Pioneer in Olympic Sport Climbing

Brooke Raboutou, a 23-year-old University of San Diego alumna, has etched her name in Olympic history by securing a silver medal in the women's boulder and lead combined final at the Paris Olympics on Saturday. This remarkable achievement marks not only Raboutou's first Olympic medal but also the first for Team USA in sport climbing.

Competing at Le Bourget Climbing Venue, Raboutou finished second behind Slovenia's Janja Garnbret, who took gold, and ahead of Austria's Jessica Pilz, who claimed bronze. Raboutou and Garnbret dominated the boulder portion of the final, both successfully topping three out of four problems, setting them apart from the rest of the eight-athlete field.

The event showcased the unique camaraderie within the sport climbing community. Athletes could be seen cheering for one another during the lead climbing portion, highlighting the special nature of their sport. Garnbret commented on this spirit, saying, "Of course, we are competitors. But still, we have so much respect for each other, and we are so happy for each other."

Raboutou, reflecting on her USD experiences and the climbing community, added, "It's unlike any other sport. We truly do want the best for each other, and we're friends. Obviously, we're competitive, but we want to compete against each other at our best, and that's what pushes us and pushes our sport."

This Olympic success builds on Raboutou's impressive fifth-place finish in Tokyo 2021, where sport climbing made its Olympic debut. The Paris Games featured a new format, separating speed climbing from the boulder and lead combination, allowing athletes to showcase their specialized skills.

Raboutou's silver medal performance not only marks a significant milestone for American climbing but also brings pride to the University of San Diego community. Her journey from USD student to Olympic medalist serves as an inspiration to current students and alumni alike, highlighting the potential for excellence that a USD education can foster.

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Nominee for Prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year Award 

The West Coast Conference (WCC) has announced that Gianna Sbarbaro, a standout athlete from the University of San Diego (USD), has been nominated for the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Sbarbaro is one of two nominees from the WCC for this esteemed recognition.

Established in 1991, the NCAA Woman of the Year Award honors graduating female student-athletes who have excelled in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service. Sbarbaro's nomination highlights her remarkable achievements both on and off the track during her time at USD.

Athletic Accomplishments:

• First USD runner to compete in the NCAA Cross Country Championships (sophomore year)

• Three-time participant in the NCAA West Regional

• Holder of school records in cross country 6k (20:48.80) and track 5k (16:46.61)

Academic Excellence:

• Four-time WCC All-Academic Team honoree

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.93 GPA

• Awarded scholarship for graduate studies at USD

Leadership and Community Engagement:

• Team captain for USD Cross Country and Track

• Three-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

• Selected for USD Alcalá 100, a prestigious group of 100 graduating students chosen by alumni

Sbarbaro, originally from Kailua, Hawaii, joined USD's Cross Country and Track program in the 2019-2020 season. Her exceptional performance and dedication have left an indelible mark on the university's athletic program.

The selection process for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award will continue with the identification of the Top 30 nominees – 10 from each division. This pool will then be narrowed to nine finalists, three from each division. The ultimate winner will be chosen by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics and announced at a luncheon during the NCAA Convention in January 2025.

Sbarbaro's nomination not only recognizes her individual achievements but also brings honor to the University of San Diego and the West Coast Conference. As she continues her graduate studies at USD this fall, the university community eagerly awaits the results of this prestigious award.

Trio of Toreros Named to 2024 All-PFL Preseason Team

The Pioneer Football League (PFL) announced its 2024 All-PFL Preseason Team on Wednesday, with three University of San Diego Toreros earning prestigious spots. Defensive lineman Malachi Cooper, linebacker Chase Lyons, and defensive back Eric Haney were recognized for their outstanding performances and potential impact in the upcoming season.

Malachi Cooper, a San Diego native and Serra High School alumnus, makes his debut on the All-PFL Preseason Team. Cooper's selection follows an impressive 2023 season that saw him named to the All-PFL Second Team. In 10 games, he amassed 24 total tackles, including 11 solo efforts and seven tackles for losses, showcasing his disruptive presence on the defensive line.

Chase Lyons returns to the All-PFL Preseason Team for the second consecutive year, building on a stellar junior season that earned him a 2023 All-PFL Honorable Mention. Lyons' dynamic play was evident in his nine appearances last season, where he recorded 23 total tackles (14 solo), five tackles for losses, and one sack. This recognition adds to his growing list of accolades, which includes an All-PFL Second Team selection in 2022.

Eric Haney rounds out the Torero trio with his first All-PFL Preseason Team nod. Haney's versatility and impact were on full display in 2023, earning him both All-PFL First Team (Defense) and an All-PFL Honorable Mention (Special Teams). His impressive stat line included 41 total tackles (30 solo), five tackles for losses, two interceptions, and three pass breakups. Haney also proved valuable on special teams, leading the Toreros with 18 kickoff returns for 411 yards (averaging 22.83 yards per return) and adding six punt returns for 30 yards.

These selections highlight the strength of San Diego's defense heading into the 2024 season and underscore the program's continued excellence within the Pioneer Football League. Fans can look forward to seeing Cooper, Lyons, and Haney in action when the Toreros kick off their season later this month with their first game against Cal Poly.

BANK SIMPLY

From USD Champion to Nike Innovator

Samantha Child, a standout player for the USD Women's Basketball program from 2007 to 2011, has taken the skills she honed on the court and applied them to a successful career at Nike. In this alumni spotlight, we catch up with Samantha to learn about her time at USD and how it shaped her future.

The USD Experience

Samantha fondly remembers her time at USD, citing the beautiful campus, lifelong friendships with teammates, and her academic pursuits as key aspects of her college experience. As a four-year starter for the Women's Basketball team, she left an indelible mark on the program.

A Championship Moment

When asked about her favorite memory, Samantha doesn't hesitate. "Winning the WCC championship in 2008 on our home court with our men's team," she recalls. "It was such a special time with an amazing group of women who came together, and we did something that hasn't been done since that team!"

From Athlete to Corporate Leader

Samantha's experience as a student-athlete at USD has been instrumental in her professional success at Nike. She credits her time at USD for developing her competitive nature, resilience, time management skills, and leadership abilities. Today she is the Director of Nike’s Global ENERGY NBHD Marketplace.

Advice for Current Toreros

Drawing from her own experiences, Samantha offers valuable advice to current USD student-athletes:

1. Take your studies seriously

2. Work hard every day

3. Learn when to listen, lead, and follow

She emphasizes that these skills are crucial for becoming extraordinary leaders and advancing in one's career.

Staying Connected

Samantha remains an active part of the USD community as a donor to the women's basketball program and by participating in alumni games. She's also interested in getting more involved with the school's alumni mentorship program for women in business.

Wisdom in Hindsight

Reflecting on her time as a student-athlete, Samantha wishes she had the same confidence then that she does now. She encourages current athletes to recognize that the skills they're developing now will build their confidence for future endeavors.

Final Thoughts

Samantha leaves us with a powerful message about the impact of her USD education:

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Olé Foundation Partners with USD Baseball for Inaugural Fundraising Event

The Olé Foundation is excited to announce its partnership with the University of San Diego Baseball program. As the Torero Baseball program aims to build on its impressive track record, the Olé Foundation is committed to assisting the team in attracting and retaining key talent crucial to its continued success.

In line with this mission, we are proud to introduce the First Annual Sandbagger Golf Tournament. This innovative fundraising event is the collaborative brainchild of USD Head Baseball Coach Brock Ungricht and dedicated USD Baseball donor, John Gentillon.

Mark your calendars for November 4th, as we invite you to join us at the prestigious Fairbanks Ranch Country Club for this exciting inaugural event. The tournament promises to be a day of friendly competition, networking, and support for USD Baseball.

This partnership and event represent a significant step in bolstering the resources available to our talented student-athletes and coaching staff. We look forward to seeing our Torero community come together to support the baseball program's bright future.

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to USD Baseball's continued excellence while enjoying a day on one of San Diego's finest golf courses. We eagerly anticipate your participation in what is sure to become a cherished annual tradition.

WHERE TOREROS OWN THEIR FUTURE…

That’s All For Now!

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