USD athletics welcome newest recruits

A showcase of incoming, first-year athletes

TAYLOR NIELSEN / SPORTS EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

With the new school year fast approaching, the University of San Diego is ready to welcome the class of 2026 to campus. Among these students is a group of individuals preparing to make their collegiate athletic debut. 

USD’s athletic department competes at the Division I level in the West Coast Conference and the Pioneer Football league. To maintain a competitive edge against opposing schools such as Loyola Marymount University and Drake University, teams at USD are excited to welcome incoming athletes who promise new talent. 

Volleyball 

Deciding to play collegiate volleyball came without hesitation for Omaha resident Kate Galvin. 

“I could never see myself not playing volleyball and knew I’d regret it if I didn’t play. I am so happy I made the decision to play in college,” Galvin said. 

Choosing USD as the place to continue her athletic career proved to be even easier. 

“Believe it or not, coming from Nebraska my dream school was USD ever since I started looking at colleges/universities.” 

Besides her passion, Galvin brings a wealth of experience to the court. Her high school team in Nebraska played in the most competitive league in the state, which required Galvin to stay at the top of her game as her team’s libero/defensive specialist. 

Her consistency, versatility and agile ball handling contributed to two successful state championships. Not only did she contribute to her team’s second place position in 2019, but she also helped her team to a state championship title in 2018.

In addition to her success as an athlete, Galvin understood the importance of academics as a student-athlete by maintaining above a 4.0 throughout high school. She looks forward to upholding that pattern in San Diego. 

“I also take school very seriously and appreciate that the coaching staff and the girls on the team do as well,” Galvin said. 

Galvin moved to San Diego at the end of June to train with a personal coach and other athletes who are beginning their first collegiate season. She is now settled in her on-campus dorm for preseason training.

Women’s Swimming

Analeis Vos fell in love with USD before she knew that she wanted to compete at a collegiate level. 

“As soon as I set foot on campus, I fell in love with not only the way it looked but also how homey and happy I felt just being there,” Vos said.

After taking a break from swimming, Vos returned to the pool for her senior season. Even with the time off, her talent as a short-distance sprinter still shined. At her team’s league championship, they won first place overall, and she went home voted the Most Valuable Player. She also qualified for her fourth state championship and finished the season with records in the 50 and 100 freestyle. 

When it was clear to Vos that she wanted to swim in college, she reached out to Coach Mike Keeler about a spot on the team. Upon meeting the team in person, she knew that she had made the right decision. The team’s friendly and supportive environment was a perfect match for Vos. 

She also noted that the school’s location made the choice easier, especially since it will be her view for early morning practices at sunrise.

“I love our pool; it’s so incredible and beautiful, and the entire athletic facility is amazing.” 

Vos is no stranger to the level of discipline it takes to compete at such a high level. She spent the summer preparing by committing to eight practices a week, which took place before most of us even got out of bed. 

Football 

The opening kickoff for USD’s football team is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 3. With only three days between the first day of school and their season opener, athletes like Jack Moll have already settled on campus to begin training. USD’s high-intensity preseason training ensures that its athletes are well-prepared for their demanding, fast-paced fall season. 

“Fall football camp is no joke, so I will definitely be ready to get going once the season begins,” Moll said. 

Luckily his experience on the high school football field in his hometown of Longmont, Colorado prepared him for the collegiate level. 

During his successful senior season, Moll earned a spot on the All-Region team as an All-State honorable mention and as an All-Conference wide receiver. He also came in an impressive second place for the most receiving yards in the state of Colorado. 

Moll’s high regard for the USD football program and the school itself provided the perfect location to kickstart his collegiate football career. 

Moll can feel the anticipation of taking the field for his first time in the Torero Stadium. 

“I am excited to get rolling. I’m looking forward to making closer bonds with my new teammates and winning a lot of football games,” Moll said. 

As these first-year students make their debut performance as a Torero and collegiate athlete, they are ready to demonstrate the skills and hard work that got them a home in USD’s athletic department.