Alberto Hernandez, Kyle VanAlstine and Sebastian Sykes have been named recipients of the first Nina Panipinto-Weber Scholarship, Tucson Soccer Academy announced.

The three will share the $1,500 scholarship. All are part of the 97 Red Boys Team.

"It's great. We work hard, all three of us," said Hernandez. "It's something we deserve - all three of us. We're great leaders for our team. It's going to benefit us and I know we will continue to work hard."

All three agreed that it is a special honor and especially nice in that they are all part of the same team.

"It's a great opportunity for all of us," VanAlstine said.

VanAlstine goes to Cienega High, Hernandez to Salpointe Catholic and Sykes to Waldon Grove High.

"I'm happy that I got it," said Sykes. "It means a lot to me. It's a great honor. It shows that all this hard work pays off. It's great for all of us."

The scholarship is named for Nina Panipinto-Weber, the longtime, loving late wife of TSA co-founder Wolfgang Weber. Nina passed away on Dec. 6, 2013. The scholarship is made available through generous donations and provided through TSA.

"I know that Nina would be delighted to know that Alberto “Tito” Hernandez, Kyle VanAlstine and Sebastian Sykes are the first recipients of her scholarship award, "Weber said.  "These three young men exemplify the qualities and conduct we strive to instill in all our players. It's exceptional work ethic, outstanding leadership and absolute integrity. They demonstrate our TSA motto: “Expect the Best” on a daily basis, and I’m very proud that they are part of our TSA teams.”