Growing up in Salinas, California, I was always surrounded by family. With two older brothers and sports-loving parents, athletics was woven into the fabric of our lives. Those early years at Palma High School laid the foundation for my collegiate career, but I never imagined just how transformative my decision to attend the University of San Diego would be.

When people ask me why I chose USD, the answer comes easily. San Diego's perfect blend of top-tier academics, competitive athletics, and unbeatable location made it an obvious choice. Now, six years later, I can confidently say it's been the best decision of my life – I wouldn't change a thing.

This season has been particularly special for me, and people often ask what's fueled my success. The answer isn't glamorous: it's discipline and hard work. In a city like San Diego, there are plenty of distractions, but staying focused on football is key. As a quarterback, I've learned to manage pressure by taking things one play at a time, and staying cool, calm, and collected when the stakes are high.

My most memorable moment? That's easy – my first start against Dayton last year. There's nothing quite like that feeling of earning your spot and proving yourself on the field. Football has taught me countless lessons, but the most important one is simple: hard work pays off. It might not happen overnight, but if you put in the time, results will follow.

To young players dreaming of playing college football, my advice is straightforward: go for it. Yes, it's a grind, but if you're willing to give 100% effort, you can make it happen. The journey isn't always easy, but it's worth every sacrifice.

I've been fortunate to have support along the way, including from the Olé Foundation. Working with JT Rogan has opened doors, including NIL opportunities through Dealiyo. The Foundation's pre-game hype videos have added an extra spark to our game-day experience, reminding us what we're playing for.

Looking back at my journey, I'm grateful for every challenge and triumph along the way. It's been more than just about football – it's been about growth, perseverance, and making the most of every opportunity.

Best,

Grant Sergent

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GREAT PRICES, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

The USD Men's Soccer team has been on an absolute tear, winning the 2024 West Coast Conference Championship for the third straight season, followed by a dominant first two games in the NCAA Tournament!

WCC Title and Tournament Success

Under Coach Brian Quinn, the Toreros secured their third consecutive WCC Championship with a 1-0 victory over LMU. They have since continued their winning streak in the NCAA Tournament, defeating UC Davis and stunning 10th-ranked Duke 1-0 to reach the Sweet 16.

Key highlights include Samy Kanaan's championship-winning goal, Cesar Bahena's dramatic first-round strike, and Jack Sandmeyer's late header that upset Duke. Goalkeeper Donovan Parisian has been crucial, maintaining multiple clean sheets throughout the tournament.

What's Next

The Toreros will now face Vermont in the Sweet 16 on December 1st at Torero Stadium, looking to continue their remarkable season and potentially make program history.

This season showcases USD's soccer program as a rising powerhouse, demonstrating exceptional skill, resilience, and competitive spirit.

On Saturday, November 4th, the University of San Diego celebrated its 75th Anniversary with an extraordinary Founders Gala at Petco Park, drawing nearly 1,000 of the university's most passionate supporters following an impressive 45-6 football victory over Stetson.

The evening was marked by transformative philanthropic commitments: Joe Kudla and Mike Persall delivered seven-figure gifts advancing entrepreneurship and leadership, while attendees contributed over $1 million in scholarship donations. The night's crowning achievement was Darlene Shiley's remarkable $75 million dedication to STEM programming, honoring her late husband Donald's legacy.

Olé Foundation Executive Director, J.T. Rogan, captured the event's spirit, declaring, “The gala, like the presence of the Olé Foundation, signals growth, progress, and commitment to future Toreros. I was proud to share in a monumental evening alongside many of our great athletic administrators, Torero sports team coaches, and Olé Foundation Board Members.”

The event not only celebrated USD's rich history but powerfully invested in its promising future, demonstrating the community's profound belief in the university's continued excellence.

Allyson Lombardi (née Eylers) embodies the transformative power of the USD student-athlete experience. A women's volleyball player from 2016 to 2019, Allyson graduated with a dual Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Finance before continuing her athletic career at Arizona State University.

Today, Allyson works in corporate finance at Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Arizona's largest power provider. But her journey is defined by more than professional achievements. Her time at USD was a pivotal period of personal growth, marked by memorable moments like an unforgettable upset victory against Stanford during her freshman season.

"Being a student-athlete at USD shaped me greatly," Allyson reflects. The discipline of balancing rigorous academics with athletic commitments taught her critical life skills—time management, resilience, and teamwork—that continue to serve her well in her career and personal life.

To current USD student-athletes, Allyson's advice is clear: "Dive into every challenge and savor every victory and lesson along the way!" Her story is a testament to the enduring impact of the USD athletic and academic experience.

Though now living in Arizona with her husband, Allyson remains connected to USD athletics through social media, alumni updates, and cherished memories of her time as a Torero.

Special thank you to Allyson for sitting down with us and providing wisdom based on her excellent career at USD. We look forward to following along with Allyson as we know she will continue to accomplish great things in the future!

WHERE TOREROS OWN THEIR FUTURE…

That’s All For Now!

We hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter! You can follow us on @olefoundation on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Please help us in continuing to spread the word, and thank you for supporting the Olé Foundation!

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