently missing school, an early warning sign that his circumstances were becoming unsustainable. Without a consistent support system or access to transportation, Adan had no reliable way to get to school or practice. Traditional options weren’t a fit for his schedule, and few people in his life were in a position to help. Despite his determination and potential, these logistical barriers stood in the way of his progress both in the classroom and in the pool.
The Solution:
Kristen knew Adan didn’t just need a ride, he needed consistency, care, and a community that believed in him. She connected him with HopSkipDrive, and a local family foundation, which now covers the cost of his rides and water polo fees. As Kristen puts it, “He has a village around him. Now, HopSkipDrive is part of that village.” With reliable, flexible transportation in place, Adan could fully commit to both his academics and athletics.
“HopSkipDrive has been a big game changer for me,” Adan says. “I’m able to get to school on time and pursue my education. I’m also able to get to places like SoCal Water Polo. I’m just super thankful.”
CareDrivers aren’t just transportation, they’re part of his team. Sometimes the rides are over 40 minutes, or even an hour, for competitions. But each ride becomes a chance for motivation: “They usually just cheer me on, which is another [fuel] to the fire. It’s really motivating to hear that early in the morning before a game, to stay dedicated,” Adan says.
Water polo hasn’t just shaped Adan’s athletic goals; it’s given him direction and hope. "It’s second nature to me now. Something I crave,” he says. He’s been selected to train with Greece’s National Team this summer and joined the Junior Olympics this July. During the Junior Olympics competition, his team earned gold in the highest division, solidifying their status as one of the top club teams in the nation. Kristen plays a pivotal role in Adan's continued success, personally booking his rides through RideIQ. “He inspires me every day”, reflects Kristen in return, “HopSkipDrive is the only reason he's on the team. If I weren’t able to arrange these rides under this amazing app that I love, he wouldn’t be where he is today. Water polo has saved his life.”
With a passion for history and a strong GPA, Adan’s Olympic-sized dreams include attending UCLA. More than his stats, it’s his humility, discipline, and heart that shine through. Adan Rivera may still be in high school, but he’s already proven that with the right mindset, the right support, and a community behind you, no dream is too far. Not even the Olympics.
At HopSkipDrive, we believe every student deserves safe, reliable transportation, because getting to school and beyond shouldn’t be a barrier to opportunity. Whether it’s an afterschool program or competing in water polo, we are committed to helping students get where they need to be, so they can thrive in all areas of their lives. Today, we are thrilled to be part of Adan’s story, as he pursues his passion and continues his road towards success.
