ALUMNI FEATURE

Ivan Lewis: Jenny Craig Pavilion to Super Bowl LX

While this year's Super Bowl will be absent Torero football players like editions prior, USD Football will not be unrepresented entirely. Seattle Seahawks Director of Player Performance and Development, Ivan Lewis, will be representing the Toreros as an alum who earned his Master's degree in Leadership Studies with an emphasis in coaching from USD in 2003.

During his time at USD, Lewis worked with athletes across the entire athletic department. Ivan still fondly remembers helping to develop USD legends like Josh Johnson, Brandon Johnson, and Gyno Pomare. The athletic successes that Ivan helped to foster were seen as an extension of the greatness of the university.

"USD is such an elite university, in the educational realm, as I can attest to from my learning at SOLES or in the network that everyone leaves USD with,” said Ivan Lewis. “And the athletic department helped to grow elite coaches at the time like Jim Harbaugh, Tim Mickelson, Kim Cupini, Rich Hill, Jay Johnson, but also incredible administrative leaders like current D1 ADs Shaney Fink, Mike Matoso, Andy Fee, and current USD COO Ky Snyder... It was an incredible time to be on campus."

❓️ His favorite championship ring of all from his championships and bowl game wins at USC and Washington?

❗️ Somewhat unbelievably to most, it would be his 2005 PFL Championship ring, the first of two PFL championships won by then USD head football coach Jim Harbaugh.

"USD is one of my favorite places on earth. I absolutely loved my time there as a student and as a coach,” Lewis said. “All of us have so many fond memories of the school, and it's a very special place from which I still draw on for inspiration and growth."

A hulking specimen of a man still at 47 years young, Ivan's most important job remains being a father to his daughter Dakota and step-son D'Angelo. Don't be surprised if Lewis boomerangs back around at some point to the most beautiful campus in America in a return to his coaching roots. Until then, Olé Foundation and the broader USD community will be rooting for Ivan in Super Bowl LX and beyond.

BASEBALL SZN IS NEAR

USD Baseball First Pitch Dinner and Alumni Game

A Weekend Celebrating Torero Baseball Tradition

The USD Baseball First Pitch Dinner and Alumni Game took place last weekend, bringing together current players, alumni, and supporters for a memorable celebration of Torero Baseball.

The evening featured inspiring words from keynote speaker Ron Fowler, namesake of the University of San Diego Baseball Stadium, who was accompanied by his son Andrew. 2025 WCC Championship rings were distributed, followed by a player panel discussion with Lobliner, Howard, Beltre, and Frize.

Blaine’s Bullpen

In recognition of a generous $50,000 contribution from Justin Blaine, one of USD Baseball's most dedicated alumni, the program unveiled the newly named "Blaine's Bullpen."

Season Preview

The 2026 Torero Baseball season opens February 13th at Charlotte, with the first home contest scheduled for February 20th against the University of Utah as part of the prestigious Tony Gwynn Legacy series.

Alumni Game Tradition

The alumni game concluded in a thrilling 3-3 tie, with both squads celebrating together in a spirited dogpile. St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year Brycen Mautz toed the rubber for the alumni, keeping the current team off the scoreboard early. The couple of dozen alumni who competed reignited a tradition that hadn't taken place in the Ungricht era.

Here's to a great 2026 Torero Baseball season and many more successful First Pitch banquets and alumni games in the years to come!

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!

DUAL BASKETBALL DUBS

Ray Powers Women’s Victory, Men’s Squad Claims Overtime Thriller

It was a winning weekend for Torero basketball as both programs secured crucial West Coast Conference victories with standout performances from their stars.

Women’s Basketball Battles Back Behind Kylie Ray’s Explosion Against LMU

San Diego women's basketball made the most of a Saturday home game, defeating Loyola Marymount 69-60 at the Jenny Craig Pavilion behind a dominant second-half performance from sophomore guard Kylie Ray.

Ray erupted for 26 points, nine rebounds, and five assists to lead the Toreros (8-14, 2-7 WCC) to victory at home. The explosive guard scored 20 of her 26 points after halftime, igniting a crucial 16-1 run that erased an eight-point deficit and propelled USD to the win. Sophomore forward Eva Ruse added a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the winning effort.

Men Rally from Nine Down to Force OT, Claim Road Win Against the Waves

At Pepperdine's Firestone Fieldhouse, USD men's basketball refused to quit, overcoming a nine-point deficit in the final minutes to force overtime before claiming a thrilling 92-88 road victory last Wednesday night.

Graduate guard Toneari Lane delivered when it mattered most, scoring a season-high 21 points with three clutch three-pointers coming in the closing moments of regulation and in overtime. Junior forward Assane Diop posted career-highs across the board with 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting, 17 rebounds, and two blocks in nearly 40 minutes of action.

Both Torero programs now hit the road for critical conference matchups as they continue their push through WCC play.