For one remarkable Memphis family, hard work and determination truly run in the blood. The Ruvalcaba sisters — Gabi, Sophia, and Priscilla — made history after transitioning from homeschool to traditional education, with all three qualifying for their respective state championships in track and field and cross country.
A Journey of Perseverance
The Ruvalcaba family began homeschooling in 2010 while living in California. After moving to Memphis in 2012, they launched a physical education homeschool organization that taught PE three times weekly to children throughout the community. Along with their older brother Jaden, the sisters were active participants in every class their dad taught.
Omar Ruvalcaba, the girls’ father and coach, started Gifted Athletes Homeschool P.E. with just nine children. The program, which grew to 150 homeschooled students, became a cornerstone of their athletic foundation. In addition to their regular class participation, Omar made sure Jaden, Gabi, Sophia, and Priscilla continued weekly jogs, building endurance and fostering a love of running.
When Omar was hired as a football coach and assistant athletic director at Harding Academy in 2022, the family began transitioning from homeschooling. Jaden had recently graduated from the homeschool community in 2023. Gabi, who had been homeschooled her entire life, started at Harding Academy as a senior that same year. Sophia was homeschooled until eighth grade and started at Harding Academy as a freshman. Priscilla attended ECS (Evangelical Christian School) in kindergarten and first grade, while Omar was volunteering as a football coach and still running Gifted Athletes. She was homeschooled in second grade and joined Harding Academy in third grade.
Three Sisters, Three State Qualifiers
Gabi made an immediate impact at Harding Academy in 2023 as a varsity starter in soccer and basketball. Though Gabi had never competed in track and field, she earned a state spot in the TSSAA pentathlon and 4×400 relay in 2024 for Harding Academy. Her leadership and competitive spirit set an inspiring example for her younger siblings.
Sophia’s cross-country season in 2024 was cut short by a minor leg injury, but her determination never wavered. She helped Harding Academy finish as regional runners-up while smashing her personal record by over a minute — a tremendous leap in performance. Her team’s dedication and hard work paid off with a trip to the TSSAA cross country state championships last week.
Meanwhile, Priscilla, a 5th grader, qualified individually for the Tennessee State elementary and middle school state championship in Knoxville a few weeks ago as a solo runner for Harding Academy. She finished with an impressive personal best, dropping almost a full 40 seconds off her previous time on the course.
A Testament to Family and Faith
The Ruvalcaba sisters’ story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering family support. Transitioning from homeschooling to a traditional school environment is no small feat, yet these young athletes have embraced every challenge and thrived — both on the track, the course, and in the classroom.
All three girls exemplify dedication and excellence. Gabi graduated from Harding Academy in 2024 and earned an academic scholarship to Harding University in Searcy, AR, where she is studying Kinesiology. Sophia and Priscilla continue to excel as honor roll students at Harding Academy.
From California to Memphis, from homeschool to state championships — the Ruvalcaba sisters prove that with hard work, family support, and faith, anything is possible.
This blog was written by Saleama A. Ruvalcaba
Saleama A. Ruvalcaba serves as Director of Leap Enrichment, After School, and Summer Programs at Harding Academy in Memphis, where the summer camp was named Best Day Camp by Memphis Parent Magazine and received the Memphis Community Choice Award for 2025. A wife to Omar and proud mother, Saleama is a former home educator who, alongside her husband, built two thriving homeschool organizations in the Memphis area: Proverbs 22:6 and Gifted Athletes, which together served over 500 families across the Mid-South. She holds a master’s degree in theology.
