UPV Honorary Athlete 2025
Basketball player Sergio de Larrea receives the distinction recognising his contribution to promoting sporting values within the university community
[ 18/11/2025 ]
‘I am delighted that my daily work has been recognised,’ said Sergio de Larrea Asenjo upon being named UPV Honorary Athlete 2025. He is a point guard for Valencia Basket and is part of the so-called "golden junior generation," having won gold at the U19 World Cup in July 2023. This year, he became the youngest MVP in the history of the Spanish Super Cup. (Video)
He is totally dedicated to basketball, and thanks to the UPV High Level programme, which supports elite athletes at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), he has been able to combine sport with his studies for a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Organisation Engineering for two academic years. Currently, due to his sporting commitments, he has decided to take a break from his studies.
The Governing Council meeting held on 20 October approved the appointment of Sergio de Larrea, as proposed by the Vice-Rector for Coexistence and Well-being, Santiago Guillem Picó.
Since 2006
This distinction aims to publicly recognise the sporting achievements of individuals, organisations, public institutions and private entities that have made a significant contribution to the promotion and development of sport.
Additionally, they must stand out for their humanistic merits related to sport and their contributions to the educational and training values within the university environment, such as solidarity, dedication, integration, teamwork, self-improvement, equality, and respect.
It has been awarded since 2006, when it was given to Abel Antón. Judoka Isabel Fernández and footballer Juan Mata are other examples of UPV Honorary Athletes.
Sergio de Larrea has signed the university's Book of Honour in the office of the UPV rector, José E. Capilla. De Larrea highlighted the values that sport provides, such as teamwork, learning to lead, respect, and doing what others ask of you. These are values that sport, university and your future work share to become the best professional you can be’.
De Larrea has also sponsored the launch of UPV IN, the sports programme for athletes with disabilities.
Photograph: Vicente Lara Sáez
Video: Amparo Berbegal Juan
Text: Carmen Revillo Rubio
UPV Communication Area
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