SAN DIEGO, Calif. - This month's Torero spotlight focuses on Janet Engelman. Engelman has worked at USD for nine years now, the first two in the football office and seven in Athletic Administration where she holds her current position as an Executive Assistant.

One of her most recent projects has been the International Student-Athlete Connections Program. The program aims to assist international student-athletes with their transition to USD, their new home away from home. The Toreros have over 40 international students participating in athletics this year.

"With two kids in college, I constantly have kids at my house," Engelman said. "There's constant movement of these kids, with their schedules and living out of town. I started thinking about the international kids while Sara Allard [Assistant Director of Compliance] and I were having a conversation. We started talking and I thought there has to be a way within the NCAA rules to support these kids. So I mentioned our staff getting more involved."

Athletic Director Ky Snyder recognized the idea as one that epitomizes the USD Way.

"A long way from home, international student-athletes experience culture shock and transition that differs from other student-athletes and they are also more likely to feel alone when injured or struggling with school," Snyder said. "Janet's compassion for student athletes and her ability and willingness to identify areas where we can improve the student-athlete experience is a great example for all of us."

The program has paired staff members with the student-athletes in order to show them support from outside of just their team. Giving them someone to talk to, someone in the stands, and a person to recognize the little things such as a happy birthday wish.

"I think every year we are going to get better because we are still figuring it out." Engelman said. "We haven't received much feedback yet, but the coaches love it. The coaches see the challenges they face everyday. We want to get feedback from the students too."

Even while working on 17 sports Engelman is willing to give the extra effort for her USD family. "That is why I came here, I feel like I have the best job in the world, I feel like my co-workers are family. I finish my day and go home to eat dinner and come back for a game, who comes back to work after they leave? It is an incredible place."

Engelman is a third generation San Diegan and completed her psychology degree at San Diego State. Before coming to USD, she worked with the San Diego Unified School District in Special Education. She grew up around sports, playing softball and beach volleyball. Additionally Engelman is an eight-time Over the Line World Champion. She met her husband Craig, a five-time world champion himself, at OTL. She has five family members that are USD alumni and two of her children, son Casey and daughter Ashley, are currently enrolled here.