USD Volleyball Alumnae Join Exciting New Professional League

Two former University of San Diego volleyball standouts are set to make their mark in a new professional league. Grace Frohling and Amber Stivrins have both signed to play for League One Volleyball, which will kick off its inaugural season in November 2024.

Frohling, a key player in USD's historic 2022 NCAA Final Four run, brings valuable experience to the league. After contributing to the Toreros' unprecedented success, she honed her skills playing professionally abroad. Now, she's ready to showcase her talents on home soil.

Joining Frohling is recent USD graduate Amber Stivrins. Fresh off her final collegiate season with the Toreros, Stivrins will transition directly into the professional ranks with League One Volleyball.

The signings of Frohling and Stivrins not only highlight the continued success of USD Volleyball alumnae but also underscore the program's role in developing professional-caliber talent. As these two former Toreros embark on this new chapter, the Ole Foundation and USD community will be cheering them on.

We look forward to following their careers in this exciting new league. Go Toreros!

WHERE TOREROS OWN THEIR FUTURE…

Golden Glove, Golden Future: USD’S Ariel Armas Catches National Acclaim

In a historic first for USD Baseball, junior catcher Ariel Armas has etched his name into collegiate baseball excellence. On Wednesday, Armas was crowned the nation's top defensive catcher, earning a coveted spot on the prestigious 2024 ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Team.

This nine-player dream team, selected by the ABCA NCAA Division I All-America & Coach of the Year Committee, represents the pinnacle of defensive prowess in college baseball. Since its inception in 2007, the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove has been a harbinger of future MLB talent, making Armas' selection all the more significant.

But the Gold Glove is just the latest jewel in Armas' treasure trove of accolades. The Chula Vista native has been a defensive dynamo, also clinching the 2024 WCC Defensive Player of the Year title and a spot on the 2024 All-WCC First Team. His exceptional skills behind the plate haven't gone unnoticed on the national stage either, as he finds himself among the elite 16 semifinalists for the 2024 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.

Armas' reliability has been a cornerstone for the Toreros this season. Starting 55 out of 56 games at catcher, he's been the team's defensive anchor, showcasing the kind of consistency that wins championships.

As the first Torero in San Diego baseball history to secure Gold Glove honors, his achievement is a testament to USD's rising prominence in collegiate baseball and a source of pride for the entire San Diego community.

BANK SIMPLY

• July 13th - USD Wine Classic

• July 14th - MLB Draft

• July 28th - USD Day at the Del Mar Races @ 1 PM

• August 8th - WSOC vs. SDSU (Exhibition) @ 7 PM

• August 14th - Summer Golf at The Loma Club @ 5:30 PM

• August 30th & 31st - FB Kickoff Dinner 8/30, FB vs. Cal Poly 8/31 @ 5 PM

At Olé Foundation, we're actively collaborating with coaches to address their teams' most critical needs, with a primary focus on player recruitment and retention. We're thrilled to report that contracts are currently being developed for numerous athletes across various sports, tailored to meet specific program requirements.

While NIL deals have sometimes gained notoriety for athlete poaching or excessive spending on top talent, Olé Foundation's approach in its initial months has been markedly different. We've concentrated on alleviating the financial burden of attending USD while also presenting competitive offers to secure athlete commitments.

Our engagement with athletes has been selective and strategic. One of our most exciting initiatives is the incorporation of service and philanthropy components into every Olé Foundation NIL contract. This unique approach not only benefits our athletes financially but also contributes to their personal growth and community impact.

The NIL era presents an unprecedented opportunity for student-athletes to monetize their personal brand. Moreover, it allows for a more public showcasing of our athletes' exceptional qualities, both in terms of athletic prowess and character, across all sports.

Our aspiration is to become the premier collective for all stakeholders involved with University of San Diego athletics. Based on our initial progress and innovative approach, we believe we're well on our way to achieving this goal.

J.T. Rogan

Olé Foundation Executive Director

For our next alumni spotlight, we caught up with USD Softball Alum, Jennifer (Ellenbeck) True (‘10)!

Here’s a breakdown of our conversation:

What is your favorite memory as a Torero athlete? 

One of my favorite memories as a Torero athlete was the experience of traveling with my team. Whether it was competing in different states or driving up the coast with JC, those moments on the road forged unforgettable bonds and created lasting memories. From shared victories to the small, cherished moments off the field, those trips were not just about the games but about the journey we took together as a team.

What piece of coaching or lesson taught through softball sticks with you most to this day? 

One lesson from softball that has stuck with me deeply is the reminder that 'someone is always watching.' Whether it was a coach, a teammate, or even an opponent, there was a constant awareness that our actions and attitudes on the field were seen and felt by others. This wasn't just about performance but also about character and integrity.

Softball taught me the importance of accountability and consistency, not just for my own sake but for the sake of those around me who looked up to me as a player and a teammate. It made me realize that my behavior and work ethic influenced not only my own success but also the team dynamic and morale.

Even off the field, this lesson has resonated. Whether as an attorney, a parent, or a wife, understanding that 'someone is always watching' encourages me to uphold the same standards of dedication, respect, and perseverance that I learned on the softball field. It's a powerful reminder to always strive to be the best version of myself, not just when it's easy or convenient but especially when others are relying on me to lead by example.

What spots did you frequent most on campus as a student? 

If I wasn’t on the softball field, in the weight room or training room, I was probably in Copley Library. That library was not only beautiful but also remarkably peaceful. I even continued studying there throughout law school and while preparing for the bar exam.

Who are some of the teammates you remain closest to from your time at USD?

I've been fortunate to maintain close relationships with several women from my playing days. They are still my best friends. It's been incredibly rewarding to grow alongside them as we've navigated our careers, relationships, and families together.

What advice would you have given yourself upon graduating from USD? 

If I could give myself advice upon graduating from USD, I would emphasize the importance of patience and deliberate decision-making. In a world that often rushes us to achieve milestones quickly, I would remind myself that life is a journey, not a race.

I would advise myself to take the time to explore different paths and opportunities, to discover what truly resonates with my passions and values. Taking my time allows for deeper reflection, better alignment with personal goals, and ultimately, more fulfilling outcomes.

Additionally, I would encourage myself to embrace the process of learning and growth, understanding that each experience, whether successes or setbacks, contributes to my development. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons are learned through patience and perseverance.

Lastly, I would remind myself that it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately. Life unfolds at its own pace, and it's important to trust the journey and enjoy the present moment. By taking my time, I can cultivate a sense of purpose and authenticity in my endeavors, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

What USD sport other than softball did you most enjoy watching or attending?

I really enjoyed watching Football and Women’s Basketball play.

What do you do now professionally?

Since graduating from USD in 2010, I have pursued a career in law.  I am currently an Assistant City Attorney for a local public entity, serving as the primary legal advisor for the Police, Fire, and Human Resources departments.

Outside of work, I am married with two beautiful children and reside in Valley Center, CA.

We thank Jennifer for her time and all she’s done to support USD!

That’s All For Now!

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