There are several factors that go into the decision-making process for athletes when determining their collegiate playing future. Those factors have changed in importance and relevance as the collegiate athletics landscape has evolved. Unquestionably, NIL is the factor gaining the most momentum for athletes when they are deciding their future collegiate landing spot.

Athletes of the past would prioritize television coverage, facilities, apparel providers, and other “non-competition” elements in their decision-making process regarding which college to attend. However, for athletes who include NIL opportunities into their college decision, the license to participate in NIL activities is crucial. Sometimes even the prospect of NIL earning can affect a prospect’s college decision..

Additionally, more athletes are foregoing whatever professional opportunity awaits them because they can be reasonably compensated through NIL earning, and they can defer the uncertainty of playing professionally one more year while they further polish and develop their game. This Sports Illustrated article highlights the recent “NIL era trend” in fewer men’s basketball players leaving college for the NBA Draft, due in large part to the availability of NIL.

Contributing to Ole Foundation means that you’ll be helping to compensate players, which will keep Torero rosters more competitive, leading to a higher likelihood of teams winning, meaning we will likely keep better coaches and we’ll be lifting more championship trophies. And who doesn’t like lifting more trophies?! The best is yet to come, and we’ll all be able to shape what the future looks like through continued commitment to supporting our Torero student-athletes.

Go Toreros!

J.T. Rogan | Executive Director

On Sunday, May 12th, the Toreros claimed the 2024 West Coast Conference Regular Season Championship with a dominant 7-2 victory over the San Francisco Dons at Benedetti Diamond.

This outright conference title marks the first time San Diego has secured the regular season crown since 2015, a testament to the team's unwavering focus, tenacity, and exceptional performance throughout the season. The Toreros concluded the regular season with an impressive 37-13 overall record and a 20-4 mark in conference play.

The series finale against San Francisco exemplified the Toreros' well-rounded strength, as all nine starters contributed hits, with four players recording multiple hits. The offensive onslaught was highlighted by Jakob Christian's 22nd home run of the season, showcasing the team's powerful offensive prowess.

On the mound, left-hander Austin Smith delivered a solid outing, limiting the Dons to just one run over five innings while striking out three batters despite facing adversity with four walks.

The Toreros' achievement is a validation of the hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit of our USD baseball student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.

Coach Ungricht caught up with the Olé Foundation this week, stating, "The University of San Diego is a very special place, and we have unbelievable student-athletes who give their hearts to this baseball program, athletic department, and community. Not only on the baseball field but in the classroom too, our student-athletes give their all to be the best. They represent the university and the city of San Diego in a first-class manner."

We can’t wait to see what our boys do next as they represent our great university in Las Vegas, NV, as the #1 seed in the WCC Tournament!

Our women's soccer team has made a big splash this offseason, adding four impact transfers to bolster the roster for the upcoming 2024 campaign.

Head coach Greg LaPorte and his staff landed commitments from Katie Bessemer, Aliya Garrett, Elle Soleau, and Natalie Yoo - an impressive quartet that will bring a ton of experience and upside to the Toreros.

Let's meet the new additions:

Katie Bessemer, F (Sacramento State) - Bessemer, a native of Elk Grove, CA, heads to the hilltop after two productive seasons at Sacramento State.

The veteran forward played over 1,500 minutes for the Hornets, making 14 starts. With two years of eligibility left, she'll provide an offensive spark and much-needed depth at the striker position following the graduation of All-WCC performer Olivia Stone.

Aliya Garrett, GK (Salt Lake CC) - This Canadian netminder was simply sensational the last two years at Salt Lake Community College. In 2023, Garrett started 15 games, racking up 9 shutouts, a 0.74 goals against average, and an .800 save percentage. Her stellar play earned her SWAC Goalkeeper of the Year honors as she led Salt Lake to a conference title. With 3 years of eligibility left, the future looks bright with Garrett protecting the USD goal.

Elle Soleau, D (San Francisco/Boise State) - Talk about a defensive reinforcement! Soleau rejoins the WCC after prior stints at San Francisco (2021-22) and Boise State (2023). The former All-WCC Freshman Team selection has logged over 2,200 minutes and should immediately stabilize the Torero backline. And for those who remember, Soleau played 80 minutes on this very pitch in a 0-0 draw back in 2022.

Natalie Yoo, M (Texas A&M/Coastal Carolina) - Yoo brings a wealth of Power 5 experience from her time at Texas A&M, where she was an SEC Academic Honor Roll selection in 2021. Last season at Coastal Carolina, her game-winner against College of Charleston was a bright spot. For her final year of eligibility, Yoo adds a savvy veteran presence to solidify the Toreros' midfield.

With a nice mix of youth, experience, offensive firepower, and defensive grit, these four transfers have immediately raised the ceiling for the 2024 Torero squad.

We're excited to welcome Katie, Aliya, Elle and Natalie to the USD family and can't wait to see them make an impact on the field this fall! You can donate directly to our new transfers and Women’s Soccer team using the link below.

A very special thank you to Kelly Burke ‘97 for her generous gift to Olé Foundation last week.

Kelly is the Olé Foundation Donor or the Week!

That’s All For Now!

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