
Hobbies and interests
Athletic Training
Artificial Intelligence
Marketing
Advertising
Biking And Cycling
Business And Entrepreneurship
Coaching
Cooking
Kickboxing
Karaoke
Graphic Design
Jiu Jitsu
YouTube
Wrestling
Weightlifting
Tutoring
Track and Field
Video Editing and Production
Videography
Muay Thai
Percussion
Self Care
Spanish
Tagalog
Studying
Nutrition and Health
Martial Arts
Reading
Self-Help
I read books multiple times per week
Christopher Cariaso
1x
Finalist1x
Winner
Christopher Cariaso
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Finalist1x
WinnerBio
Hi! My name is CJ Cariaso. I’m an 18-year-old professional BMX racer from Tucson, Arizona, and an aspiring business major at the University of Tulsa. I’m also a USABMX-certified coach, and my long-term goal is to use the skills I gain in college to turn local BMX beginner leagues and developmental clinics into a nationwide organization, one that rivals Little League in accessibility and impact. Through BMX, I hope to give kids the same opportunities for personal growth that I experienced, while encouraging them to be active, have fun outdoors, and build confidence through an alternative sport. I also aim to inspire the next generation of riders through my own journey toward the Olympic Games.
I have strong experience in business and digital media, including running a vending machine business, launching an online store for custom 3D-printed BMX number plates, and leading a creative action plan at Asbury Automotive that increased social media engagement by 1185%. Since 2022, I’ve also served as Digital Media Manager for Rise of the Prospects MMA, overseeing live event production, commentary, and social growth. In BMX, I founded a Tucson-based Beginner League and TrainChulaAZ, a professional training club partnered with the U.S. Olympic Training Center that helped reopen its BMX facility and expand elite access for Arizona riders. Academically, I am a high school senior with a 4.0 unweighted and 4.2 weighted GPA, perfect AP scores in English Language and Calculus, the CFSD Gold Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, and experience as a peer mentor creating fun YouTube tutorials!
Education
Catalina Foothills High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Business/Commerce, General
Career
Dream career field:
Sports
Dream career goals:
Olympic Champion, Build Nationwide Beginner League, Inspire Next Generation
Digital Media Intern
Asbury Automotives2025 – Present1 year
Sports
Cycling
Club2015 – Present11 years
Awards
- 25+ Individual National Wins
- 5x AZ State Champion
- 2x Team USA World Team
- 2x Southwest Regional Champion
Research
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
OneLife Health and Fitness — Subject2026 – Present
Arts
YouTube
Videography146+ BMX YouTube Videos2021 – Present
Public services
Advocacy
Friends of PACC — Vending Business Owner2023 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Spark the Change Scholarship
WinnerGrowing up, I had two dreams: to become an Olympic gold medalist BMX racer and to own a massive marble mansion with a waterpark, like Celine Dion. While pursuing BMX at a professional level, I quickly realized that financial stability would not come from racing alone. That understanding pushed me to explore business early, and those experiences ultimately shaped how I give back to my community today.
My first venture was a vending business that grew from a single gumball machine into full-scale vending machines across town. While profitable, it bothered me that unhealthy snacks sold best. Later, I launched an online business designing the only aerodynamic BMX number plate on the market, managing everything from prototyping and manufacturing to digital marketing. Although these ventures did not succeed financially, they taught me critical lessons in leadership, organization, and execution.
As I transitioned fully into professional BMX racing, I began looking for ways to apply those skills beyond profit. A turning point came when my coach encouraged me to start coaching, explaining that teaching others strengthens your own understanding. I became CPR, first aid, and USABMX coaching certified and began running weekly clinics at my local track, working with young riders to develop skills, confidence, and sportsmanship. Coaching quickly became one of the most meaningful ways I could give back, allowing me to positively impact kids at the same age when BMX shaped my own life.
While training for national and international competition, I also recognized a major barrier for Arizona riders: the lack of access to professional-level BMX tracks. To address this, I began organizing group training trips to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. Through networking and community-building on social media, I helped riders gain access to one of the most exclusive training facilities in the world, eventually contributing to the reopening of its BMX facility. This effort grew into TrainChulaAZ, a professional training club that provides Arizona athletes with elite development opportunities they otherwise would not have.
At the local level, I founded a Tucson-based BMX Beginner League designed to introduce kids to competitive cycling in a structured, supportive environment. Through this league, I focus on teaching discipline, confidence, teamwork, and resilience, values that extend far beyond the track. Many of the tools from my earlier business ventures found new purpose, from using old prototypes as clinic rewards to replacing vending sales with lessons on proper nutrition and mindset.
Through these experiences, I learned that investing in others creates a return far greater than any financial profit. Giving back to my community through coaching, mentorship, and access to opportunity has given my work meaning and direction. For me, the true reward is not a payday, but hearing a young rider proudly say they learned something new. Purpose, not profit, is the true gold medal, and the real mansion worth building.
Through entrepreneurship, I plan to scale the impact I’ve already created by building structured BMX beginner leagues and elite training programs into a nationwide organization that makes the sport accessible, developmental, and community-driven. Academically, I aim to study business to gain the tools needed to sustainably grow these programs while maintaining their mission-first values. I have already given back by founding a local BMX Beginner League, creating professional training access through TrainChulaAZ, mentoring young riders, and using sport to teach confidence, discipline, and opportunity to the next generation.