STUDENT-ATHLETE FEATURE

How a San Diego Native Found the Best of Both Worlds at USD

Dalia Powell knew what she wanted from her college experience: to play Division I softball and pursue the pre-medical track, but the challenge was finding a program that would support both simultaneously. Her travel ball coaches advised her towards USD, but she finally realized that she could have the best of both worlds upon joining the team, where her pre-medical aspirations were embraced with support and flexibility.

"USD is one of the only Division I programs that actually allows athletes to major in pretty much whatever they want," explains the junior outfielder from San Diego. "My coaches are super supportive of us chasing our dreams."

🌊 A Hometown Decision Rooted in Excellence

Dalia grew up in San Diego and starred at University City High School, where she was named 2023 Offensive Player of the Year and earned All-Conference Second Team honors twice.

The decision to stay local came with unexpected benefits. While her sister Arielle attended UCLA, Dalia jokes that her parents see her less despite living just 20 minutes away. But being a local has its advantages: she's become the team's unofficial San Diego tour guide, directing teammates to the best restaurants and beach spots she discovered during her high school years.

The university's commitment to excellence shows itself through the resources granted to the student-athletes. Last April, USD unveiled a completely rebuilt softball facility: a transformation made possible by an anonymous donor that fundamentally changed how the team prepares and connects.

"We got new dugouts, they gave us a turf outfield and a clubhouse, which we've never had before." 

The new clubhouse has transformed the softball experience at USD; it's become a second home where the team bonds over homework, inside jokes, and pre-game preparation. "There's always someone in the clubhouse," Dalia notes. "If you want to do homework with a change of scenery, go to the clubhouse. We've definitely gotten closer because of the new facilities."

For Dalia and her teammates, the connection between donor support and their success is clear. The entire field renovation came from a single anonymous donor, a gift that sent a powerful message about the value of women's athletics.

"There's plenty of programs that undervalue softball teams because it's an emerging sport,” she explains. “It has historically been a smaller sport, not seen as captivating or getting as many fans. But we really feel seen because our baseball team had this amazing facility given to them also by donors, and when we got it, we were like, 'We can be successful and we feel like we matter at this school.'"

🏆️ Similarly, the athletic department has cultivated a culture of togetherness that brings all Torero teams together. When the volleyball team played their deciding conference game, every athletic team showed up in support, a testament to the unity being built across USD Athletics.

"Our new athletic director really preaches a culture of togetherness and bringing all the teams together into one," Dalia shares. "He wants us to be proud to wear USD colors and to represent USD with pride."

🔈️ Coaching Philosophy That Shapes Champions

On the field, Dalia has found her closest connections with teammates Kaitlyn Wynia, a fellow outfielder, and Mallory Axline, a friend from her travel ball days when they were just 11 years old. Together, they're part of a team culture that balances fierce competitiveness with genuine fun.

But beyond the laughter and energetic team culture, the coaching staff maintains high standards that prepare student-athletes for life beyond softball. Both coaches played collegiate softball themselves, bringing firsthand understanding to their mentorship.

"Our coaches preach excellence in every aspect of our lives," Dalia explains. "They really give us an environment where we're able to become women who are very productive in society. They set high expectations, and when we fail to meet those, they help us get back up and push through to become the best person we can be.”

🧬 The Torero DNA

When asked what being a student-athlete at USD means to her, Dalia's answer captures the essence of the Torero experience.

"It's just such an honor," she reflects. "I'm so happy that I get to continue my dreams of being a collegiate athlete and get to play with all my friends and represent my school with integrity. I just get to have fun while also chasing my dreams of being an athlete and of being a doctor at the same time."

Dalia’s plans after graduation reflect the same determination that brought her to USD:

• Take one gap year working as a medical assistant 🩺 

• Medical school application process 📑 

• Dive into four years of medical school 🎒 

• Specialize in trauma medicine ideally in Southern California ☀️ 

The Olé Foundation's mission is to provide resources that allow Torero student-athletes like Dalia to excel both in competition and in the classroom. Your support directly impacts their ability to pursue ambitious academic goals while representing USD with pride. Thank you for making stories like Dalia's possible.

FIRST PITCH IS ALMOST HERE

Back-to-Back Champions. One Weekend. Don’t Miss It.

The clock is ticking. January 30 is almost here, and USD Baseball is kicking off the 2026 season in championship fashion. Celebrate the back-to-back West Coast Conference Champions during First Pitch Weekend at Cunningham Field—two days dedicated to tradition, alumni, and the future of USD Baseball.

⚾️ FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 — FIRST PITCH DINNER

Be part of an exclusive night honoring our back-to-back WCC Champions with a championship ring ceremony and a first look at the 2026 season. Join Athletic Director Kimya Massey and Head Coach Brock Ungricht for an unforgettable evening alongside the team.

Limited availability — reserve your spot now.

Blue Table Sponsor – $1,500 (Seats 8)
Includes 1 custom USD glove per table, 1 USD baseball hat per person, and 8 tickets to an opening weekend game.

White Table Sponsor – $1,000 (Seats 4)
Includes 1 USD baseball hat per person and 4 tickets to an opening weekend game.

🎓️ SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 — ALUMNI GAME

Alumni, this one’s for you. Return to Cunningham Field to take the field, reconnect with teammates, and celebrate the program you helped build. Spectators are welcome to watch from the stands at no cost.

👉 REGISTER TO PLAY

All proceeds directly support USD Baseball, helping provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to compete at the highest level.

January 30 is days away. Secure your spot and be part of the start of something special. ⚾️

SUPPORT OUR ATHLETES

2026 Spring Sports Campaign is Live!

Spring is coming to San Diego, and our student athletes need your support! The 2026 Olé Foundation Spring Sports Campaign allows you to directly impact your favorite USD teams and players as they compete for conference championships and beyond.

In today's competitive collegiate landscape, NIL support has become essential for programs that want to retain elite talent and attract the best student-athletes. Your contribution ensures our Toreros can focus on excellence in the classroom and on the field without the burden of financial stress.

Your donation directly supports:

• 🏠 Living expenses and housing costs in San Diego

• 🍽️ Nutritional needs and meal plans

• 📚 Academic materials and supplies

• 🚗 Transportation and daily necessities

• 💼 Professional development opportunities

Select your preferred team and make your gift today. Whether you support an individual athlete or an entire roster, your generosity creates opportunities for Toreros to thrive both on and off the field!

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECAP

Historic Shooting Night Powers Toreros to Thrilling Win over Washington State

San Diego men’s basketball delivered a historic shooting performance Wednesday night, knocking down a program-record 15 three-pointers to edge the Washington State Cougars 96–92 at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.

🏀 Junior guard Ty-Laur Johnson fueled the win with a career-high 28 points, 26 after halftime, along with seven assists and three steals, as San Diego buried shots at a blistering rate in the second half.

The Toreros shot over 60 percent from deep after the break, built an 18-point lead, and finished with 25 assists and just six turnovers.

🌊 Washington State mounted a late comeback behind freshman Ace Glass, who scored 29, trimming the deficit to two in the final seconds. Redshirt freshman Gavin Ripp sealed the victory for the San Diego Toreros, scoring the team’s final seven points and going a perfect 4-for-4 at the line to close out one of USD’s highest-scoring regulation games against a Division I opponent in nearly two decades.