USD student-athletes at the Blessing of the Toreros

Torero EDGE

Student-athlete development at USD — empowering Toreros to excel in sport, academics, leadership, and life

Our Vision

To develop transformational leaders who embody the values of the University of San Diego and positively impact their teams, communities, professions, and the world.

Torero EDGE provides a comprehensive developmental experience that supports University of San Diego student-athletes as they transition into, through, and beyond their collegiate journey. Through intentional education, meaningful engagement, and transformative experiences, we equip student-athletes with the skills, relationships, and confidence to lead with purpose, serve their communities, and thrive as engaged global citizens.

Developing the Whole Torero

Three pillars, one holistic experience

Student-athlete development at USD complements the student-athlete experience by preparing Toreros for success both during their collegiate careers and beyond. Torero EDGE intentionally nurtures the unique passions, identities, and professional potential of every student-athlete.

Through leadership development, career preparation, community engagement, personal growth, and inclusive excellence, we help student-athletes become confident leaders, engaged citizens, and lifelong members of the Torero family.

Our Student-Athlete Development team uses the Torero EDGE framework to develop the whole student-athlete across three pillars:

  • Career Readiness
  • Leadership Enhancement
  • Community Engagement
USD student-athletes at a Torero EDGE event

Career Readiness

Preparing Toreros for what’s next

Career readiness helps student-athletes recognize the skills they develop through sport and translate those experiences into their professional futures.

Through individualized advising, professional development, networking, mentorship, industry exposure, and experiential learning, Toreros gain the tools, relationships, and knowledge needed to navigate life after sport.

Career Readiness Experiences

One-on-One Career Advising — Individualized conversations to help student-athletes identify goals, develop plans, and prepare for their next chapter.

Torero Career Connect — Opportunities to connect student-athletes with professionals and industry leaders.

Torero Networking Night — An opportunity for Toreros to expand their professional networks and build meaningful relationships with alumni, employers, and community partners.

MENTOReros — Connects student-athletes with experienced alumni mentors who provide guidance, perspective, and professional connections.

Industry Pipelines — Opportunities to explore different industries and connect directly with professionals and organizations.

Coffee with a Professional — Informal conversations that allow student-athletes to learn from professionals and gain real-world perspective.

Job Shadowing & Site Visits — Experiential opportunities to see professional environments firsthand and explore potential career pathways.

Financial Literacy — Programming that helps Toreros develop financial knowledge and skills for life beyond college.

Graduate School Preparation — Support for student-athletes exploring graduate and professional school pathways.

Alumni Support — Connections to the Torero alumni network to support career exploration, mentorship, and professional development.

The University of San Diego campus
USD student-athletes at commencement

Translating what they learn in sport into what comes next

Leadership Enhancement

Developing leaders with purpose

At USD, leadership is a means for creating socially responsible change. Whether in teams, classrooms, communities, or professional environments, Torero EDGE helps student-athletes develop the confidence, self-awareness, and skills needed to lead authentically and with purpose.

Torero Leadership Academy

Our flagship leadership development experience cultivates self-awareness, leadership capacity, and personal growth among USD student-athletes. Through interactive workshops, reflective activities, leadership assessments, and community-building experiences, participants explore:

  • Effective Communication
  • Values-Based Leadership
  • Leading Through Change
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Authentic Leadership
  • Socially Responsible Leadership
  • Leading With Purpose and Legacy
USD student-athletes at a Torero EDGE leadership session

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

The collective voice of Torero student-athletes

SAAC is the official student-athlete leadership organization within USD Athletics. It serves as the collective voice of student-athletes by providing feedback to athletics administrators, advocating for student-athlete needs, and helping enhance the overall student-athlete experience.

Representatives from varsity teams work collaboratively to address issues affecting student-athletes while fostering community and engagement across the department.

2026-27 Executive Board

President — Eloise McGibben, volleyball

Vice President — Nick Felago, football

Secretary — Reese Bates, volleyball

Treasurer — Nathan Benzie, football

Aerial view of the University of San Diego campus

Community Engagement

Serving our communities

Community engagement connects student-athletes with the broader San Diego community through intentional outreach, service, and reciprocal relationships.

We encourage student-athletes to use their time, talents, and experiences to contribute to communities while developing a lifelong commitment to service and active citizenship.

Community partners can request student-athlete support for an event or initiative through our inquiry form.

USD student-athletes volunteering at Inclusive Sports Foundation Day

Toreros Go Global

Expanding our impact beyond San Diego

Toreros Go Global provides student-athletes with opportunities to engage in meaningful service and cultural learning beyond the local community.

The program builds on the Community Engagement pillar of Torero EDGE while encouraging student-athletes to develop a broader understanding of community, culture, service, and their role as global citizens.

Through Toreros Go Global, student-athletes take part in immersive service experiences, learn from communities and cultures beyond their own, build cross-cultural relationships, develop global awareness, reflect on their role as global citizens, and connect service with leadership and personal growth.

A USD student-athlete with children during a Toreros Go Global service experience

Inclusive Excellence & Belonging

Where every Torero belongs

Belonging is central to the Torero EDGE experience. We create an environment where every student-athlete feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute authentically, and we recognize diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives as strengths within the Torero community.

Through inclusive excellence programming, student-athletes have opportunities to explore identity, build community, engage across differences, and learn from the experiences and perspectives of others.

Belonging Experiences

Identity & Affinity-Based Programming — Opportunities for student-athletes to connect around shared identities, experiences, and interests.

Inclusive Excellence Programming — Educational and community-building experiences that support inclusive team and department environments.

Cultural & Community Programming — Events and experiences that celebrate the identities, cultures, and perspectives represented across Torero Athletics.

USD student-athletes at a Torero EDGE community event
USD student-athletes together at a Torero EDGE event

Preparing Toreros for what comes next — and to make an impact right now

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Student-Athlete Development Staff

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