BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Toreros Rising: New Leadership and Talent Shape USD’s Basketball Future

As summer approaches, excitement is building around both our men's and women's basketball programs. 

With conference schedules now revealed and rosters taking shape, the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons for Torero basketball.

Both teams will navigate the West Coast Conference's new unbalanced 18-game schedule as the league expands to 11 teams with Seattle University rejoining the fold.

On the men's side, Head Coach Steve Lavin enters his pivotal fourth year with renewed optimism. The Toreros' schedule features some compelling home matchups, including hosting Gonzaga for the first time since January 20, 2024. USD will also welcome Washington State while making solo road trips to Saint Mary's (first visit to Moraga since February 24, 2024) and Seattle University for just the third-ever meeting between these programs since their WCAC days in 1979-80.

New Projected Team Additions

The roster construction has been equally exciting, with an impressive group of projected additions including Juanse Gorosito, Adrian McIntrye, Brandon Benjamin, and many other talented players.

Meanwhile, our women's program enters a new era under first-year Head Coach Blanche Alverson. The Toreros will face home-and-away games with seven opponents: Gonzaga, LMU, Oregon State, Pacific, Pepperdine, San Francisco, and Seattle. They'll make single road trips to Portland and Santa Clara while hosting Saint Mary's and Washington State only at home.

Follow the action by connecting with @USDMBB for men's basketball and @USDwbb for women's basketball for the latest updates!

ON THE WATER

USD Rowing: Recap & What’s On the Horizon

USD Men's Rowing made program history at the IRA National Championships, tying their best-ever 10th place finish in the Varsity Four despite battling challenging conditions and an unexpected lineup change due to injury. The crew of Derek Hissong, Sam Pigott, Rex Bales, Joe Tortella, and coxswain Jonah McDonnell started strong with a fifth-place time trial finish out of 39 crews before securing their spot in the B Final.

Senior Derek Hissong became the first Torero to earn MPSF All-Conference Team honors while also leading an impressive academic showing. Seven members of the men's program earned MPSF All-Academic Team recognition, including Hissong, Rex Bales, Aiden Domingo, Blake Luehrman, Jonah McDonnell, Sam Pigott, and Max Salem.

What’s Next?

This summer, the Toreros will compete internationally at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta on England's River Thames from July 1-6.

Meanwhile, the women's rowing program is entering a new chapter as interim Head Coach Mark Lewis stepped down after successfully leading the team to a fifth-place WCC Championships finish. USD is looking for the next women’s head coach to build on the program's strong foundation.

STUDENT ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

New Spark for Torero Volleyball: BayLea Sparks Joins the Family

Welcome to the Torero family, BayLea.

As a 6-foot-2 middle blocker transferring from High Point University as a redshirt junior, Sparks is sure to be a game-changing player.

The Grand Junction, Colorado native brings both elite athleticism and proven championship experience to a Torero program ready to make waves in 2025.

Sparks arrives in San Diego with an impressive resume that includes Big South First Team All-Conference honors in 2024, where she helped lead High Point to their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Her impact was felt immediately last season, ranking second on her team in blocks with 105 while maintaining an outstanding .393 hitting percentage that led the Panthers.

The numbers tell the story of a dominant force at the net. Sparks set career highs with 13 kills in a victory over Winthrop and broke High Point's single-match blocks record with 13 against USC Upstate. Her consistency and power have been evident since day one—as a freshman in 2023, she earned Big South All-Conference Second Team and All-Freshman Team recognition while ranking second in the conference with 1.07 blocks per game.

Sparks didn't start playing competitive volleyball until age 14, having previously competed in soccer before finding her calling on the hardwood.

As the team prepares for their August season opener, Sparks is one of the strategic additions that will elevate the program for an incredible season.

Check out USD Volleyball on X to Stay Updated on Recruitment!

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Second Annual Football Kickoff Dinner Set for Late Summer

The Second Annual Football Kickoff Dinner is set for August 28th, 2025!

Former USD Football Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh, will be in attendance, in addition to hearing from our players and keynote speaker. The evening will be dedicated to raising funds to support our Torero Football Team through a silent auction and a variety of other fundraising opportunities.

Want to be a part of the Football Kickoff Dinner? Registration and details will be released soon!