What’s next for our Toreros

Saying farewell to senior student athletes 

JAREK MORGAN / ASST. SPORTS EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

Graduation is just around the corner for the class of 2022 at the University of San Diego. They have put in so much hard work, from the books to the fields and courts. Combining study and sport as a student-athlete can be hard to accomplish, but it is so rewarding when the hard work pays off. 

Every year, student-athletes play in the final game of their athletic career. For most of them, this means letting go of the sport that has been a large part of their identity for years. But the memories of being an athlete and the lessons they learned along the way will remain with them as they continue into their future. 

Several student-athletes graduating from USD this year are now headed to continue their education or start a career. 

The future is bright for these athletes, and they will always be a Torero in their next chapter of life.

Swimming and Diving 

Senior Haley Ohlson has achieved great accomplishments at USD and her next journey is setting up to be just as successful. On her way to becoming a genetic counselor, Ohlson is preparing to study genomics in a master’s program at the University of Maryland. 

Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with risks.

Ohlson highlighted what USD has done for her and what she will take away from the institution.

“I’m so grateful for my time here at San Diego because one thing I can leave with is knowing that I became a better leader,” Ohlson said. 

Senior Rachel Tucker is continuing her education as she will be attending John Hopkins University on her way to completing a Master’s of Science in Nursing.

Tucker shared what she loved about her time at USD.

“The atmosphere of San Diego definitely made my college experience,” Tucker said. “If I had a terrible day, I could step outside and watch a beautiful sunset, or just sit by the ocean and listen to the crashing waves. San Diego was an amazing place and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

Soccer 

Senior Mikey Barrow returned back home to Liverpool and started a dessert business with his sister after finishing his courses in December 2021. 

Barrow had nothing but high praises for USD. 

“I honestly loved everything about USD,” Barrow said. “Teachers, players, coaches, and friends. The only thing I wish is that I had more time with so many incredible people.” 

As the seniors prepare to make their debut into the world of adulthood, Barrow shared advice for the next generation of underclassmen as they embark on their collegiate journey. 

“Take care of yourself and enjoy the little things,” Barrow said. “Too often, especially as athletes, we get caught up in always trying to move 100 miles per hour and push everything behind us in order to chase what we think is progress. It’s so important to take the time to work on yourself, both physically and mentally.” 

Tennis 

Winning both on and off the court, redshirt senior August Holmgren is set to make a big name for himself upon completion of the school year.

Holmgren will be heading back to his home in Denmark, where he will focus on playing tennis professionally. Already set up with a full coaching staff to further enhance his skills, Holmgren will be competing in as many as 30 tournaments a year to qualify for the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). 

Thankful for the opportunities provided by his college experience, Holmgren appreciated his soon to be alma mater.

“USD has given me so much more than I can ever give back,” Holmgren said. “This has truly been a special time for me and I will forever be grateful for everything USD has done for me.” 

Graduate student Gui Osorio overcame every challenge he faced while being a student-athlete. Battling back from a severe injury that could have ended his athletic career, Osorio not only returned, but was a key member of the team’s seventh straight West Coast Conference championship this season.

Osorio is planning to work in data analytics or software engineering, and hopes to call San Diego his home for the foreseeable future.

Baseball

Graduate senior Ian Churchill isn’t finished with the many opportunities USD has to offer. He is sticking around to finish his Master’s in Leadership Nonprofit Management. In addition, Churchill is planning to be a graduate assistant for USD Baseball next year. With an already stacked resume, Churchill will be continuing his internship with Miracle League of San Diego, a local nonprofit.

There are so many talented student-athletes at USD,  the list could go on for pages. Every team has athletes graduating this coming May, and Torero fans are proud of every single one of them. 

The next steps in life will be challenging and every day will not be perfect. But with the lessons learned during their time at USD and the hard work that has already begun, the Toreros will be ready to tackle life’s toughest problems. 

Congratulations to all the graduating seniors and student-athletes. USD is so thankful for your hard work and dedication, and wishes you all the best and success in your future.