Toreros Lead Through Service: USD Student-Athletes Deliver Record Community Impact

University of San Diego student-athletes demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service, leadership, and personal growth this year, highlighted by a department-wide community service effort that engaged 90 percent of Torero scholar-athletes and generated nearly $100,000 in economic impact across the San Diego region.

A total of 440 of 487 USD student-athletes participated in community engagement initiatives, validating 2,801 service hours through partnerships with local schools, youth organizations, faith-based groups, and civic agencies.

Community Service by the Numbers
USD student-athletes contributed across a wide range of service areas, with the strongest emphasis on education and youth engagement:

• Education: 1,475 hours
• Civic & Community Service: 784 hours, 50 minutes
• Children & Youth: 420 hours, 45 minutes
• Faith-Based Service: 114 hours

Several teams led the department in total service hours, underscoring a culture of collective responsibility:

• Football: 909 hours
• Baseball: 456 hours
• Women's Basketball: 332 hours
• Men's Basketball: 220 hours
• Men's Rowing: 137 hours

Beyond Service: Preparing Leaders for Life
In addition to community impact, Torero scholar-athletes benefited from expanded career and leadership programming designed to support success beyond competition.

More than 50 one-on-one career counseling sessions were conducted this semester, and USD launched its inaugural Industry Pipeline Series, connecting student-athletes directly with professionals in high-demand fields. The Medical & Health Pipeline event alone brought together 10 industry professionals and 20 student-athletes, while Torero Networking Night 2025 welcomed 55 student-athletes and representatives from more than a dozen organizations.

"The Torero Networking Night is a great way to take steps toward the career and life you want to build," said Nick Felago, junior on the football team.

Career outcomes continue to reflect this investment, as 2024 scholar-athlete graduates reported an average starting salary of $74,667, with top placements in finance, real estate, and banking.

Inclusive Excellence and Leadership Growth
USD Athletics also strengthened its commitment to inclusive excellence through active Torero Affinity Groups, campus-wide cultural celebrations, and educational programming focused on safety, respect, and well-being. Meanwhile, the Toreros Lead initiative hosted external leadership speakers, conducted eight Torero Leadership Academy sessions, and celebrated 16 student-athlete graduates this fall.

"I valued the connections I made with different leaders in the academy," said Stian Klassen (Men's Tennis). "Learning from their successes and failures was extremely beneficial."

With the announcement of the 2025–26 SAAC Executive Board, Torero student-athletes continue to shape the future of USD Athletics—on campus, in the community, and beyond.

2025–2026 SAAC Executive Board
Co-Presidents: Eloise McGibben (Women's Volleyball), Anna Vermeulen (Swim & Dive)
Vice President: Natalie McCliman (Softball)
Secretary: Reese Bates (Women's Volleyball)
Treasurer: Nick Felago (Football)