Soccer has been my life since I was four years old, though it almost didn't happen. My parents were initially hesitant about letting me play, worried about injuries and costs. Now, as a WCC First Team midfielder at the University of San Diego, I'm grateful they changed their minds.

Being from Escondido, choosing USD was natural. Having my family at nearly every home game has been incredible – their constant support keeps me pushing forward. The familiar faces of teammates I knew before joining the program also made USD feel like the right fit from day one.

This season has been special, largely thanks to our pre-season captain's camp. Those two weeks before other teams arrived were crucial in building the team chemistry that would carry us through the year. That foundation, combined with the motivation of having San Diego FC in our backyard, pushed me to elevate my game and ultimately earn a spot on the WCC First Team.

Some moments stand out more than others. Scoring in the tournament in front of our home crowd was pure elation – not just for me, but for the entire team. Then there was that long-distance goal, something I'd never done before in my career. But nothing tops securing our three-peat as WCC champions, a testament to the program we've built here at USD.

Looking ahead, my goals are clear: catch the eye of professional clubs and pursue my dream of being drafted. But first, I'm focused on helping our team secure a fourth consecutive WCC title and making a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.

From those early days kicking a ball around in Escondido to now, my soccer journey has exceeded my wildest dreams. With my family in the stands and my teammates by my side, I'm living proof that hard work and support can turn childhood dreams into reality.

Best,

Cesar Bahena

GREAT PRICES, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Fellow Torero Enthusiasts,

With the school's blessing, and with great enthusiasm from supporters around the globe, this year we finally joined hundreds of other college campuses in the NIL (name, image, and likeness) era - paying players to support athletic development + growth while affording student-athletes a little financial breathing room.

We're a newer university compared to most schools at the Division 1 athletics level, and we're also a newer collective on the NIL scene. But what we lack in experience, we make up for in passionate support of high-achieving Torero athletics.

There is plenty of negative association with NIL, but I can't tell you just how impactful the NIL contributions have been to the athletes who have received, and who will receive, NIL proceeds. In the coming months, we'll let the student-athletes tell you themselves, in their words, what NIL has meant to them. 

For now, I ask for your support of our Torero athletics programs with your time, money, or both. Give to the school, give to our collective, attend the games, consume content and be an active participant in supporting Torero athletics. Make it a New Years' Resolution to attend one more Torero sporting event than you did last year.

Like so many facets of our school, our athletics programs are on the rise and they are continuing to gain in stature, excellence, and prominence. However, the ascent isn't achieved without investment, effort, and commitment. And we are in it for the long haul for however long that is, for whatever it takes. Put in other words, if you don't grind, you don't shine.

Thank you to all of our supporters and fans who are with us on this journey to build something that we all can be exceedingly proud of and that can befit our crown jewel of a university. Go Toreros!

J.T. Rogan

This year, the Olé Foundation put on two remarkable events that brought our Torero community together and made a meaningful difference.

Our first landmark event was the inaugural Sandbagger Alumni Golf Tournament at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. On November 4th, 152 golfers—including alumni, former MLB players, and dedicated supporters—came together to raise over $50,000 for Torero student-athletes. Head Baseball Coach Brock Ungricht captured the spirit of the day perfectly, noting, "Our first core value is family. Bringing everyone together is huge and to have this turn out today is what it's all about."

A particularly memorable moment came during the ceremonial first tee shot. Longtime USD Baseball head coach John Cunningham passed the honor to former player and MLB veteran Kevin Herde—a symbolic gesture that epitomized the tournament's spirit of continuity and mutual support.

In another powerful display of community service, Olé Foundation members joined USD Men's Basketball players for a service project at Otay Ranch High School. The day saw Dominic Muncey and his teammates dedicating their time to giving back, embodying the commitment to service and community engagement of our student athletes.

We are extremely excited to do more of these community events in the future and can’t wait to continue to grow the presence of our Toreros!

The University of San Diego athletic program showcased remarkable talent and achievement during the Fall 2024 semester. The football team's 8-3 season was highlighted by Ja'seem Reed winning PFL Offensive Player of the Year and Eric Haney earning PFL Defensive Player of the Year, setting a tone of excellence for the semester.

Men's soccer continued its winning tradition, capturing the third consecutive West Coast Conference title with a 15-3-2 record and reaching the NCAA Tournament's third round—their best finish since 2014. The volleyball program also shined, with Isabel Clark named WCC Freshman of the Year and Kylie Munday earning WCC Setter of the Year.

Other sports also made significant impacts across campus. The golf team finished second at the Kapolei Invitational, tennis sent three athletes to NCAA Championships, and the rowing teams medaled in fall classic events. Women's swimming ended the year with a 169-74 victory over Chapman, while the women's soccer program demonstrated academic excellence with 11 student-athletes earning conference academic honors.

For Cross Country, Jake Coleman nearly broke the 10km school record, finishing 87th overall, while graduate student Grace Maurer led the women's team with a notable performance.

We are extremely proud of our Fall athletes and can’t wait to see what our Toreros accomplish the rest of the year!

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!

Powered by Athletiverse