Big Guy, Big Dreams

Cincinnati native Zach Strief had big dreams that came true. The Milford High School graduate wanted a good education and wanted to play football. Today, he is an offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints, helping bring the team to its first-ever league championship in Super Bowl XLIV.

Zach, wanting to help other young people achieve their dreams, established The Zach Strief “Dream Big” Foundation Fund of GCF. The fund is dedicated to assisting children in their physical and mental development. It is intended to help students participate in high school athletic programs. He has a strong affinity for the regions of Cincinnati and New Orleans, and in particular Milford High School in Clermont County.

“Zach was a three-sport athlete and he knows how important sports were in his life,” his mother, Cathy Strief of Milford, said. “They helped him go on to college. Because of sports, he is a kid that had choices. Football allowed him to go to a great school (Northwestern University).”

Cathy said Zach saw a need in Milford Exempted Village Schools which has “pay to play” sports and recently made a gift to Milford’s athletic department. Zach also held a three-day football camp with seven NFL players for Milford Schools during the summer.

“Zach wants to give back to the community he feels has always supported him,” Cathy added. “He feels connected to the community.”

Read more about giving through GCF.