Lion Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Galileo Academy of Science and Technology

Sports run deep in San Francisco, and Galileo Academy of Science and Technology has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Lion uniform. Today, we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Galileo Academy of Science and Technology who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Kyle Nelson - MLB Relief Pitcher (Cleveland Guardians, Arizona Diamondbacks)

An accomplished Lion at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology, Nelson dominated the football field with nearly 33 touchdowns, setting a San Francisco record in the process. He was also known for playing baseball, and, in his senior year, threw a no-hitter against a rival high school. Nelson went on to play baseball at the University of California, Santa Barbara and was later drafted by the Cleveland Guardians, making his MLB debut in September 2020, eventually playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Sources: maxpreps, calhisports, mlb.com)

2. Gino Cimoli – MLB Outfielder (Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates)

Despite not playing baseball until his senior year, Cimoli proudly wore the purple and gold while dominating the baseball fields of Galileo High School, hitting an astonishing .607. He later attended Menlo College and made his professional MLB debut in April 1956 with the Brooklyn Dodgers after playing in Montreal. Cimoli helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win an astonishing World Series victory against the Yankees in 1960. Cimoli retired from Major League Baseball in 1965 and passed away at the age of 81 in February 2011. (Sources: sabr, baseball-reference, sfgate)

3. Bobby Shaw – NFL Wide Receiver (Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers)

Shaw had a remarkable tenure as a lion, becoming a quarterback in his junior year and a wide receiver in his senior year. He went on to play college football in California, graduating as the school's leader in receptions. Shaw ended up playing for multiple teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills. Shaw currently lives in Antioch, California. (Sources: ranker, sfgate)

4. Daniela Chaname – Soccer Star

A strong and determined Lion, Chaname made a name for herself on Galileo’s soccer and flag football teams. She was the soccer MVP for two seasons and helped to lead the flag football team to two All-City Championships. Chaname graduated in 2024 and is now attending Marian University, where she continues to dominate the soccer field today. (Sources: sabreathletics, maxpreps)

5. Bobby Brown – MLB Third Baseman (New York Yankees)

As a straight-A student and student body president, and as a member of Galileo’s baseball team, Brown was most definitely a notable lion. As a junior, he helped Galileo win a major game against the University of California freshman baseball team. In 1942 brown attended Stanford, where he majored in chemical engineering until he enlisted in the Navy in 1943. Brown made his MLB debut with the Yankees, helping them to become four time world series champions. After he retired, brown became a full-time doctor as well as the American League Executive. He passed away in March 2021. (Sources: baseball-reference, sabr)

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