DARE Magazine -- Summer 2012 by Bill Mahoney

Vol 3 • Issue 1 Summer 2012

DARE The Official Magazine of UCSB Athletics

BARBARA NWABA DARING TO BE GREAT

RECORD BREAKERS TICKET & DONOR GUIDE

A VERSATILLE CHAMPION

On June 12, 2012, Simon Thibodeau was introduced as UCSB’s women’s tennis coach. Before being selected to guide the Gauchos’ program, Thibodeau spent nine years at the helm of Fresno State where he led the Bulldogs to seven NCAA Tournament berths and five appearances in the Round of 16. He also coached Fresno State players to the NCAA Individual Tournament championship match in both singles and doubles. Simon (pronounced See-Moan), welcome to UCSB!

DARE SUMMER 2012 IN THIS ISSUE

A Letter from Mark W. Massari, Director of Athletics

Men’s Track and Field: Big West Champions

Cross Country

Record Breakers

Golden Eagle Awards

Gerry Fall: The Voice of the Gauchos

A Great Example: Makenna Henry

Men’s Soccer Preview

Gauchos Make MLS Draft History

Women’s Soccer, Volleyball and Men’s Waterpolo Recap 18 Spring Rewind

A Great Example: Mathieu Forget

A Great Example: Barbara Nwaba

Chip Schaefer: Sports Performance

2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

Men’s Basketball: O.J. Wraps-Up Record-Breaking Career 30

DARE MAGAZINE SUMMER 2012 ON THE COVER Barbara Nwaba shattered UCSB and Big West heptathlon records and was an AllAmerican after finishing second in the event at the NCAA Championship meet. Nwaba’s sights are now set even higher.. (photo by Tony Mastres) EDITORIAL STAFF Tom Hastings, Bill Mahoney, Lisa Skvarla, Matt Hurst CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Victor Bryant, Tom Hastings, Matt Hurst, Bill Mahoney, Kathleen Matthew, Lisa Skvarla PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tony Mastres and Randy Lamb UCSB Photo Services Instructional Development; Matt Brown, Matt Brown Photography; Additional Photography by: Steve Chen, Vince Agapito, Larissa White

Women’s Basketball: Big West Tournament Champions

SB Awards

Women’s Swimming: Andrea Ward & Sophia Yamauchi

Big West Tournament Wrap-Up

Big West Conference Expansion

Living Scholar Profile: John Dobrott

ADVERTISING DESIGN AND LAYOUT Alan Cassinelli, Richard Loza

Living Scholar Profile: Brent McQueen

Trenholm-Romero Legacy Fund for Women’s Basketball

Ticket & Donor Guide

PRINTING Boone Graphics 70 South Kellogg Avenue Goleta, CA 93117 info@boonegraphics.net

UCSBgauchos.com

UCSBAthletics

UCSBgauchos UCSBGauchosAthletics

DESIGN AND LAYOUT Roberta Bloom UCSB Artworks Instructional Development

DARE is published by the UC Santa Barbara Department of Intercollegiate Athletics ICA Building, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5200

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MILESTONES & HEART

Welcome to another outstanding issue of “Dare” Magazine as we close out the 2011-12 year/season. The two words above say it all – it was a year of records and milestones, and another year that showcased our patented “Gaucho Heart” to the world. This past year we saw remarkable student-athletes and coaches reach milestones that were put in place by legendary figures: • With grace and determination, Orlando Johnson, in only three seasons, became the all-time points leader in men’s hoops and was a role model as someone who took life’s challenges and turned them into opportunities. • Orlando’s coach, Bob Williams, is now the all-time wins leader. Every victory came with that sense of class that Bob displays. • Chelsey Lowe now owns the single season digs record for our storied women’s volleyball program. • On the softball diamond, milestones were reached with the team achieving its best league record ever (15-6) and Shelby Wisdom breaking the school record for wins and strikeouts in a season. • Baseball’s Andrew Checketts won the most games by a rookie coach, surpassing our newest Hall of Famer Al Ferrer, who drove the program to new heights during his career, and Brett Vertigan grabbed the most triples in program history. • National powerhouse men’s soccer had two Major League Soccer First Round Draft choices – Luis Silva to Toronto FC and Sam Garza to San Jose Earthquakes – for the second time in school history. The crowds rocked this past year too, with soccer leading the nation in attendance for the fifth straight year and men’s basketball saw the first multi-game sellouts in the Thunderdome in almost two decades. • In the water, our swimmers keep breaking school records, which seemed unreachable before. And then there was Barbara Nwaba who set Gaucho and Big West records in the heptathlon, and for awhile was ranked number one in the NCAA. Barbara is such a sense of pride for the campus, not only for the records she shattered, but also the humble manner in which she achieved them, that we wanted her gracing the cover of this issue. Along with Barbara, Ryan Martin and Derek Materson, track and field set the Big West and nation on fire and competed for NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS at the NCAA’s in Des Moines, Iowa. Their coach, Pete Dolan, earned not just one Coach of the Year award but three (Big West men’s and women’s, NCAA West Region) and led the Gaucho men to their first ever Big West title. There were other incredible stories as well. Usually it takes a few seasons for a new coach to reach the NCAA promised land. Not with Carlene Mitchell. In her first year as head coach she brought experience, her trademark tough defense and a will to win, earning women’s basketball its 14th – yes, 14th – NCAA appearance. Academically, the NCAA now tracks us at an all-time high 85% student-athlete graduation success rate, second among the tough UC system. Collectively, we also gave 5,000 hours in community service and outreach this year. So, to sum it up, we broke records, touched lives and soared even higher in the classroom. The mission of the Gaucho Fund is to provide resources for these essential life-changing opportunities for our student-athletes. This past year, over 800 donors made a gift – an investment really – for these athletes to succeed, grow and reach goals. Thank you for making their life-changing journey possible and for showcasing their heart to the world. It’s a wonderful investment. Sincerely,

Mark W. Massari Director of Intercollegiate Athletics PS – Looking forward to next year, we are excited about what’s coming in men’s soccer with UCLA, Stanford, Harvard, Cal Poly and the rest of the Big West heading to Harder Stadium. Hurry! More record crowds are expected and season tickets are on-sale now (805-893-UCSB). Season tickets will secure your spot for that Sept. 21 match versus UCLA, which is trending as a possible sellout. Almost 20,000 strong. How about that!

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2012 HOME SCHEDULE

AUG. 11 AUG. 24 AUG. 26 AUG. 31 SEPT. 7 SEPT. 14

WESTMONT 7 P.M. ILLINOIS 7 P.M. UNLV 1 P.M. INDIANA 7 P.M. OREGON ST. 5:30 P.M. SAN FRANCISCO 7 P.M.

SEPT. 23 SEPT. 28 SEPT. 30 OCT. 12 OCT. 14

SAN DIEGO ST. 1 P.M. UC DAVIS 7 P.M. PACIFIC 12 P.M. HAWAI’I 7 P.M. CSU NORTHRIDGE 1 P.M.

The UCSB men’s cross country team will return a number of top runners in its quest to compete for the 2012 Big West Conference championship. Junior Jeremy Acosta finished 12th at the 2011 championship meet and returns to lead the way. The Gaucho women’s team hopes to return to championship form and are led by junior Dani Moreno, who was seventh at the 2011 Big West meet. On May 13, the UCSB men’s track & field team celebrated its first Big West Championship ever with a comfortable 179-150 win over Long Beach State. One year earlier, after finishing in fourth place, the Gauchos met in a hotel room as a group and dedicated themselves to winning the 2012 title. Guided by a coaching staff that included NCAA West Region and Big West Coach of the Year Pete Dolan, their work, dedication and resolve paid off in a big way with the school’s first title ever.

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652

Senior libero Chelsey Lowe was a major reason that the Gaucho women’s volleyball team won 19 matches and contended for spot in the NCAA Tournament. Her play on the back row was record-breaking. Lowe finished the 2011 season with a school record 652 digs, an average of 5.30 per set. Following the year, she was named AVCA All-American, First Team All-Region and First Team All-Big West. Lowe was UCSB’s first back row player to earn all-region honors since 2004.

1,825

In the opening minutes of UCSB’s 68-60 February 25 win over Cal Poly, Orlando Johnson made a long threepoint basket giving him 1,697 points and moving him past Alex Harris as the program’s all-time leading scorer. O.J. did not stop there and completed his career with 1,825 points, 129 more than Harris. Most impressively, Johnson set the new standard in just three seasons while every other player in the top-six needed four seasons to hit their respective mark.

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5,986

Senior heptathlete Barbara Nwaba will go down as one of the greatest athletes in UCSB history and she has the records to prove it. On April 2-3, Nwaba scored a school record 5,986 points at the Sam Adams Multi-Events Meet, the highest collegiate mark in the nation in 2012. A few weeks later, at the Big West Championships in Irvine, Calif., Nwaba added a Big West record and championship to her resumé when she won the event with 5,709 points. At the NCAA Championships in June, she finished second in the nation and earned First Team All-American recognition. 10 • DARE Summer 2012

237

On January 2, 2012, UCSB defeated Cal Poly 58-57 in a renewal of their Big West basketball rivalry. A three-point basket from deep in the corner by Orlando Johnson as the final second ticked off the clock not only gave the Gauchos the win, but it also made head coach Bob Williams the school’s all-time winningest men’s basketball coach. Williams, who completed his 14th year in Santa Barbara, passed Jerry Pimm with that win over the Mustangs. It was his 223rd victory. By the end of the 2011-12 season, he had accumulated 237 Gaucho wins.

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SOAR HIGH, GOLDEN EAGLES On Monday, May 14, the UC Santa Barbara Intercollegiate Athletics Department hosted its 25th Annual Eagle Awards, which honored 17 student-athletes for a combination of athletic and academic achievement. Additionally, two Gauchos – one male and one female – were selected as Golden Eagle Ring winners for achieving the highest grade point average among all UCSB athletes. The 2012 Golden Eagle Ring winners were Kyle Boswell of the men’s basketball team and Kirsten Tilleman of the women’s basketball team. Boswell, a shooting guard out of Huntington Beach, Calif., is a sophomore mechanical engineering major with a 3.75 grade point average. Tilleman, a post player out of Bozeman, Mont., is a graduate student with a 3.96 grade point average in environmental studies. The event, which is sponsored each year by Pacific Beverage Co., was held at the Bacara Resort on the Santa Barbara coast and included a fantastic dinner followed by the awards ceremony. Machael David of men’s soccer earned his third Golden Eagle Award, while Mathieu Forget of men’s tennis, Breanne Strenkowski of women’s track and field and Sofia Novak of women’s tennis each earned their second. UCSB had more than 70 student-athletes earn Academic All-Conference honors in 2011-12. The program also boasts a graduate success rate of 85%, the second highest among all University of California campuses. The Golden Eagle Awards and banquet were once again generously sponsored by Peter and Gerd Jordano.

2012 UC Santa Barbara Golden Eagle Award Winners Name Ashley Beechan *Kyle Boswell Machael Davis Andriana Collins Mathieu Forget Mike Larocca Erica Lau Sasza Lohrey Sofia Novak Alyssa Oldham Chris Peterson Matt Silver Breanne Strenkowski Luke Swenson *Kirsten Tilleman Geng Wang Katie Zakula

Cl. So. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. MA Sr. Sr.

Sport Women’s Cross Country Men’s Basketball Men’s Soccer Softball Men’s Tennis Men’s Track & Field Women’s Volleyball Women’s Swimming Women’s Tennis Women’s Soccer Men’s Swimming Men’s Volleyball Women’s Track & Field Baseball Women’s Basketball Men’s Water Polo Women’s Water Polo

*Indicates Golden Eagle Ring winner. Note: All class levels are academic levels and not athletic eligibility. 12 • DARE Summer 2012

Major Biological Sciences Mechanical Engineering Sociology Biological Sciences Theater Biology Economics-Mathematics Psychology Global Studies Communication Mechanical Engineering Biology Biology Business Economics Environmental Studies Business Economics Communication

GPA 3.28 3.75 3.26 3.68 3.60 3.30 3.44 3.90 3.38 3.83 3.51 3.32 3.43 3.38 3.96 3.72 3.82

Hometown Idyllwild, Calif. Huntington Beach, Calif. Tacoma, Wash. Fairfield, Calif. Geneva, Switzerland Laguna Niguel, Calif. Hermosa Beach, Calif. Tiburon, Calif. San Dimas, Calif. Yorba Linda, Calif. El Sobrante, Calif. Malibu, Calif. Oak Park, Calif. Moorpark, Calif. Bozeman, Mont. Palo Alto, Calif. San Mateo, Calif.

Gerry Fall

THE VOICE OF THE GAUCHOS

In November of 2004 at the University of Wisconsin, Gerry Fall called his first game as UC Santa Barbara’s men’s basketball play-by-play announcer. By no means was it Fall’s first experience in calling play-byplay for basketball, but it was his first step on the way to becoming The Voice of the Gauchos. Since his men’s basketball debut, Fall has announced hundreds of UCSB basketball games. As his time with the Gauchos has evolved, the former Sports Director at KEYT-TV and current sportswriter at the Santa Barbara News-Press has also become the play-by-play voice for men’s soccer and baseball. In addition to his radio work for UCSB sports, the affable Fall has served as the Master of Ceremonies for a variety of athletic department functions, including the annual SB Awards, Hall of Fame induction dinners and basketball banquets. We asked The Voice of the Gauchos to spend a few minutes answering some questions about his life as a broadcaster. Here is what he had to say.

“To be The Voice of the Gauchos has been an incredible experience for me…”

What does it mean to you to be The Voice of the Gauchos? “It means everything to me to be The Voice of the Gauchos. I remember back in the late 1980s when I lived and worked in Chico, I had Monday’s off and would always get together with some friends to watch UCSB on ESPN’s Big Monday. I couldn’t believe the environment at the Thunderdome - with the students on the floor and the fans crammed together in that building. I also remember many times when I couldn’t hear the broadcasters because Jerry Pimm’s guys were rockin’ the ‘Dome. I always thought it would be such a thrill to broadcast for that team in that building. I feel so fortunate every time I get behind the mic for UCSB, whether it’s basketball, soccer or baseball. It’s truly a thrill!”

What do you remember most about that first game at Wisconsin? “There is one memory I will always have about my maiden voyage with the Gauchos in Madison, Wisconsin: I was so incredibly nervous. My great friend to this day, UCSB Assistant Athletics Director for Communications, Bill Mahoney, was my broadcast partner for the game. I was so nervous that I not only wrote out my pregame questions for Bill, I also wrote out his responses. I wanted everything to be perfect. Needless to say, I never wrote out Bill’s responses again. He didn’t need my help, he was just fine on his own. As for me, I needed all the help I could get from him with that broadcast. And he was there for me every second.”

Regardless of sport, of all the games you’ve announced for UCSB, which ones stand out the most? Which ones are your favorites? “There are so many, but the two that will always standout are Jess Hansen’s miracle three-pointer in 2002 for the UCSB women’s basketball team to beat then-No. 8 Louisiana Tech in the NCAA Tournament, and Chris Malec’s grand slam for the baseball team in 2005 against Long Beach State. It was Malec’s first game back after a battle with cancer, and his shot that cleared the fence in right, to me, was ‘the shot heard ‘round the world’ on that day. I had the pleasure of doing that game on radio. As for Jess, fading out of bounds right in front of Mark French and the UCSB bench and making that shot with 1.4 seconds remaining in Austin, Texas, was remarkable. I was broadcasting that game for KEYT television, and to this day I still can’t believe it went in.”

to be an inspiration for so many. I also enjoyed the time I spent with Chris Devine during his basketball days. As tough as they come on the court and a real gentleman off the court. And then there was Karena Bonds of the women’s basketball team. Man was she a gritty, hard-nosed defender who went for every loose ball like Don Ford goes for a bag of popcorn. She was awesome, and as sweet as could be.”

As a play-by-play announcer, what have you not yet experienced that you would like to? “I would love to broadcast a national championship. I covered the 2006 men’s soccer team as a member of the local media when Tim Vom Steeg and his guys beat UCLA in frigid St. Louis to capture the school’s second national title. I would love to call that on radio for any of the sports teams on campus.”

We’ve asked about your favorite memories. What are some of the toughest moments you’ve experienced as The Voice of the Gauchos? “It was tough to watch the 2010 men’s soccer team lose at Cal in an NCAA Tournament game. That was one I was sure the team would win based on the way the game was going. But the Gauchos fell short against the Bears and fell short in their bid to play in the College Cup at Harder Stadium. Watching Long Beach State beat the men’s basketball team on a 40-footer at the buzzer at the Pyramid in 2004. I was still at KEYT then and that was not something I enjoyed, either.”

Who are some of the Gaucho athletes you’ve enjoyed the most in your time with UCSB?

Where do you see yourself in the future? Will Santa Barbara’s grip on you remain strong?

“Again, the list is so long, but here are a few: I am a big fan of Waid Ibrahim. What he went through with a life-threatening heart condition while he played soccer for UCSB, and what he does now with his work with kids in his native Ghana, how can you not be impressed with a young man like that? I feel the same way about Orlando Johnson. Here’s a guy who had more curveballs thrown at him early in life and has grown

“If the powers that be at UCSB continue to let me set up the broadcasting equipment, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. To be The Voice of the Gauchos has been an incredible experience for me, just like I had hoped it would be when I was watching Big Monday at the Top Flight in Chico. Also, having Don Ford as a friend and a broadcast partner for basketball, it doesn’t get any better than that.” DARE Summer 2012 • 13

LOFTY GOALS A Great Example by Victor Bryant Goalkeeper Makenna Henry has been a key contributor to the UC Santa Barbara women’s soccer team from the moment she stepped on campus starting 17 games as a freshman in 2010 and 19 of 20 in 2011. Blessed with a maturity level that belies her young age, Henry has developed a knack for turning potentially negative situations into opportunities to excel and her positive attitude is a breath of fresh air for those who come in contact with her. “There’s a level of maturity that Makenna brings, which may be attributed to her upbringing,” said UCSB women’s soccer head coach Paul Stumpf. “She has a way of putting things into perspective and understanding that as important as this is it’s still just soccer.” Makenna’s level-headed demeanor can be traced back to her mother Pamela, a single mother, who played a large role in her two daughter’s lives in the absence of their father, Kevin McKenzie. “I definitely know the difference between a father and a dad,” Makenna said. “My mother is my best friend, my mentor, my everything.” From a young age Makenna displayed excellent athleticism and began playing AYSO soccer at age six. By age 15 she was one of the best goalkeepers in the country and was invited to play on the Under-15 U.S. Girls’ National Team. The invitation gave her an opportunity to train and play with a group of standout players in a very professional setting. “It was nice being around a lot of girls who had a high level of expectations for each other,” Makenna said. “It was expected that you performed, were on time and worked as hard as you could every time.” During Makenna’s junior year of high school at a time when her hard work, dedication and rare athleticism were beginning to attract the attention of college coaches, she suffered a serious shoulder injury while warming up at an Olympic Developmental Camp. The injury was devastating for Makenna and was a major obstacle in her recruitment processes as her college offers began to diminish. Just before the injury, Makenna was stunned by news that her father had stage-four cancer. Makenna traveled to Boston to visit her father who she had not seen in 17 years. During the four days they spent together they got to know each other and she

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developed a sense of compassion for him. He passed a few weeks after her trip. “The injury really affected everything in my world,” Makenna said. “Offers went away and on top of that I was dealing with the loss of my father.” “My mindset was altered by the visit. If it wasn’t for the cancer I probably still wouldn’t know anything about him,” Makenna said. “I had four days with him and my extended family and it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. It definitely affected me when I found out he died a few weeks later. Instead of having hate and resentment for him I was a lot more compassionate to the situation.” In the midst of these life-altering developments, Makenna had a major decision to make concerning which college she would attend. Despite her injury, UCSB was still very interested in making her a Gaucho. “I don’t know exactly what happened to the other schools, but the shoulder injury didn’t scare us off,” Stumpf said. “Because of all we knew about her as a person and her as a player we just wanted to continue to recruit her. We felt like her upside here was going to be very good and it has proved to be just that.” While Makenna was on her visit to the UCSB campus she had the feeling that Santa Barbara was the place for her. “It’s corny, but I came on a visit and I just had that feeling, it was a gut-check,” she said. “I didn’t want to go anywhere else, I came with my mom and I looked at her and said this is the school.” Makenna’s impact on the team was immediate as she started in goal during the Gauchos season opener. Early in her freshman season she helped the Gauchos to a 1-1 tie against 13th-ranked UCLA, with a seven-save performance and was named Big West Co-defender of the week. “We kind of felt like she’s young, but she’s going to have 10 or 12 games leading up to conference play,” Stumpf said. “In addition to that she was just the best goalkeeper that we had and our philosophy here is that if you want to start you have to prove to us on the practice field that you’re one of the best 11.” Makenna’s presence in goal was an area of strength for the Gauchos in 2011 and should be for two more years. Her experiences off the field are a major asset and have helped strengthen her. Makenna, in turn, will continue to help strengthen her team.

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UCSB SOCCER:The Aim Remains High T

he UCSB men’s soccer team – one of the most elite programs in the country – will kick off its 2012 season and campaign for the Gauchos’ 11th consecutive NCAA Tournament berth in August. The 2012 Gauchos are sure to give their fans plenty to cheer about at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium this fall. UCSB will host a total of 10 regular season home contests, including its season-opening exhibition against cross-town foe Westmont on Aug. 18. Highlights of the 2012 slate include a Sept. 21 match-up against perennial power UCLA, conference matches against Big West rivals UC Irvine (Oct. 5) and Cal Poly (Oct. 19), and a late-season match-up with Stanford (Oct. 26). UCSB’s lineup this season will feature a mix of seasoned, battle-tested returners and talented newcomers. All-Big West Honorable Mentions senior Josue Madueno, junior Dom Sarle and junior Peter Schmetz will help lead a group that includes returning starters senior André Grandt, senior Peter McGlynn, senior Machael David, junior Fifi Baiden and senior Nic Ryan. The Gauchos boast a top-notch incoming class, which is highlighted by Cate School product and the Gatorade National Boy’s Soccer Player of the Year, Ema Boateng, and transfers Dion Acoff from Creighton and Achille Campion from Belhaven University. UCSB is coming off of its 10th NCAA Tournament appearance and sixth Third Round showing. The Gauchos have accumulated 11-straight winning seasons and have posted 10 wins on the Meredith Field pitch in each of the last three seasons. Harder Stadium continues to be the highestattended venue in collegiate soccer as UCSB led the nation in attendance for the fifth consecutive year last fall. Two 2011 matches – against Cal Poly and San Diego – rank in the NCAA’s top-10 for regular season attendance. Overall, UCSB has hosted four of the top-10 most attended games and has played in six, all in the past four seasons. Season tickets are now available for what is sure to be an action-packed year filled with record-setting crowds. To purchase tickets, call (805) 893-UCSB or buy online at UCSBgauchos.com. Back by popular demand is the Family Plan, which includes five tickets to each home game for just $178 – just over $3.00 per ticket, per game! This year, the plan will also serve as a Flex Plan either with two season passes and three GKids memberships or five tickets, your choice. GKids, the official UCSB Athletics kids club, remains the best value in town for young Gaucho fans. GKids members get into every regular season game for every UCSB sport when they wear their club t-shirt.

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GAUCHOS MAKE MLS DRAFT HISTORY

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – January 12 was a historic day for UCSB men’s soccer as senior Luis Silva became the highest Major League Soccer SuperDraft pick in program lore. The midfielder was the fourth pick in the draft’s First Round, selected by Toronto FC. Silva was quickly followed by teammate Sam Garza – a Generation Adidas contract signee – who went two picks later to the San Jose Earthquakes. The pair were the first UCSB players picked in the SuperDraft’s First Round since Chris Pontius went seventh overall in 2009. This year marked the second time in program history that multiple players went in the First Round; the first time was in 2008 when Ciaran O’Brien and Andy Iro went fifth and sixth, respectively. Silva was picked-up after completing one of the best careers in UCSB history, which was capped by 2011 All-American First Team, All-Far West Region First Team, All-Big West First Team and Big West Midfielder of the Year honors. Garza was a two-time All-Big West First Team and All-Far West Region honoree during his two seasons at UCSB and also garnered 2010 Big West Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors. Five days following the SuperDraft, senior defenders Tim Pontius and James Kiffe were both selected during the MLS Supplemental Draft. The Seattle Sounders FC took Pontius in the Second Round (33rd overall) and the San Jose Earthquakes picked Kiffe in the Fourth Round (63rd overall). Including this year’s draftees, UCSB has had 22 players drafted into the MLS and 12 have been picked in the SuperDraft.

Luis Sliva

Sam Garza, with MLS Commissioner Don Garber DARE Summer 2012 • 17

Senior honorable mention All-Big West midfielder Erin Ortega returns for the UCSB women’s soccer team in 2012. Ortega joins other important returnees such as junior goalkeeper Makenna Henry, senior forward Dyanne Anderson and sophomore midfielder Indiana Mead as the Gauchos aim to rebound from a tough 2011 season. UCSB’s non-conference home schedule includes Big Ten powers Illinois (Aug. 24) and Indiana (Aug. 31), as well as UNLV (Aug. 26), Oregon State (Sept. 7), San Francisco (Sept. 14) and San Diego State (Sept. 23).

Junior outside hitters Leah Sully and Kara Sherrard return to lead the 2012 Gaucho women’s volleyball team. UCSB will once again play an outstanding schedule and with the addition of powerful Hawai’i to the already-tough Big West, the league schedule promises to be even more challenging. Also, for the first time in more than a decade, the Gauchos will host their own UCSB Invitational on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at the Thunderdome.

HAMMER

TIME

2012 HOME SCHEDULE

Senior and 2011 All-American Honorable Mention Brian Shoemaker will lead a youthful Gaucho men’s water polo team during the 2012 season. UCSB, which had 11 freshmen on its 2011 active roster and just two seniors, will return a bulk of the squad that finished last year with a 16-12 record and No. 7 national ranking. The Gauchos’ home slate is highlighted by the always competitive Southern California Tournament (Sept. 29-30) and contests against national powers Stanford (Oct. 12) and UCLA (Oct. 20). 18 • DARE Summer 2012

UG. 31-SEPT. 1 A AUG. 31 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 1 OCT. 3 OCT. 5 OCT. 6 OCT. 19 OCT. 20 OCT. 27 NOV. 9 NOV. 10 NOV. 23 NOV. 24

UCSB INVITATIONAL IDAHO 5 P.M. NORTHEASTERN 11 A.M. UCLA 7 P.M. PEPPERDINE 7 P.M. CSU NORTHRIDGE 7 P.M. HAWAI’I 7 P.M. CSU FULLERTON 7 P.M. UC RIVERSIDE 7 P.M. CAL POLY 7 P.M. PACIFIC 7 P.M. UC DAVIS 7 P.M. LONG BEACH ST. 7 P.M. UC IRVINE 7 P.M.

SPRING REWIND A youthful UCSB team, which had just one senior, battled through the tough MPSF schedule. Junior Miles Evans led the team with 325 kills while fellow junior Dylan Davis, the lone returning starter from a Gaucho team that went to the NCAA Championship in 2011, led the team with 108 total blocks and was third with 155 kills.

The Gaucho women’s track and field team finished second at the Big West Championship meet as they were narrowly edged by UC Davis, 170 to 169.5. Barbara Nwaba paced UCSB’s charge with a victory in the heptathlon and three other first-place finishes. During the season, she set Big West and Big West Championship records for heptathlon. At the NCAA Championships in June, she finished second in the nation and earned First Team All-American recognition. 20 • DARE Summer 2012

The UCSB softball team struggled through the early part of its season. Playing mostly games against nationally ranked teams, the Gauchos limped out of the gates with a record of 1-10, but by the time the last pitch had been thrown, they were 30-28 overall and an all-time best 15-6 in the Big West, good for second-place. UCSB ended the season on a sevengame winning streak and when the league honors were handed out, head coach Brie Galicinao was named Big West Coach of the Year and freshman sensation Shelby Wisdom, who set a new school record with 24 wins, was named the league’s Freshman Field Player of the Year and first team all-conference as a pitcher. Center fielder Jessica Soria was also named First Team All-Big West.

The Gaucho women’s tennis team advanced to the semifinals of the Big West Tournament with a thrilling five and a half hour marathon victory over rival Cal Poly. After the season, the doubles team of Natalia Lozano and Jordan Dockendorf was named First Team All-Big West while Lozano (second team) and Sofia Novak (honorable mention) also earned singles recognition.

Led by First Team All-Big West singles players Mathieu Forget and Benjamin Recknagel and league Coach of the Year Marty Davis, the UCSB men’s tennis team came within a third set tiebreaker of winning the Big West Championship. Due to a variety of circumstances, Davis had to juggle his lineup all season, but his team came within an eyelash of another Big West title. During the season, the Gauchos moved into the top-50 and posted wins over three ranked opponents: Texas Tech, BYU and SMU. Texas Tech, ranked 22nd, was the highest ranked team that UCSB had beaten in more than a decade.

Under first-year head coach Andrew Checketts, UCSB finished at 28-28 in 2012. The 28 wins were the most ever by a Gaucho coach in his first season. The team was led by center fielder Brett Vertigan, a First Team All-Big West selection who batted .381 and was the first Santa Barbara player to pace the conference in batting since 1985. Vertigan also set a school record with nine triples. Freshman pitcher Andrew Vasquez was named Second Team All-Big West after posting a 1.93 ERA and becoming the first UCSB hurler to lead the conference in that stat since 2006. In addition to Vasquez, sophomore shortstop Brandon Trinkwon, freshman pitcher/utility player Greg Mahle and senior pitcher Matt Vedo were all named second team all-league. Senior outfielder Lance Roenicke was an honorable mention choice.

Goalkeeper Ruth Milne set a school record with 405 saves, leading UCSB to a 20-15 overall record and a spot in the Big West Conference semifinals. For her efforts, Milne was named First Team All-Big West. Shelby Haroldson was selected second team after posting 34 goals as well as a team-leading 63 assists and 64 steals.

In May, UCSB men’s track and field won its first Big West Championship ever, easily defeating the defending conference champion, Long Beach State, 179-150. Pete Dolan was named Big West Coach of the Year and Shyan Vaziri was named Big West Freshman of the Year. Junior Derek Masterson stood out individually as he won the league’s decathlon and placed high in several other events. Other victors included Anthony Masci (3000 meter steeplechase) and Mitchell Haag (high jump). Masterson and Ryan Martin each qualified for the 2012 NCAA Championships. Martin finished fourth in 800 meters and was named All-American for the third straight year. DARE Summer 2012 • 21

ENTERTAINING SUCCESS A Great Example By Kathleen Matthew The sky is the limit when it comes to the success and future aspirations of UCSB men’s tennis player Mathieu Forget. His ascent to the No.1 spot in the Gaucho lineup exemplified nothing less than a competitive drive and persistent motivation to improve. Surprisingly, Forget’s outstanding talent in tennis is overshadowed only by his true passion for the performing arts. “The main reason why I came here (UCSB) was not to play tennis, but I knew through tennis I could come here,” recalled Forget. “My main focus was to study abroad and learn about dancing and acting.” Forget, originally from Switzerland, did not grow up playing tennis, as do most collegiate tennis players. Tennis was just a casual hobby of Forget’s until he realized that he could study abroad and earn a possible scholarship to play at a university. The “American dream” sparked his enthusiasm to pursue tennis as a potential channel to the United States and ultimately UCSB. “I was a little apprehensive about bringing him on the team because he just really hadn’t played much,” said UCSB tennis coach Marty Davis. “Frankly, he wasn’t a very good player.” Forget took a year off after graduating high school to dedicate all of his time to tennis, putting in three to four hours per day competing and training with his father, French professional tennis player Guy Forget. Once at UCSB, Forget took advantage of every opportunity that came his way. Despite taking 17 to 21 units a quarter his first two years and excelling in tennis, he sought constant involvement in school plays, dance, costume design, and short films. Forget’s life was full of activity. His dreams of a career in acting push him towards auditions and taking part in as many productions as possible. As he fully engaged himself in a theater major, Forget was in the musical “It’s Only Human if it Dies” during the 2012 season. “He’s always on,” says coach Davis. “I don’t know if he sleeps that much, he’s just on all the time.” “I hate not being busy because I get bored,” Forget said. His overwhelming energy and motivation are obvious to everyone. Davis describes him as a “constant energy source.” Whether it’s on the court, on the stage, or just with his buddies, Forget is always performing. “He’s pretty entertaining,” Davis said. “It’s always fun having him around.”

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Having completed his senior season, Forget has conquered the tennis court. The team co-captain earned First Team All-Big West honors in both singles and doubles and was awarded multiple Big West Athlete of the Week honors while playing at the No. 1 singles position. In addition, he led the Gauchos to a top-75 ranking and within a third set tiebreaker of a league championship. Forget also paced UCSB in dual match victories with 17. “I never thought I would be that interested in tennis, but by practicing and getting better and better I wanted to play, and play better,” recalled Forget. “My freshman year I didn’t start in the beginning, and ended up being No. 6 for the team. I went back to France for the summer and played in more tournaments. By getting better and better it motivated me to want to play more. Now I play No. 1 for the school.” Forget’s continued progress and accomplishments are quite remarkable considering tennis trails his first passion – the performing arts. “He’s way exceeded our expectations,” Davis said. “He’s the most improved player I’ve ever had.” “I’ve never really worked hard for something,” admits Forget. “Tennis was the first thing that made me understand that if you work hard, put the time in, and are surrounded by great people that are here to support you, it makes you want to do good not only for yourself but for other people around you.” His positive outlook on life and appreciation for the opportunity he has been given is reflected in his personality. Forget is often found dancing in front of large crowds. When traveling with the team and with time to kill, leave it to Forget to throw on some music and start break dancing in the middle of the airport with numerous people watching. According to co-captain Max Glenn, “He’s always there for you, he’s a great teammate. Matt is always making sure everyone’s having a good time and keeps everyone positive and happy.” With the combination of his athleticism, coordination and competitive spirit in tennis and his imagination and desire to perform in theater, Forget will continue to amaze and inspire those around him. “Life is so beautiful, everyone should be happy,” he says.

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A VERSATILE CHAMPION A Great Example By Kathleen Matthew

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No one represents the Gaucho blue and gold better than Barbara Nwaba. As a fifth year senior heptathlete for UCSB track and field she not only set a school record in the event with 5,986 points, but she was ranked No. 1 in nation for much of the year, finished second at the NCAA Championships in June and was named First Team All-American. “I’m definitely going to miss wearing that uniform,” Nwaba said, as she envisions the road ahead of her including the 2012 Olympic trials. Nwaba was born and raised in Los Angeles, but her parents came to the United States from Nigeria, where most of her extended family still lives. “We grew up in a very disciplined household,” Nwaba explained. “My parents are really strict, but anything I wanted to do they were all about putting your all into it.”

Nwaba’s competitive spirit led her to love running at a young age, but it wasn’t until high school that she actually competed on a team. Running came naturally to her and she later discovered that her grandfather was a serious track athlete in Nigeria. “It was really inspiring to know that and know where I got it from,” Nwaba said. Prior to arriving at UCSB, Nwaba was already striving to find a way to reach her end goal – the Olympics. “What can you do to get me to the Olympics?” she so anxiously asked as she was being recruited in her senior year of high school. “I knew that was always my dream.” Nwaba arrived at UCSB as a hurdler primarily, but her incredible journey began as soon as her coaches realized she had the strength and natural ability for the heptathlon. Coming in as a freshman, Nwaba didn’t even know what the heptathlon was. The two-day, seven-event competition quickly became her strong suit. Nwaba has the aggressive drive and tremendous mental strength to battle through the 100 meter hurdles, high jump, shot put and 200 meters the first day and the long jump, javelin and 800 meters the second day. How does she feel about training and competing in seven different events? “It’s really fun! It keeps it entertaining, it keeps it fresh. That’s why I couldn’t do just one event, I would probably get really bored,” Nwaba laughed. Her preparation for the heptathlon is crucial.

“It starts when I wake up,” she said. “I’ll watch a YouTube video to laugh or listen to gospel music, which cheers me up. I used to switch my socks up or miss-match my earrings. Anything to get my mind off track and just have fun with it.” Along with Nwaba’s outstanding individual accomplishments, she is a dedicated teammate. UCSB track and field associate head coach Josh Priester attributes her “quiet leadership” as a valuable trait that encourages and motivates the entire team. “She leads by example and by training hard every day,” Priester said. “That’s the biggest impact she has on the team, the example she sets on the track every day.” Nwaba is grateful for the support she has at UCSB, especially from her teammates. “I definitely hold the team on my shoulders sometimes,” she said. “That kind of helps me, it puts a little bit of pressure on me to do well.” Nwaba is proud of what she has already achieved as she has represented UCSB on a national level, and is thrilled at the opportunity to continue her career competing in the Olympic trials, whether in 2012 or beyond. “It’s such an accomplishment for me these past five years and just to know how far I’ve come,” she said. With her senior year now in the past, Nwaba wants to be remembered as “just being a beast.” Nwaba has already made a name for herself and her persistent drive will continue to lead her towards her dream.

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Chip Schaefer

SPOTLIGHT ON PERFORMANCE

hip Schaefer was named UCSB’s Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Performance in December of 2012. Previously, he spent 12 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, the last seven as Director of Athletic Performance/Player Development. In all, Chip was in the NBA for 20 years, having also spent eight years with the Chicago Bulls prior to moving on to the Lakers. During his time as part of Phil Jackson’s staff, he was part of 11 league championship teams. Before entering professional basketball, Chip was the head athletic trainer and strength coach at Loyola Marymount. We sat down with Chip Schaefer to talk about his philosophies regarding sports performance, his transition from professional basketball to college athletics and his time with Michael, Scottie, Kobe and Shaq.

What are some of your philosophies regarding sports performance and the balance between strength, flexibility and endurance? “Obviously for the last three-plus decades I’ve been a strength and conditioning coach as well as an athletic trainer. So when it comes to some of the aspects of performance that involve pushing people to their physical limitations, I have the athletic trainer voice in the back of my head sort of tempering some of those things to keep everything safe. The biggest catastrophe for me would be if somebody got injured while training. I think part of the art of this is balancing all of those things, identifying the demands of the specific sport. Clearly for a 5K runner or 800 meter swimmer, endurance is everything. For a shot putter it would obviously be more about strength and power than endurance. So I think that’s part of the art, being able to identify the physical demands of the sport or the activity or the metabolic demands and the strength and flexibility demands and then trying to train them appropriately.” Before you joined the Chicago Bulls, you were at Loyola Marymount. How have college athletes changed since your first stint at this level? “ I haven’t seen a lot of change in terms of the kids. As a parent of adult children I’ve been around young people this age. I was impressed with the kids that I worked with 25 years ago and I’m impressed with these kids too. The difference is I wasn’t much older than a lot of the kids when I was at Loyola. I was in my mid 20s when I started there, now I have children in their mid 20s. So I think it’s more me that’s changed than the athletic population. I’ve seen tremendous dedication from our athletes and that was the case 25 years ago too.” Prior to this year, you were only dealing with basketball players. Since you’ve been at UCSB is there any other sport you’ve particularly grown to enjoy? “ I don’t know that I’ve enjoyed any one more than another. I think I’ve enjoyed the challenge that each presents. I’ve had a number of coaches come to me and present their needs, what they find their challenges are, and then we come up with a way for me to help them. Certainly the aquatics sports present different challenges from what I’m used to, but I’m a big fan of puzzles actually, so maybe that’s part of the reason I’ve enjoyed it so much. It’s like a great big puzzle.”

Using cutting edge “Dartfish” video technology, Chip Schaefer (L) analyzes UCSB basketball player Nate Garth’s (R) workout. Dartfish gives Gaucho athletes the opportunity for immediate analysis and breakdown of their strength, conditioning and flexibility workouts. Dartfish users have experienced unprecedented success and 162 of them won medals at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

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What are the greatest differences between training college athletes and professional athletes? “There is a purity to college athletics that makes it different. It’s been interesting, on the weekends I find myself continuously online checking the updates of how our athletes are doing. You get caught up in their passion. It’s not that there’s not passion in professional sports but there’s something different from the college athletics in terms of the purity of it. This past weekend (May 4-5), it was really interesting for me. I’ve been working with (decathletes) Derek (Masterson) and Mikael Powers, who’d had some injuries they were dealing with. We put some rehab things into their training and then seeing them do well was rewarding for me. At the end of the day, sports are sports and success is its own reward, but there is something intangible about college athletics that you just don’t see in professional sports.” You were part of Phil Jackson’s staff for 20 years and 11 NBA Championships. What are some of the best memories you have from those years? “People often think that when you work with teams that win titles, the uncorking of champagne is where the joy comes from, but if we were to pour champagne on each other we’d be cold and wet and it’d be an unpleasant experience. Phil had a number of different philosophies that he would share with the team. One of them was that the journey is a reward. The work that you put in, all the peaks and valleys over, say, eight months, that culminates in success, is obviously very rewarding. But I think, more than anything, it’s just the relationships that I’ve built with people that are my best memories. You spend so much time together; you’re literally together seven days a week and so the relationships get very strong.”

You’ve worked with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. Who were the hardest working pros you ever dealt with? “All the players you mentioned are hard workers, I think that when you’ve had the privilege of working with the successful teams I’ve worked with they’re obviously loaded with mature, hardworking, dedicated athletes. Hard work is nothing unique to the great players. I think what you see with players like Michael and Kobe is the combination of a well-organized set of molecules and an obsessive drive to be the best they can be. That’s when you get that kind of success. But even a player like Shaquille, who had extraordinary physical gifts, was capable of working and training really hard, but one of the things with big guys like that, a lot of the times basketball sort of finds them. You don’t see a lot of 7-foot gym rats out there. Some of the real success stories are the players that aren’t drafted. They just work hard and are the first to arrive and last to leave. There’s no shortage of players like that. Someone like Derek Fisher, who was a second round draft pick out of relative obscurity (Arkansas-Little Rock) who ends up with a 13, 14,15, year career and multiple championships is a great story too.” Who were your favorite players to deal with? “When you work with hundreds of people over a couple of decades, like I did, you’re going to find yourself drawn to certain people just as you would in any work relationship. When I started in Chicago I had players on the roster who were actually older than me. And then, finishing up just last year, I had players who were younger than my children. That’s what happens over a couple decades. Someone like a John Paxson in Chicago stands out, he’s the same age as me, with kids the same age and sort of a similar outlook on life. You find you’re drawn to these people and those are friendships that endure to this day. Steve Kerr, another former Bull, is somebody I hold in very high esteem and still consider a good friend.” You worked for 20 seasons in the NBA. Is there one you consider your favorite? “I think that the ‘95-‘96 season stands out. Obviously every year was its own reward, to paraphrase Phil, but professionally the ‘95-‘96 year. The year before, we weren’t successful, we lost to Orlando in a disappointing way. Michael wasn’t anywhere near what he could’ve been physically, he was just coming back after 20 to 21 months away from basketball, and I was starting to question if I wanted a career in the NBA. Of course in ’95-’96, Michael really re-dedicated himself and came back in great shape and I really sort of recommitted my focus too. I did a number of things and implemented some programs with the team nutritionally, flexibility-wise and I think I sort of re-engaged. Then we go 72-10 and beat Seattle in the finals to win another championship. That year was a special year for me personally and professionally. I don’t think anyone will ever touch 72-10 again. I think the stars were just aligned. Of all my rings, that one stands out.” Since you’ve been in Santa Barbara, have you had the opportunity to enjoy what it has to offer? “My son went to school here, so we started discovering Santa Barbara about eight to 10 years ago and kind of fell in love with it. We always thought that if there was ever a way to end up here, we would take it. We’ve been to a number of restaurants that we enjoy locally. My wife and daughter enjoy the shopping up here. Particularly unique to the area, obviously, are the wonderful vineyards. My wife and I recently spent a beautiful Saturday in Los Olivos. It was gorgeous. One of those perfect, blue-sky days, and we hope to do that as frequently as possible. We have enjoyed it here and will continue to do so. “

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O.J. WRAPS-UP RECORD-BREAKING UCSB CAREER Orlando Johnson played three seasons at UCSB, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball program.

In his three campaigns as a Gaucho, Orlando Johnson led the program to three postseason appearances, including two in the NCAA Tournament, either set or tied almost every scoring record and amassed the lengthiest list of honors in school history. He completed his career with 1,825 points, more than 130 ahead of the previous record holder, Alex Harris, who accomplished the feat in four years. As a junior in 2010-11, Johnson scored a single season record 674 points. Also, during his junior year, he tied the UCSB record for points in a game when he went for 39 in a win over UC Davis. Together, Johnson and James Nunnally easily formed the greatest scoring duo in school history. In 2010-11, the tandem combined for a record 1,194 points and as seniors, they had 1,106, the second highest total ever. In all, over the three seasons that they played together, Johnson and Nunnally scored 3,265 points From an honors standpoint, Johnson’s resumé is a long one. He was a two-time All-American and a three-time All-District and All-Region honoree. He was the Big West Conference Player of the Year in 2010 and a two-time Big West Tournament Most Valuable Player. Johnson was also a threetime Lou Henson Mid-Major All-American and one of only two Gauchos in history to be named First Team All-Big West three times. During the summer of 2011, Johnson was selected to tryout for the team that would represent the United States at the World University Games in China. Not only did he make the final Team USA roster, the Seaside, Calif., native was chosen as the flag bearer for the U.S. delegation at the opening ceremonies. Finally, as a senior, Johnson was Naismith Award Candidate, a Lowe’s Senior Class Award nominee and he was included on the John R. Wooden Award Preseason Top-50 list and the Midseason Top-25 list.

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GAUCHO WOMEN’S TEAM COLLECTS RECORD 14TH BIG WEST TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP

James Nunnally

First year head coach Carlene Mitchell (left) and the UCSB women’s basketball team were able to cut down the nets after defeating Long Beach State, 63-54, in the Big West Tournament Championship game at the Honda Center in March. It was the record 14th league tournament crown for the Gauchos. Unlike the vast majority of the other 13 championships, this one came in unorthodox fashion as sixth-seeded UCSB had to defeat three higher seeded opponents along the way. Kirsten Tilleman was outstanding over the three games and joined a long line of Gaucho greats in being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

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Female Newcomer of the Year SHELBY WISDOM (SOFTBALL) The freshman pitcher broke the UCSB school record for single season wins and strikeouts… She was named the Big West Freshman Field Player of the Year and to the All-Big West First Team…She led the Gauchos in ERA and led the Big West in appearances, starts and wins…She also had a team-leading .417 batting average in league games.

On May 23, UC Santa Barbara athletes gathered at the Isla Vista Theater for the Fifth Annual SB Awards, the year-end awards show that celebrates the past season in UCSB Athletics by highlighting the best performances by Gaucho athletes, coaches and teams. UCSB’s Student-Athlete Advisory Board created the SB Awards in 2008. The first show as held at The Hub in the University Center in May of 2008. Garry Fall, The Voice of the Gauchos, served as the event’s Mater of Ceremonies for the fourth consecutive year and a collection of student-athletes presented the awards to their peers. The show – which was preceded by a reception outside the theater – featured awards categories ranging from Athlete of the Year to Best Team Performance. The majority of the award winners were decided by an online vote of the student-athletes, coaches and department staff. Male Athlete of the Year LUIS SILVA (SOCCER) Selected First Team All-American, First Team All-Far West and First Team All-Big West in 2011…Chosen Big West Midfielder of the Year after ranking third in the nation in total points (44), fifth in points per game (2.00), sixth in goals (17), eighth in assists (10), ninth in goals per game (0.77), and 15th in assists per game (0.45)…Led the Gauchos to the NCAA Sweet 16. Female Athlete of the Year BARBARA NWABA (TRACK AND FIELD) Her heptathlon score of 5,986 at the Sam Adams Multi-Events Meet was the second highest score in the nation this season, a new UCSB record and a new Big West record…She also won the Big West Championship in the heptathlon and was named the league’s Field Athlete of the Year after scoring a championship meet record 5,709…She finished second in the nation and earned First Team All-American recognition at the NCAA Championships. Men’s Sport Coach of the Year PETE DOLAN (TRACK AND FIELD) Guided the UCSB men’s track and field team to its first-ever Big West Championship, defeating second-place Long Beach State by a 179-150 margin…Named Big West Coach of the Year…Nine of his athletes qualified for NCAA competition…The Gauchos won their first ever Cal/Nevada Championship and finished second at the Big West Challenge Cup…UCSB also defeated rival Cal Poly in a dual meet. Women’s Sport Coach of the Year: BRIE GALICINAO (SOFTBALL) Coached UCSB to its best finish since 2008 and its best league record (15-6) in program history…This season, the Gauchos overcame a 1-10 start and finished with a 30-28 overall record marking the fourth winning season in her five-year career and her second 30-win season. Male Newcomer of the Year BRETT VERTIGAN (BASEBALL) Led the Gauchos in batting average, hits, runs scored, triples, stolen bases and slugging percentage…Reached base in all but one games this season…Named First Team All-Big West. Women’s Swimming and Diving – Women’s Team of the Year

Male Performance of the Year DEREK MASTERSON (TRACK AND FIELD) AT SAM ADAMS MEET Recorded a score of 7,558 in the decathlon at the Sam Adams Multi-Events Meet… The score was not only among the top-six in the nation this year, it is the third highest total in UCSB history and the highest in 29 years…Masterson went on to win the Big West Championship in the decathlon as well.

Jeremey Peterson – Gaucho Heart Award

Female Performance of the Year BARBARA NWABA (TRACK AND FIELD) AT SAM ADAMS MEET Scored 5,986 points in the heptathlon at the Sam Adams Multi-Events Meet…Her score was not only a UCSB record, it was a Big West Conference record and it stands as the second highest score in the nation in 2012…Nwaba also won the Big West championship in the heptathlon, breaking a league championship record in the process. Team Performance of the Year WOMEN’S BASKETBALL AT THE BIG WEST TOURNAMENT The UCSB basketball team has rarely been an underdog in the Big West Tournament…In 2012, that is exactly what the Gauchos were, but they were able to sweep through the championships and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years. They posted wins over two teams seeded ahead of them, UC Irvine and Pacific, as well as Long Beach State, en route to the championship. Men’s Team of the Year TRACK AND FIELD The Gauchos won their first Big West Championship ever, cruising to a victory over secondplace Long Beach State, 179-150…UCSB qualified nine athletes for NCAA competition. Women’s Team of the Year SWIMMING AND DIVING The Gauchos took second place at the 2012 MPSF Championships after winning 10 event titles, setting five meet records, breaking six school records and posting 14 NCAA ‘B’ cuts…UCSB had two swimmers advance to the NCAA Championships and five earn Mid-Major All-American or Honorable Mention honors. Dare to Make a Difference Award JOHN AND DEBBIE KEEVER Gaucho Heart Award JEREMY PETERSON (BASEBALL)

John and Debbie Keever – Dare to Make a Difference Award

STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY BOARD (SAAB) AWARDS Best Student-Athlete Cheerleader – ALAN WILLIAMS Best Coach’s Quote – GREGG WILSON Most Embarrassing Injury – KIRSTEN TILLEMAN Best Excuse to Miss Practice – BRENT MCCUNNEY Gym Rat – CHRIS PETERSON Mr. and Ms. Gaucho CHRIS PETERSON BARBARA NWABA

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ANDREA WARD & SOPHIA YAMAUCHI By Andriana Collins

Andrea Ward 34 • DARE Summer 2012

In just two years, sophomore swimmers Andrea Ward and Sophia Yamauchi have catapulted themselves to the forefront of the UCSB swimming and diving program. Stamping their names into the UCSB record books, capturing multiple individual and relay titles, and qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Both Northern California natives, Ward and Yamauchi’s success began to take off during their prep careers. High school All-American honorees, conference champions, and school record holders – it is no surprise that upon their merging at UCSB, the sophomores have come to reign as a dynamic duo in the pool. In 2010-11, their first year as collegians, Ward and Yamauchi made an immediate impact as they collectively established three individual school records, four Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championship records, earned one MSPF relay championship and three MSPF individual titles, and each garnered All-MPSF First Team and Mid-Major All-American accolades. Though both fierce competitors, their immense talents are what truly bring Ward and Yamauchi together. “The two of us share a vision for ourselves and our teammates and we both hope to inspire our fellow Gauchos in the same way,” Ward explained. Enamored by the talents of the young swimmers, head coach Gregg Wilson elaborated, “After their freshman year, I dreaded their graduation. We’re lucky to have them. They train well, they race very well, they’re very into the team, and they’re very good students - the whole package.” Termed “effective weapons” by Wilson, Ward and Yamauchi have, without a doubt, lived up to their title. “They bring versatility,” Wilson said. “Between the two of them, they can cover 10 events very well – we can put them anywhere…like having two queens on a chessboard.” In her high school years, Yamauchi was unsure of which university would soon become home. Growing up with an older sister who swam in the PAC-10, Yamauchi did not have the high school times to catch the interest of some of the top swimming conferences. However, she still proved to be a hot commodity – going on four recruiting trips with her final being at UCSB. “Probably two hours into stepping foot on this campus, I knew exactly where I wanted to be, and that was here.” Yamauchi said. “I fell in love with it. I fell in love with the team; I already knew it was a family. Everything about UCSB was like a magnet; I was just drawn to it. “ Not only did UCSB prove to be a great choice for Yamauchi, she proved to be a great asset to the Gauchos. “I came in with hopes of succeeding, doing well, being someone that could set an example for our team or being a role model for my teammates,” she said. Yamauchi’s main events include the 100 and 200 breaststroke, 200 individual medley, and nearly every relay. Her consistent dominance in these events helped earn her the team’s Most Valuable Swimmer honor in 2012. After a breakout year prior, one of Yamauchi’s biggest goals for her sophomore campaign was to swim undefeated throughout the season. Proving that hard work and determination do pay off, Yamauchi went undefeated throughout the entire pre-conference competitions before she had to settle for a pair of second-place finishes at the MPSF Championships. Two defeats, however, were not enough to stop Yamauchi. The sophomore set new meet and school records and qualified for the NCAA Championships while winning the 200 IM.

The 6-foot-1 Yamauchi proves that having a great set of swimming genes is not all it takes to be at the top of her game. She prides herself on being disciplined in her eating habits, her practice regimen, and maintaining the health of her body. Yamauchi also credits her coach for her success. “He’s [Wilson] done so much for me and so much for my swimming,” Yamauchi said. “I couldn’t thank him enough. He saw potential, he didn’t have any doubts. Gregg is a lot of the reason why I have the success that I do today.” Ward constitutes the other half of UCSB’s effective weaponry. Described by Yamauchi as a “hard-worker” and “amazing motivator,” Ward’s events include the 100 fly, 200 fly, 200 free and the 500 free and she also swims on a few of the program’s relay teams. Ward began swimming at the age of four and, not surprisingly, the pool became her second home. As she grew up, her primary objective was to simply continue improving year by year. UCSB first caught the attention of Ward as she noticed the vast improvements in many of her club teammates who had been recruited to swim for the program. After speaking with Wilson, the university immediately became her first choice and the rest was destiny. As a freshman, Ward made a big splash for the Gauchos, garnering three MPSF Championship titles and shattering a bevy of UCSB and conference records. She was also the 2011 Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Women’s College Swimming Athlete of the Year, along with being named team MVP. Did she expect to have that immediate of an impact? “I wanted to improve over the course of four years,” she said. “But I expected that my first year would be a challenge due to all the adjustments of moving away to college: living away from home, new training regimens, new school schedules and demands, new friends. I had hoped that I could make a difference on the team, but in no way did I expect it.” Ward continued to blossom in her sophomore season, breaking more school and MPSF records, winning more league titles, qualifying for the NCAA Championships and earning more accolades, including MPSF Swimmer of the Year. Called “championship-minded” by her coach, Ward has raised expectations for herself. “I try to remind myself of the way I train on a daily basis and trust that it’s been good enough for me to perform well,” she said. “I typically am not very aware of my opponents’ names and statistics because I know that no matter who I’m racing, I will always try my hardest and it should always be good enough.” Epitomizing the truest sense of what it means to be a team, Yamauchi explains that the sophomore standouts enjoy sharing the other’s success. “We understand that we both have high goals and want to accomplish the same things,” she said. “It’s really good to have someone else supporting you and I’m really glad to be in this with her.” Accomplishing in just two years what many only hope to do in their entire collegiate careers, Yamauchi and Ward’s best will continue to get better. In their remaining time at UCSB, the tandem not only hopes to qualify for the NCAA meet, but to score and earn All-American honors. Fueled by their personal expectations, the twosome is consistently raising the bar for themselves. While they have learned through both victories and defeats, the duo continues to exemplify what it means to be a Gaucho swimmer and a true champion. Yamauchi and Ward will attend the Olympic Trials this summer before returning for their junior campaigns in the fall. “They can swim against the best,” he said. “They can hold their own against anybody in the country and they’re only getting better.”

Sophia Yamauchi

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UCSB-LONG BEACH STATE REMATCH DREW BIGGEST ANAHEIM CROWD EVER

GAUCHOS-49ERS SQUARE OFF FOR THIRD-STRAIGHT YEAR For the third consecutive year, UCSB and Long Beach State met for the Big West Conference men’s championship. It was the first time in league history that the same teams met three consecutive times. After defeating the 49ers in 2010 and 2011, the Gauchos dropped a 77-64 decision in 2012. Orlando Johnson and James Nunnally were each named to the all-tournament team.

BIG WEST WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND SET FOR UC IRVINE IN 2013 For the past two years, the first round of the Big West women’s tournament was held at campus sites with the four highest seeds hosting. In 2013 that format will change as the entire first round will be held on March 12 at the Bren Center on the UC Irvine Campus. The men’s quarterfinals will be held at Honda Center on March 14 and then the final four of both tourneys will be held on March 15-16 at Honda Center.

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The third consecutive Big West Conference men’s basketball championship game between UCSB and Long Beach State was a recordsetter. The game between the Gauchos and 49ers drew 7,564 to Honda Center, the largest crowd to witness a final in Anaheim. The tournament, which has also been held in Inglewood, Long Beach, Las Vegas and Reno, has been staged in Anaheim 18 times (1977-82 and 2001-12). The previous largest crowd of 7,433 was in 1982.

A NEW DAY IS DAWNING FOR THE

In 2010, the league announced that the University of Hawai’i would become a full-fledged member beginning with the 2012-13 academic year. In 2011, the Big West took another significant step with the addition of San Diego State for 2013-14. “The first big thing was when we moved into the Honda Center for the league basketball tournament,” said UCSB Director of Athletics Mark Massari. “Then we added Hawai’i and a year later, San Diego State. The Big West has scored a big trifecta. Those two schools have very good brands and will only serve to lift the visibility of the conference.” “The Big West Conference’s success at attracting both Hawai‘i and San Diego State is due to its strong stability, especially during a very unstable period of national conference realignment,” said Dr. F. King Alexander, the President of Long Beach State and Chair of the Big West Board of Directors. “SDSU will bring to the Big West a very large market adding to the national standing of the conference. They are a very good university with a rich history and will fit in very well with the other 10 strong institutions.” Both San Diego State and Hawai’i bring strong and balanced all-around athletics programs into the Big West. Hawai’i is a traditional power in baseball, women’s volleyball, softball and women’s water polo. The Aztecs are outstanding in many sports, but it is their emergence in men’s basketball over the last several years that is most notable. “(Coach) Steve Fisher has built a national level program in San Diego,” said UCSB head coach Bob Williams. “They are getting top-level recruits and consistently beating top-level competition. Their addition to the league is a major one.” “We are extremely excited about joining the Big West Conference,” said SDSU President Dr. Elliot Hirshman. “The Big West provides extraordinary opportunities for our student‐athletes, coaches and staff, alumni and supporters and the entire community.” “The Big West is a great fit for San Diego State geographically, academically and athletically,” Aztec Director of Athletics Jim Sterk said. For San Diego State, joining the Big West is like coming home. The Aztecs were one of the original members of the conference when it was known as the Pacific Coast Athletic Association. Hawai’i was part of the league on the women’s side for a number of years in the late 1980s through the early1990s. This will mark the first time Hawai’i has had its men’s programs in the league. 38 • DARE Summer 2012

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Living Scholar Profile

JOHN DOBROTT Company. I continue to stay involved in water polo as a masters athlete and as the President of Newport Beach Aquatics, our local youth water polo and swim club. I remain an active waterman and try to ski as much as possible.”

How often do you return to campus? “I return to campus at least once a year. I like to be there for the All Gaucho Reunion so I can take part in the Gaucho Order, as well as play in Wolf Wigo’s beach water polo tournament and our alumni game.”

Do you remain in contact with your teammates and friends from your time at UCSB? “While I stay in touch with many friends from college in general, my old water polo teammates are like brothers to me. A group of us from the 1979 team are the core of Santa Barbara Masters, the oldest and most successful team in USA Masters water polo. We play in several tournaments a year and it’s all an excuse to hang out together and stay connected. Next month we are going to Italy to play in World Masters and I am really looking forward to it.”

Who was your biggest influence during your time at UCSB?

n 2010, former UCSB water polo player John Dobrott was inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame, and for good reason.

“We were lucky to have great coaches like Pete Snyder and Gregg Wilson. However, we had a couple of teammates who were undersized and lacked physical talent. They persevered, worked hard and earned a place on our 1979 team. It’s a lot easier to train hard and make the sacrifices necessary to play college sports when you know you’re going to play a lot. It’s a lot harder to stick it out when nothing is given. In team sports, championships are won on the depth. When I entered the working world, I realized that my physical talents didn’t matter anymore. Many times in my career, I had to grind it out just like those guys.”

Dobrott was a three-time All-American water polo player for the Gauchos. In 1979, he was named First Team All-American after helping lead his team to the NCAA National Championship. For his part, Dobrott scored two goals in the national semifinal win over Stanford and two more in the title match against UCLA. He is one of four players in school history to score more than 200 goals in his career.

What motivates you to stay involved with UCSB Athletics?

Now a Living Scholar donor and a board member for The Gaucho Order, Dobrott spent some time to answering a few questions about his time at UCSB, the reason he gives back and what he’s doing these days.

“When I was a student I once heard someone say that everyone who benefits from a scholarship should pay it back later in life. That struck me as the right thing to do. Plus I want UCSB to win more NCAA championships. We stood alone for years as the only UCSB NCAA champions and, after awhile, it began to look like an anomaly. The soccer team proved that UCSB could do it again. We may not catch UCLA or Stanford with their 100+ NCAA championships but a dozen would be nice.”

What was your favorite memory about your time at UCSB? “Without question, my favorite memory from UCSB was our team winning the 1979 NCAA Water Polo Championship.”

Where has life taken you?

“From the enthusiasm I saw in the student body when I played at UCSB to the tremendous support of our soccer teams today, I know there are a lot of sports nuts in the UCSB student body. I think Intercollegiate Athletics provides great entertainment and a huge source of pride to the campus. This is part of the college experience. When I was in school, some of the Vietnam War protest attitude lingered and there always seemed to be voices that sought the demise of some traditional aspects of the college experience. Some of that negative sentiment still exists. So I think it’s important that we stay involved and promote athletics.”

Why do you donate/volunteer?

Do you have a message to share? “UCSB was an awesome place when we were in school and it’s even better now. The incredible academic rankings, and our Nobel laureates, give more prominence to our education than some of us probably deserve. So come back to visit this amazing campus and bask in it. You’ll find the university will welcome you warmly and you’ll have a great time.”

“I live in Newport Beach with my wife Heidi, where we both went to high school. Our son, John Jr., lives nearby as does most of our extended family. I have worked in the commercial real estate industry for 30 years and serve as President of Industrial for McShane Development

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Living Scholar Profile

BRENT McQUEEN B

rent McQueen always knew that UCSB, and Santa Barbara, was something very special indeed. From his days as a student living on Del Playa where he and his roommates “had a small dingy moored offshore and we would go out almost every day to spearfish, catch lobster and abalone.” Graduating with a degree in geography, McQueen found himself back in Santa Barbara after a brief stint in Manhattan Beach where he met his wife, Marie. The couple and their three children are active in the local community and have become regular fixtures at Gaucho soccer and basketball events. As Living Scholars, the McQueen family enjoys and values their relationship with UCSB and Gaucho Athletics.

Soccer goalkeeper André Grandt with the McQueen family.

How did you get involved with UCSB Athletics and what motivates you to stay involved with UCSB Athletics? Our first experience with UCSB Athletics was probably 10 years ago when our eldest daughter attended one of the many soccer camps that are held each year during school breaks. She made friends, and had a great time learning new soccer skills from many of the UCSB players and coaches. As our other two kids became old enough to participate, they benefited and enjoyed the camps as well. Coach Vom Steeg’s passion for the soccer program really impressed me. I am always amazed how much thought and effort he puts into their program in order to reach out to the community. I firmly believe that it is the extra effort that makes UCSB’s soccer program one of the best in the nation and the program that is constantly breaking national attendance records. Our children also benefit by learning skills, getting exercise, making new friends, and becoming more interested in watching the live games because they actually know the players on the field. My middle daughter still talks about how nice Chris Pontius was at those camps and what a nice guy he was. She will always point him out if we are watching one of his pro games on TV. I have also been told, by my kids, that they like going to the soccer games in particular because all of their friends are there. When I stated that I didn’t know that all of their friends were into soccer, they said that “They aren’t, but there is nowhere else better to see your friends in Santa Barbara, than at a soccer game.” Go figure. Why do you donate/volunteer? My wife and I have enjoyed being part of the Living Scholar program because we are able to see the benefits in action, literally. We were really touched when we attended a banquet and heard the stories of these great young athletes and how determined they are to work on their education while they continue to excel at their chosen sport. The Living Scholar program has been the only program where we were actually thanked in person by the recipient of our donation, which really makes it personal and something special. It’s also fun watching the player that you sponsor out on the field. It makes watching the games even more exciting! Do you have a message to share? UCSB is a special place and it feels good to be able give back so others can enjoy their time there as I did. 42 • DARE Summer 2012

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TICKET & DONORGUIDE. SUSAN ROMERO and RENEE TRENHOLM know all about it. They have watched Heart play on the Thunderdome hardwood before it was the thing to do. They have traveled the country watching Gaucho Heart take on the best in the NCAA. “There have been a lot of fun times—those early games when victories came on tough defense and sheer will and heart, winning games that they probably shouldn’t have won; road trips all over the country, some to places we would have never visited were it not for basketball,” Trenholm said. “The European trip, the first NCAA Tournament victory, at the Thunderdome against Houston; the incredible effort at Stanford in the NCAA Second Round when the Gauchos finished with four on the floor; the Sweet Sixteen journey; and especially, the lifelong friendships that have developed because of our involvement with the program.” And the longtime Gaucho fans have decided, with all of their Heart, that their involvement with the program will continue long after they do with the announcement of the “TrenholmRomero Legacy Fund for Women’s Basketball.” The planned gift of $1-million will be an endowment to support the women’s basketball program. “Though I’ve never been involved in athletics myself, I somehow managed to get caught up in the excitement of UCSB Women’s Basketball. Going to games, meeting so many wonderful friends, and interacting with the athletes and coaching staffs has given me a lot of pleasure as well as helped me through some difficult times,” added Romero. “I feel it’s important to continue supporting this program in the stands, as well as financially, and I’m glad we are able to do so. Giving back to this program is the right 44 • DARE Summer 2012

HEART. thing to do. It enables the University to continue to maintain a first-rate program and enables these young women to move into their future lives armed with an education, life experiences and desire to be their best selves.” “Basketball has always been a part of my life in one way or another. With UCSB Women’s Basketball I’ve found a way to keep my connection to the game I love. Basketball has given me a lot and I am now in a position to help others learn about life through this great game,” Trenholm said. “It is imperative that we pass on the tradition of women’s sports and grow the opportunities available for girls and young women. Why wouldn’t I jump at the chance to give back and help others experience all that the sport at the college level has to give?” Through the Gaucho Fund, there are a number of ways to give and support the amazing coaches and student-athletes who compete on the court, in the classroom and give back to our community. “It is important to contribute to those causes you find worthy and give you a passion. For me, giving to UCSB Women’s Basketball is more than just supporting student-athletes, though that is certainly important,” adds Trenholm. “Clearly, my financial gift to the program goes beyond the Athletics Department. These young women and their coaches volunteer in the greater Santa Barbara community, expanding anything I could accomplish on my own. It is the best ripple effect I could imagine.” If you, or someone you know, is interested in making a gift to Gaucho Athletics through the Gaucho Fund, please contact Andy Fee: andy.fee@athletics.ucsb.edu

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WELCOME

FAMILY PLAN – MOST POPULAR!

TO OUR TICKET & DONOR GUIDE.

SOCCER.

It’s more than winning soccer. It’s a value-packed and affordable family experience rolled into one. Two adults and three youths (8th grade and under) for just over $3 per game! And your kids become loco with free GKids (official Gauchos kids club) t-shirts as well. But hurry, more record crowds are expected this fall with great teams coming to Harder Stadium including the best rivalry in college soccer with the Cal Poly Mustangs. Season tickets are as low as $68 and led by the popular Family Plan (2 Adults/3 Kids) for only $178

Inside you will find incredible options from the super affordable family plan for soccer, to rocking the Thunderdome during basketball season, to changing lives as a “Living Scholar” donor. There is also information on our kid’s club (GKids) and scoring free tickets through our “Gauchos Give” outreach program. Our Athletics Ticket & Sales staff can answer any of your questions and wants nothing more than to make sure you enjoy the games while supporting our Gauchos. I promise that you will love supporting the Gauchos and their drive to learn, play and succeed for this wonderful university and community. Enjoy the game. GO GAUCHOS. Mark W. Massari Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

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ENJOY

THE GAME. HOSPITALITY

Fifi Baiden

Gaucho Fund donors, at the $1,000 level and above, may now receive access to the new field level “Gold Tent” with complimentary food, beer/wine (pregame) and refreshments plus the opportunity to watch from the tent or in your Gold section seats. Donors at this level may also receive free season parking in the closest lot to stadium, Lot 30. The “One Donation is Gold” system of giving applies as well, with priority seating (Gold), free parking and hospitality for soccer and basketball. Donors eligible for the “Gold Tent” hospitality will be identified by a special season ticket. Contact the Gaucho Fund or Athletics Ticket & Sales Office at (805) 893-UCSB (8272) for more information. Donations to the Gaucho Fund provide program resources and student-athlete support.

KIDS WILL RUN ALL OVER THE FIELD – LITERALLY We call our home “Soccer Heaven.” And it is for every little boy or girl who watch the Gauchos play on the field and they get on the same field at halftime! At halftime, Meredith Field at Harder Stadium becomes kid’s time when they kick into the goals, push large soccer balls around and pretend to be the Gauchos under the big lights. Parents, we pretty much guarantee your kids will be tired and worn out and you will be the hero! Special nights are also planned such as AYSO banner night, PTA night, Santa Barbara Soccer Club night and much, much more. Call Athletics Tickets & Sales Office at (805) 893-UCSB (8272) for details. DARE Summer 2012 • 47

MEN’S

BASKETBALL. SEASON TICKETS

Hungry. Yes, they are. Young and hungry is a great way to describe this next talented group of Gauchos. Hungry to add more NCAA tourney and Big West title banners to the storied Thunderdome rafters. And hungry enough to be an unwelcoming group to some good teams heading their way as Long Beach State, Arizona, Cal and new Big West members Hawai’i and San Diego State visit to the ‘Dome in upcoming seasons. Feed that hunger with season tickets today. Season tickets are now as low as $99

WOMEN’S

BASKETBALL. SEASON TICKETS

Usually it takes a few seasons for a new coach to reach the NCAA promiseland. Not with Carlene Mitchell. In her first year as head coach, she brought experience, trademark Gaucho tough defense, and a will to win, earning our storied program its 14th –yes –14th NCAA appearance. The roar is back, so get season tickets to watch, cheer and support this next generation of Gauchos. You’ll love how they play. Season Tickets are now as low as $79 *Fastbreakers membership is included with every season ticket. The Fastbreakers, the Gauchos’ longtime fan support group for women’s basketball, membership includes a gift, postgame chalk talks, open practice with Coach Mitchell and discounts on additional events during the year, including the annual golf tournament and meet the team dinner (both now in September).

Sweets Underwood Alan Williams

HOSPITALITY Hospitality continues during basketball season for Gaucho Fund donors, at the $1,000 level and above, pregame and halftime in the Founder’s Room in the Thunderdome. Donors will be identified by a special season ticket and the “One Donation is Gold” level of giving applies as well. Postgame in the Founders Room is a special time for Gaucho Fund donors at the Hoop Club level ($1,500 and above directly supporting men’s basketball) to visit with the coaches and team. Contact the Gaucho Fund or Athletics Ticket & Sales Office at (805) 893-UCSB (8272) for more information. Donations to the Gaucho Fund provide program resources and student-athlete support.

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HOSPITALITY Hospitality continues during basketball season for Gaucho Fund donors, at the $1,000 level and above, pregame and halftime in the Founder’s Room in the Thunderdome. Donors will be identified by a special season ticket and the “One Donation is Gold” system of giving applies as well. Postgame chalk talk is open to all Fastbreakers season ticket holders. Contact the Gaucho Fund or Athletics Ticket & Sales Office at (805) 893-UCSB (8272) for more information. Donations to the Gaucho Fund provide support for programs and student-athlete services.

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TICKETS

INVEST IN

IN ADVANCE OR GAME-DAY

HEART.

UCSB Athletics also tickets women’s volleyball, men’s volleyball, baseball, softball and several water polo tournaments throughout the year. Tickets are available in advance online, at the game or by calling (805) 893-UCSB (8272).

VISIT US The UCSB Athletics Ticket & Sales office is located in the beautiful Phil Womble Hall of Champions in the Intercollegiate Athletics Building on Ocean Road. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from the third week in August through the first weekend in December (excluding Labor Day and Thanksgiving weekends). Two convenient 20-minute parking spaces are available between the Intercollegiate Athletics Building and Robertson Gym. Meter parking is also available in Lot 27 (Thunderdome). The Athletics Ticket Office number is (805) 893-UCSB (8272).

Over 400 blue and gold-wearing students represent UCSB in Athletics. On game day, and every day, they provide a window into a remarkable university. These Gauchos are driven by one common thing – HEART.

GROUP FUN – FOR FREE

Greg Mahle

CAMPS

HEART succeeds in the classroom at one of the nation’s premier institutions; HEART enables them to collectively give over 5,000 hours to the community each year; HEART plays in front of young boys and girls watching in the stands.

It’s important that our Gauchos hear the noise a great crowd can make. It’s also important that, as students and athletes, they realize giving back to the community is what makes them ambassadors for the university. So, each game, through the “Gauchos Give” community outreach program, hundreds of tickets are set aside for groups to enjoy – free. If your church, club, school or non-profit organization would like to enjoy watching the Gauchos please call the Athletics Ticket & Sales Office at (805) 893-UCSB (8272) today or email tickets@athletics.ucsb.edu. Tickets are available in blocks from 20 or more for most soccer, basketball, baseball and softball games each year (depending on sellout possibilities and games). The Gauchos are glad to give.

HEART wins championships. The mission of the GAUCHO FUND is to provide resources for a life-changing educational opportunity for today’s studentathletes. Your donation is in an investment into their drive to succeed, grow, and reach their goals.

Each summer, and several times during the winter, Gaucho coaches conduct camps for youth, high school prospects and the community. Visit UCSBgauchos.com for Gaucho sports camp information and registering for youth basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, baseball, softball, swimming and water polo or call the UCSB Athletics Ticket & Sales Office at (805) 893-UCSB (8272) or visit the camps link on ucsbgauchos.com.

As a highly visible arm of a vibrant university, gifts supporting UCSB Athletics are part of the campus’ successful Campaign for UC Santa Barbara. All gifts are made through the UCSB Foundation, a 501(3)(c) organization, and are tax deductible. Also, some contributors may qualify for corporate matching gifts through their employers and every gift helps student-athletes succeed today.

GET YOUR GAUCHOS GEAR Blue and gold just looks good on everyone. A wide variety of officially licensed UCSB merchandise is available through the Gauchos Shop on game day or online at UCSBgauchos.com. The UCSB Bookstore also stocks up on Athletics gear and is located in the University Center.

PARKING If you come to a game you’ll have to pay for parking, unless you become a season ticket holder. As a season ticket holder you have the option to purchase preferred parking in the lots closest to Harder Stadium and the Thunderdome. Gaucho Fund donors – $1,000 level and above – will receive free parking with season tickets. Living Scholar level donors – $5,000 level and above – will now receive a “LS” pass good for a reserved row on game day, along with complimentary parking on campus for other times as well. LIVING SCHOLARS RESERVED ROW: Men’s Soccer – first row in Lot 30 closest to Stadium Road. Men’s/Women’s Basketball – first row, lowest level outside in Lot 22 (parking structure).

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Leah Sully

HEART, A WONDERFUL INVESTMENT.

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ANNUAL FUND & LIVING SCHOLARS Each year, we are afforded the opportunity to provide support and resources to our 20-sports and over 400 student-athletes with generous donations to the GAUCHO FUND’S annual giving effort. It’s an essential part of our success and the life-changing opportunies provided to each student-athlete.

Also within the GAUCHO FUND is a priceless connection between our student-athletes and those at the level of “LIVING SCHOLARS,” which pairs a student-athlete with a generous donor. Living Scholar donors ($5,000 and above annually) have the ability to be part of the opportunity they are actually providing. For our student-athletes, donors become a friend, a home away from home and an example to these young Gauchos that giving is important at every stage of life. Donors have the option of being anonymous to the studentathlete. Either way, Living Scholars are a vital part of the success stories that our Gaucho student-athletes are writing everyday. The new STUDENT SUCCESS FUND supports the Academic Success Study Center, letterwinners’ gifts and other student-athlete needs. Gifts in memory or tribute can also be made to a special FOREVER GAUCHOS FUND to remember and honor the life/ career of special Gauchos while also supporting the most pressing program needs at the Director of Athletics’ discretion. Sophia Yamauchi

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LEGACY GIFTS

The Gaucho Fund includes principal legacy gifts, which are goal orientated giving opportunities that benefit today’s Gauchos and the next generation. Legacy gifts benefit (annually or on need basis) increases in scholarships, student-athlete support services and critically-needed sport specific enhancements. Gifts can be either cash or cash equivalent (readily marketable assets or real estate). Gifts may take the form of any number of deferred gift methods, which include trusts, annuities, will provisions and life insurance. Legacy gifts today include the Aquatics Legacy Fund, Legacy Fund for Men’s Volleyball, Glazer Family Endowment for Men’s Soccer, Kirby Jones (’77)/Marvel Kirby (’51) Family Endowment for Men’s Tennis, Judy Bellemo Memorial Fund for Women’s Volleyball and the new Trentholm-Romero Women’s Basketball Legacy Endowment. DEVELOPMENT CONTACTS: ANDY FEE Sr Associate Athletics Director, Development & Principal Gifts to Athletics andy.fee@athletics.ucsb.edu. (805) 893-4960 CHRISTINA BAGLAS Annual Fund Director, Gaucho Fund christina.baglas@athletics.ucsb.edu. (805) 893-5372 ANDY GRAHAM, Development Assistant, Gaucho Fund gauchofund@athletics.ucsb.edu. (805) 893-3722

Andy Fee and Christina Baglas

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ONE DONATION IS GOLD. For basketball and soccer we divide both the Thunderdome and Harder Stadium into “Gold” and “Blue” seating sections. Gold is available for donors supporting student-athletes through the Gaucho Fund. Blue is for non-donor season tickets, single game tickets and groups.

Every gift supporting any of our 20-sports and our student-athletes is important. That’s why we offer “Gold” seating, parking and hospitality to all athletics donors at the appropriate level. We call it “One Donation is Gold”. Here’s an example: you give to women’s swimming and you want to buy men’s soccer tickets in the “Gold” section. Go ahead, it’s a benefit you receive when support the Gauchos. If eligible, you may also take advantage of free parking and hospitality on game-day as well. ONE DONATION IS TRULY GOLD WITH US.

GKIDS KEEP GETTING INTO GAMES – FREE Love for the Gauchos begins with soccer and we want those GKids rocking the Thunderdome during basketball season and other Gaucho games throughout the year, as well. That’s why we’re letting ’em in free! Parents, depending on the sellout possibilities of a particular game, you can simply show your kids (in a 2012 GKids t-shirt) at the Athletics ticket window at the stadium/ arena on game-day and he or she will receive a free ticket. It’s a convenient and affordable way to spend family time. Call (805) 893-UCSB (8272) or visit UCSBgauchos.com for game, dates and information.

LETTERWINNERS

Giving is easy to define and usually means to return, restore or commit. As a Gaucho, it also means loyalty, memories and a life-changing opportunity. THE GAUCHO ORDER is a dedicated group of alumni letterwinners who serve as advisors to the department on fundraising strategies and special projects such as the UCSB Athletics Hall of Fame. Gifts by alumni letterwinners go directly to their sport of choice or the newly established STUDENT SUCCESS FUND, which supports wonderful traditions such as letterwinner gifts, the UCSB Athletics Hall of Fame and general student-athlete resources. Our success today only happens by always giving back.

THE GAUCHO ORDER REPRESENTATIVES TODAY INCLUDE: JOHN KEEVER, Chairman (Football/Rugby ’66)

PRESTON HENSLEY (Football ’66)

TOM HASTINGS (’91 Athletics Department representative)

SCOTT INGRAHAM (Cross Country/ Track and Field ’84)

STEVE ARNOLD (Soccer ’66)

SCOTT LINDBERG (Swimming ’07)

JIM BARBER (Football ’66)

BILL MAHONEY (Honorary ’09)

CORKY BARRETT (Football ’67)

KAREN NANCE (Soccer ’90)

DONN BERNSTEIN (Honorary ’09)

MIKE NICKOLOFF (Soccer ’69)

TERRY BOMMER (Football ’68)

DIANE O’BRIEN (Honorary ’09)

NICOLE CHURNOCK (Softball, ’08)

BRAD TISDALE (Football ’84)

JOHN DOBROTT (Water Polo/Swimming ’79)

DENISE TISDALE VICENTE (Soccer ’87)

MARK FRENCH (Baseball/Women’s Basketball Coach ’71)

CATHERINE TONNE (Volleyball ’78)

TONY GOEHRING (Baseball/Football ’65)

PAUL VALLERGA (Football/Track and Field ’67)

KRIS GRAZZINI-SANDBERG (Basketball ’96)

MIKE WARREN (Football ’66)

MEL GREGORY (Football/Rugby ’67)

BART WEITZENBERG (Football/Rugby ’66)

DAVID GROKENBERGER (Tennis ’72)

BOBBIE WILSON DAME (Swimming ’08)

Paige Gankema 54 • DARE Summer 2012

DARE Summer 2012 • 55

NOW IT’S EASIER THAN EVER TO GIVE.

#gauchoheart

UCSBgauchos.com

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