STUDENT ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Catherine Dueck: USD’s Stellar Freshman Swimmer

As my freshman season at USD comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey that transformed a girl from Victoria, Minnesota, into a collegiate swimmer competing under the California sun.

Swimming has been part of my life since I was seven, though I wasn't particularly focused at first. I bounced between soccer, t-ball, and dance until around age eight when something clicked. My coaches noticed potential and moved me straight to training with the older kids—a moment when my parents and I realized this might be my sport.

Starting as a freestyler, I tackled the grueling 200 free early in my journey. But my favorite has always been the 100 IM—technically a "fake event" since it's not Olympic and only works in 25-yard pools—but it's incredibly fun, with one length of each stroke.

Coming to USD from Minnesota has been transformative. When I visited, the team culture immediately stood out—everyone was welcoming and genuinely cared about each other. The stunning campus and beautiful outdoor pool (a welcome change from Minnesota's cold!) sealed the deal.

Being part of the USD swim team has shown me what true passion and dedication look like. My teammates are incredibly hardworking and encouraging, creating a team culture like no other. They've taught me to prioritize having fun even when training gets tough.

Highlights of this season include winning the 200 IM and placing third in the 100 breaststroke at the MPSF Championships, plus competing at the CSCAA meet with my teammate Skylar. We also got to go to Disney World after—such a blast!

The best part about being a USD athlete? Having a team who are also my closest friends—we go to class together, eat dinner together, and live together. It's created bonds unlike anything I've experienced before.

Best,

Catherine Dueck

Support Catherine and other USD Athletes!

MEN’S BASKETBALL SHOWCASE

USD Basketball to Host Transfer Portal Showcase

Attention rising basketball stars! USD Men's Basketball is hosting a Transfer Portal camp on March 30, 2025, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and compete against top talent.

This showcase is open to transfer portal players, unsigned high school seniors, and JUCO players.

Important Details:

• Single session opportunity per camper

• Must meet on-campus evaluation requirements

• Recent physical and sickle cell test required

GIVEAWAY

USD Baseball Giveaway is Still Live!

Don't miss your chance to support Torero Baseball and get exclusive memorabilia! Our USD Baseball giveaway is still going strong:

• $50 Donation: Get a premium San Diego script hat

• $100 Donation: Hat PLUS a baseball autographed by either:

  • Pitching standout Logan Reddemann (2.13 ERA and 0.79 WHIP)

  • Batting leader Jack Gurevitch (.364 average)

Your generosity directly supports our student-athletes while giving you a lasting piece of USD Baseball pride. Supplies are limited, so secure your items today!

Click HERE to donate and claim your Torero gear.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Christopher Joyner, USD Baseball alum from 1979 and our Donor of the Week, who joined several USD Baseball supporters in contributing to the future of our program. Thank you to Christopher and all our donors for your generous commitment to advancing USD Baseball.

Donate today to receive your piece of history!

NIL INNOVATION

Help Retain Our Top Talent With Fanstake

We are excited to share a new way for fans to support USD athletes through a platform called Fanstake. This innovative NIL platform allows fans like you to directly influence athlete decisions by pooling resources with other supporters.

How Fanstake Works:

Fanstake is simple - fans commit funds toward athletes they want to see play for their school. Here's how it works:

1. Choose your athlete - Browse for current USD players or potential recruits

2. Place your Stake - Commit any dollar amount to "protect" current players or attract transfers

3. Decision time - If the athlete chooses USD, your stake converts to an NIL endorsement for them

4. No risk - If they choose another school, your funds are credited back to your account

FREE $25 Stake for USD Basketball!

The best part? Fanstake is offering all Olé Foundation supporters a FREE $25 stake to use toward any USD men's basketball player. Simply use code OLE when you sign up.

This costs you absolutely nothing and can help ensure we keep our best players, such as star freshman Tony Duckett, wearing Torero blue!

Visit Fanstake today and use code OLE to claim your free $25 stake. Together, we can build a stronger future for USD athletics!

GREAT PRICES, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

Exciting Vuori Partnership with USD Athletics!

Vuori, the San Diego-based activewear company known for its premium performance apparel, has announced an exciting new partnership with the University of San Diego's Golf and Tennis teams.

This collaboration marks an important step in Vuori's ongoing commitment to supporting athletic excellence in its local community.

The partnership will provide USD's Golf and Tennis teams with Vuori's performance-oriented apparel designed to enhance comfort and mobility during training and competition.

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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