ALUMNI FEATURE

To Legend Gyno Pomare, “USD is Home.”

From his double-double debut to a decade-long professional career across the globe, Gyno Pomare has cemented his status as one of the greatest to ever wear the USD jersey, embodying the very definition of Torero excellence.

Gyno Pomare played for USD Men's Basketball from 2004 to 2009. He was a two-time WCC Player of the Week, an All-WCC First Team honoree, and remains one of the program's all-time leaders in scoring and rebounding.

The Oceanside native arrived at USD in the fall of 2004 and immediately made his presence felt, recording a double-double in his very first collegiate game. By the time he wrapped up his playing career, he had etched his name into the program's record books as one of its all-time leaders in both scoring (1,296 points, 7th all-time) and rebounding (680, 3rd among Division I players). He earned All-WCC First Team honors, twice took home WCC Player of the Week, and was part of a Torero squad that made a memorable run in the NCAA Tournament, including a first-round win over Connecticut that he still holds close.

"That is absolutely my favorite experience throughout basketball," Pomare said of the NCAA Tournament victory. "Winning that game, the whole city was behind us. You will always be able to hold onto that."

Choosing Home 🏠️ 

For Pomare, the decision to become a Torero wasn't just about basketball. Growing up in Oceanside, just 45 minutes from campus, he was weighing offers from Boise State, Portland, Cal State Fullerton, and others when head coach Brad Holland made the trip to watch a 6 AM practice during his senior year.

"Coach showed up to my 6 AM practice in high school, and that really showed me USD wanted me on their team," Pomare recalled. "That meant a lot."

The proximity to home turned out to be a bonus. His friends could still come to his games. His community could still watch him play. And he found a second family in the Torero program that has stayed with him ever since.

A Decade Overseas 🌊 

After graduating with a degree in Communications, Pomare took his game around the world, playing 10 professional seasons overseas, including stints in Japan and Argentina. In Japan, he suited up for the Kanazawa Samuraiz of the bj-league, where he averaged 13.8 points and over 10 rebounds per game, leading the team in rebounds, steals, and blocks. In Argentina, he helped his team win a Division II championship.

Through it all, he credits his time at USD for giving him the foundation to sustain a decade-long professional career.

"The work ethic, the discipline, the level of excellence, I learned that at USD, and it carried over," he said. "If you're not keeping yourself in shape and staying disciplined, you're not going 10 years."

Always a Torero 🏀 

These days, Pomare is back in San Diego, still carving out time to visit campus whenever he can. He attends games, works out in the gym during the summers, and keeps in touch with teammates across football, as well as men's and women's basketball and volleyball.

"USD is home," he said simply. "I always come back. They've always been kind to me, the coaching staff, and the community. It's just always been there."

A Word for Today's Toreros 📝 

When asked what advice he'd give to current student-athletes navigating today's NIL landscape, Pomare didn't hesitate.

"NIL is a great thing. I wish we had it. But save your money, save half, spend half. The money does run out. Enjoy it, because people work their whole lives to get to the spot you're in."

And for those lucky enough to represent USD today, he has one more message:

Appreciate it while it lasts, because decades from now, you'll still be telling people about it.

BASKETBALL GAME RECAP

Rebounding Record Reached: Torero Women’s Basketball Sets New Program Heights

The Toreros put on a show at the Jenny Craig Pavilion Saturday, pulling away from Seattle U for a 71-54 victory while setting a new single-game program record with 63 total rebounds.

Olivia Owens and Eva Ruse each finished with 20 points and double-digit boards to power the win. Owens, who recorded her first collegiate double-double just two days earlier against Washington State, grabbed 13 rebounds to go with her 20 points. Ruse was equally dominant on the glass, hauling in a game-high 18 rebounds while shooting efficiently from the floor and the free throw line for her fourth double-double of the season.

Kylie Ray added 13 points, and Jessica Ajayi came off the bench to contribute eight points including a clutch three-pointer to close out the first half.

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!

MEN’S BASEBALL RECAP

Toreros Griend Out Thrilling Extra-Innings Win at Long Beach State

The Toreros proved Tuesday night that they never quit, rallying from behind to defeat Long Beach State 6-3 in 11 innings at Blair Field.

San Diego didn't cross the plate until Jayden Lobliner launched a home run in the seventh inning to spark the comeback. Aden Howard kept things rolling in the eighth, lining a ball off the second base bag to score two and give USD its first lead of the game. When Long Beach tied it back up in the ninth, the Toreros simply kept playing.

The game turned for good in the 11th inning when Long Beach State committed two costly errors, allowing three runs to score and pushing San Diego to a 6-3 advantage. A clutch diving catch from Gabe Springer moments earlier had kept the game alive, and Caleb Sebek closed things out with a clean inning to seal the win for the Toreros, now 3-1 on the young season.

Six pitchers combined on the mound for USD, with Nate DeSchryver earning the win after two scoreless innings of relief.