San Diego State University
Athletics
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from the Director of Athletics
Dear Donor, Thank you for your continued investment in San Diego State Athletics and our student-athletes. Your generosity helps create life-changing opportunities for young people to pursue excellence in competition, achieve academic success, and develop into future leaders. This year, our student-athletes achieved a record-breaking 3.32 cumulative GPA, the highest in department history, while 439 earned Scholar-Athlete recognition. Our teams also captured five conference championships and earned national and conference recognition across multiple sports. These accomplishments are a direct reflection of the support, resources, and opportunities made possible by donors like you. Your investment helps our student-athletes pursue excellence while preparing for success long after graduation. As we enter the Pac-12 Conference, we are grateful to have you alongside us. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping shape the future of Aztec Athletics. Go Aztecs!
John David Wicker Director of Athletics
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Aztec Club Support The generosity of Aztec Club members and supporters resulted in the most successful fundraising year in the history of SDSU Athletics. Together, over 4,500 donors invested in opportunities that help more than 425 student-athletes succeed in competition, in the classroom, and in life. As college athletics continued to evolve, SDSU Athletics launched the Student-Athlete Recruitment and Retention Fund to provide each of our 18 varsity programs with resources to recruit, retain, and support exceptional student-athletes. In its inaugural year, more than 1,000 donors made transformational investments in this new initiative, demonstrating a shared commitment to the future of Aztec Athletics. Donors also provided significant support through annual gifts, endowments, capital projects, and planned gifts, strengthening the foundation of our programs and creating opportunities that will benefit generations of Aztec student-athletes.
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Aidan Russell, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student Division: College of Health and Human Services Major: Kinesiology: Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy Aidan Russell's journey reflects the resilience and determination that shape the student-athlete experience at San Diego State. A kinesiology major and standout member of the Aztec baseball program, he balanced the demands of Division I athletics with a commitment to academic excellence while preparing for a future career in physical therapy. During his four years at SDSU, Aidan distinguished himself on the field and in the classroom. A three-time Mountain West Scholar-Athlete and two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection, he consistently demonstrated the discipline and dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of collegiate athletics and academics. Aidan's achievements earned him the 2026 Aztecs Celebrating Excellence (A.C.E.) Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award and a nomination for Mountain West Scholar-Athlete of the Year. His success reflects how support for Aztec student-athletes empowers them to excel in competition, achieve their academic goals, and prepare for meaningful careers beyond graduation.
“
[Aidan's] success reflects how support for Aztec student-athletes empowers them to excel in competition, achieve their academic goals, and prepare for meaningful careers beyond graduation.
”
Student Spotlight
Sydney Gish, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student Division: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Journalism with an Emphasis in Media Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies A standout student-athlete and emerging professional within SDSU Athletics, Sydney Gish maximized every opportunity available during her time as an Aztec. While competing for the water polo program, she built a foundation for a career in collegiate athletics through handson experiences across multiple departments. While competing for the Aztecs, Sydney pursued opportunities across SDSU Athletics that prepared her for a career in collegiate athletics administration. Through internships with NIL, the Aztec Club, Aztecs Going Pro, and People and Culture, she gained valuable experience in student-athlete development, event planning, operations, and organizational leadership. Following graduation, Sydney accepted a full-time position as facilities and operations assistant for SDSU Athletics, turning her passion for athletics into a profession. In recognition of her impact and initiative, she received the 2026 SDSU Athletics Women's Fund Rising Star Award. A Golden Coast Conference Honorable Mention selection and multiple-time academic award recipient, Sydney exemplifies how the student-athlete experience prepares Aztecs for success long after competition ends.
“
... Sydney exemplifies how the student-athlete experience prepares Aztecs for success long after competition ends.
”
Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Statistics of Interest Aztecs Going Pro's fourth annual Summer Internship Program provided 35 student-athletes with paid internship opportunities and expanded external partnerships in STEM fields. This year’s performance not only surpassed all previous years, including inflated COVID-era GPAs, but also reflected consistent academic excellence across both semesters. 2025-2026 Academic Year GPA: 3.32 (all-time record); previous record: 3.29 (2024-2025) Fall 2025 GPA: 3.32 (all-time record); previous record: 3.31 (Fall 2024) Spring 2026 GPA: 3.33 (all-time record, excluding Spring 2020’s COVID-era GPA of 3.36) 2026 Graduates: 97 Student-Athletes with a 3.0 GPA or Higher: 439, including 50 Malik Award recipients who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. Recent Highlights Team Conference Championships (5): Swimming & Diving; Women's Basketball (regular season); Women's Tennis (regular season and tournament); Baseball (regular season) All-Americans (4): Harry Takis (Men's Golf):First Team – PING; Chris Johnson (Football): First Team – Bleacher Report, Pro Football Focus, Sports Info Solutions; Second Team – Associated Press, Pro Football & Sports Network, The Sporting News; Mimi Stoupas (Water Polo): Honorable Mention – ACWPC; Claudia Valdez (Water Polo): Honorable Mention – ACWPC Conference Coaches of the Year (4): Stacie Terry-Hutson (Women's Basketball); Roland McDonald (Diving); Nicolas Verlin (Women's Tennis); Kevin Vance (Baseball) Conference Players of the Year (6): Miles Byrd (Men's Basketball, Defensive Player); Jake Jackson (Baseball, Player); Chris Johnson (Football, Co-Defensive Player); Mimi Stoupas (Water Polo, Player); Harry Takis (Men's Golf, Player); Nala Williams (Women's Basketball, Player) Conference Tournament Players of the Year (2): Jenna Fee Feyereisen (Outdoor Track & Field, Outstanding Performer); Xiamara Young (Indoor Track & Field, Outstanding Performer)
Recognition
5 Team conference titles, 4 All-Americans, 4 coaches of the year, 6 players of the year, 2 tournament honorees
Staff Achievements
Austin Alvarez, Psy.D., Clinical Psychology Title: Athletics Psychologist Division: Athletics Achievement: Austin Alvarez joined SDSU Athletics in July 2024 as the department's first Athletics Psychologist, marking a significant investment in the mental health and well-being of Aztec student-athletes. In this pioneering donor-funded role, Austin provides one-onone counseling, crisis support, and mental performance services that help student-athletes navigate the unique pressures of collegiate athletics while developing the skills needed to thrive in competition, academics, and life beyond sport. By working directly within the San Diego State Athletics Department, he can collaborate closely with coaches, coordinate care around demanding travel and competition schedules, and connect student-athletes with additional campus and community resources when needed. Since arriving on the Mesa, Austin has become an important resource for the Aztec community, helping advance conversations around mental health and reduce the stigma often associated with seeking support. Student-athlete engagement has more than doubled since his first year, reflecting both the growing need for accessible mental health services and the trust being built within the department. His partnership with SDSU's Calpulli Center further strengthens the network of care available to Aztec student-athletes. Austin's role represents an important step forward in ensuring student-athletes have the support systems necessary to reach their full potential. Thanks to donor support, this embedded position provides the flexibility to support student-athletes during practice, competition, and times of crisis while fostering a culture that values mental wellness alongside academic and athletic achievement. Austin hopes every student-athlete leaves SDSU knowing that asking for help is a sign of strength and that support is always within reach.
Featured Areas
Broadcast Center & Aztec Nutrition Center San Diego State Athletics is committed to providing student-athletes with the resources they need to compete, grow, and succeed at the highest level. Two transformative initiatives, the Broadcast Center and the newly opened Aztec Nutrition Center, are helping elevate both performance and visibility across all 18 athletics programs. Plans for a new Broadcast Center will expand SDSU's ability to tell the stories of its student-athletes while creating opportunities for content creation, recruiting, media engagement, and hands-on learning experiences for students interested in media and communications. The facility will strengthen the Aztec brand and increase exposure for student-athletes, teams, and the university on a national stage. The Aztec Nutrition Center, which opened in August 2026, provides student-athletes with access to evidence-based nutrition resources, fueling stations, recovery support, and performance education. The center was made possible in part through a transformational gift from the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation, whose generosity is helping ensure every Aztec student-athlete has the nutritional resources needed to optimize health, wellness, and athletic performance. Together, these initiatives represent an investment in the future of Aztec Athletics by empowering student-athletes, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and positioning SDSU for long-term success.
Broadcast Center Entrance, Conceptual Rendering
Featured Areas
Coaching Endowments Exceptional student-athlete experiences begin with exceptional leadership. Coaching endowments provide lasting support that helps San Diego State Athletics attract, retain, and empower outstanding coaches who shape the lives of student-athletes both on and off the field. Unlike annual gifts, endowments create a permanent source of support. The principal is invested, and a portion of the earnings is used each year to strengthen programs and advance the donor's vision for SDSU Athletics. This enduring support helps ensure that future generations of student-athletes benefit from strong leadership, mentorship, and competitive opportunities. As college athletics continues to evolve, coaching endowments play an increasingly important role in sustaining excellence and preserving the values that define SDSU Athletics. Through their visionary generosity, donors are creating a lasting legacy that will impact Aztec studentathletes for years to come.
SDSU Swimming and Diving Head Coach Mike Shrader coaching student-athlete Emily Tenczar during a meet.
The Terry Atkinson Endowed Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach reflects this commitment to investing in leadership. The San Diego State Department of Athletics gratefully recognizes the alumni, community partners, and friends whose commitment to coaching endowments continues to strengthen the future of our athletics programs.
SDSU Softball Head Coach Stacey Nuveman Deniz celebrates with the team during a big moment.
SDSU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Brian Dutcher provides instruction during a key point in the game.
Featured Areas
Student-Athlete Recruitment and Retention Fund College athletics is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. As new opportunities emerge for student-athletes and institutions alike, San Diego State Athletics remains committed to providing the resources needed to recruit, retain, and support exceptional student-athletes across all 18 programs. The Student-Athlete Recruitment and Retention Fund was established to help SDSU continue to invest in the academic, athletic, and personal success of Aztec student-athletes. Through donor support, the fund strengthens the department's ability to attract talented individuals who will represent SDSU with excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in the community. As San Diego State Athletics enters the Pac-12 Conference, resources dedicated to student-athlete recruitment and retention have never been more important. This fund reflects the commitment of the SDSU community to ensure that future generations of student-athletes have the opportunity to thrive while competing at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.
SDSU Student-Athletes
Aztec Student-Athletes at the ASPCA Community Service Day
Coaches' Message of Gratitude
Championing Aztec Excellence Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff are proud to represent San Diego State and continue building a championship culture that reflects the values of this university. While we celebrate success on the court, we take even greater pride in helping our student-athletes grow as leaders, excel in the classroom, and prepare for life beyond basketball. The support of dedicated Aztecs like you makes that mission possible. Your generosity helps provide the resources, opportunities, and experiences that empower our student-athletes to reach their full potential. This season, our team captured the Mountain West regular-season championship, tied a school record with 27 wins, and advanced to the WBIT quarterfinals. These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our student-athletes and the collective commitment of everyone who believes in Aztec Women’s Basketball. Thank you for being an important part of our Aztec family and for helping us build a bright future for Aztec Women’s Basketball.
Stacie Terry-Hutson Head Coach, SDSU Women’s Basketball
Coaches' Message of Gratitude
Championing Aztec Excellence As we reflect on the 2025 season, my family and I are incredibly grateful for the support and belief of the Aztec Nation. Because of supporters like you, our student-athletes have the resources and opportunities needed to compete at a championship level and grow as leaders off the field. Together, we celebrated a remarkable year that included a bowl appearance, a share of the Mountain West regular-season title, and an undefeated season at Snapdragon Stadium. These special moments are made possible through our shared commitment to excellence. As we look ahead, our focus remains on developing outstanding young men, competing for Pac-12 championships, and representing San Diego State with pride. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey and for helping build a bright future for Aztec Football. Go Aztecs!
Sean Lewis Head Coach, SDSU Football
Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations New Endowments Athletics Scholarships (General) Deanna Encarnacion & Ray Reyes Athletics Endowed Scholarship Football Frank Barnhart Football Scholarship Endowment Golf Jerry Dressel Golf Endowed Scholarship Men’s Basketball Art and Gwen Flaming Men’s Basketball Fund Endowment Knorr Family Endowed Fund for Athletic Excellence Terry L. Atkinson Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Fund Men’s Tennis Richard DeMartini Men’s Tennis Scholarship Endowment Women’s Athletics Fund Art and Gwen Flaming Women’s Athletics Fund Endowment
Endowments (Active) General Athletics Aztec Excellence Endowment Athletics Scholarships (General) Breitbard Endowed Athletic Scholarship Championship Endowment Clifford and Ruth Dietz Endowed Scholarship Clifford and Ruth Dietz Recognition Award Endowment Geppert Athletic Endowed Scholarship Gerdau Family Endowed Scholarship Harold and June Grant Memorial Athletics Endowed Scholarship James Diehl Memorial Endowment Jessie Klicka Foundation Athletic Endowment Jim G. Malik Endowment
Athletics Scholarships (General) Continued Joe & Betty Suozzo Athletics Endowed Scholarship John & Mary Sue Pedicini Athletic Endowed Scholarship Kelley Athletic Endowment Patti Roscoe Student-Athlete Endowed Scholarship Sharon Burgreen Endowment William G. Tong Scholarship Endowment for Athletics Athletic Training Robert W. Straumfjord Endowed Scholarship Aztecs Going Pro James Silberrad Brown Foundation Endowment Baseball Art Flaming Baseball Endowment Bill Ruzich Endowed Scholarship Michael Anaya Memorial Endowment Football Alan and Debbie Gold Endowed Scholarship Coryell Endowed Scholarship Marshall Faulk Athletic Endowed Scholarship Vince and Betsey Biondo Endowed Football Scholarship Walter Gutjahr Football Scholarship Endowment Men’s Basketball [Anonymous] Family Scholarship Endowment [Anonymous] Scholarship for Men’s Basketball Endowment Bill and Elaine Hartleb Endowed Athletic Scholarship Bill and Judy Garrett Basketball Endowment Coach Fisher Basketball Endowment Dr. Samuel M. Ciccati Men’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship Glenn and Lynne Rossman Athletic Endowed Scholarship Goodall Men’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship Harry Hodgetts Endowed Scholarship Hutcheson Family Basketball Endowment
To learn more, please contact Steve Becvar at sbecvar@sdsu.edu
Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations Endowments (Active) Continued Men’s Basketball Continued Joseph C. “Sef” Torres Endowed Scholarship Vince and Betsey Biondo Endowed Basketball Scholarship Walter A. and Marian K. Turner Basketball Scholarship Endowment Men’s Golf Frank Scott Golf Endowed Scholarship Manchester Golf Endowment Ron and Jan Junkin Endowed Scholarship Men’s Soccer Brad Walsh Endowed Soccer Scholarship Eric Wynalda Endowment George Logan Endowment
Men’s Tennis Kevin Anthony Keenan, Esquire Men’s Tennis Endowed Scholarship Softball Campbell/Cartier Endowment Swimming Kathleen Fox Athletic Endowed Scholarship Women’s Basketball Hutcheson Family Basketball Endowment Women’s Athletics Fund President Adela de la Torre and Stephen Bartlett Women’s Athletics Endowment SDSU Women’s Athletics Endowment
To learn more, please contact Steve Becvar at sbecvar@sdsu.edu
Thank you for your generous support.
University Relations and Development San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8045 sdsu.edu | give.sdsu.edu