By Jacob Ashley
The vibrant pulse of our school spirit runs through the beating heart of Portland, nestled right here, between lectures and textbooks. Intermingled through it all stand our student-athletes. Their triumphs on courts and fields aren’t just victories for their teams or personal records; they’re rallying cries that echo throughout campus, uniting students, faculty, and alumni under a single banner of Viking pride.
In this post-pandemic world, where screens often mediate our connections, the importance of shared experiences can’t be overstated. Cheering alongside classmates as the team sinks a game-winning shot or erupts in a roar of celebration at a nail-biting touchdown, set, or birdie – these moments forge bonds that transcend business cases and spreadsheets. They weave us into a tapestry of shared passion, where professors high-five students, alums exchange knowing smiles, and the campus feels less like a collection of buildings and more like a pulsating family.
But let’s not forget the cleats on the ground. PSU’s student-athletes balance rigorous academic schedules with grueling physical training. They juggle exams and practices, late-night study sessions, and early-morning drills, all while navigating the challenges of daily life, just like the rest of us. They are our peers, friends, and future colleagues. They show us that excellence isn’t confined to classrooms or playing fields; it’s a relentless pursuit of potential, on and off the shot clock.
So, the next time you hear a Viking chant rise above the campus, remember that it’s a call to action to join hands, share victories, and celebrate the spirit that binds us together. It’s a call to recognize the extraordinary efforts of our student-athletes and to stand in their corner, not just on game/match/meet day but throughout their remarkable journeys. In this age of disconnect, let’s embrace the power of shared passion, forge connections that run deeper than screens, and remind ourselves that together, under the Viking banner, we are more than just students, staff, and faculty. We are a community, a family, a force to be reckoned with. A force for good that can rebuild a city longing for togetherness.
Shout out to PSU’s student-athletes and all their classmates and teammates, each with a unique story to tell. Today, we would like to share the stories of these four mighty Viks:
Name: Mariana Garcia Rosette
Degree: Business Leadership & Management and Human Resources, with a Certificate in Athletics & Outdoor Industry – 2024
Sport: Women’s Golf
What brought you to Portland State University? Tell us a bit about you and your story.
Several factors brought me to PSU. One of the main things I searched for when looking at colleges was a sense of community, and PSU gave me just that. As an international student from Tijuana, Mexico, I wanted to make sure I chose a welcoming environment, and luckily, I found that within my team and coaching staff. Another factor that brought me to Portland State is the wonder this city has to offer; I had never experienced anything like Oregon until my visit, and I fell in love with the nature and the culinary experiences. Despite being so different from my home country, Portland State brought a sense of home that I simply had to be a part of.
Tell us about life as a student-athlete. What are your favorite and most challenging aspects?
Life as a student-athlete can be quite challenging, but it is extremely rewarding. One of my favorite aspects of being a student-athlete is getting to play the sport I love alongside my teammates and coaches. The experience of balancing school and a sport is challenging concerning time management, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines, all while enjoying the moment and having fun. However, it is the challenges that make this experience worth it. There is nothing like achieving goals and sharing special moments with those around me.
What are your academic and career plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be attending graduate school. I am looking forward to continuing my education and receiving an MBA in the future. In addition, I would love to be a college golf coach and help other student-athletes better themselves as individuals and athletes while pursuing a career as a professional golfer.
How has PSU helped you reach your goals?
PSU has encouraged me to keep on going no matter how hard things may seem. PSU has given me many reasons to believe in myself and motivate others to do more. The school and its staff have been truly uplifting and generous with their time and energy, and that is something I will always be grateful for. PSU has a special place in my heart and will forever be a motivating factor in my journey to success.
What is your advice for incoming students?
One of my biggest bits of advice for incoming students would be to stay in the moment, have fun, and be grateful. It can be really easy to get caught up in the stressors linked to homework or the weather, and I would encourage incoming students to make the most out of the hard times and remember to stand tall and smile through it all because it is just a part of their story.
Name: Kennedy Freeman
Degree: Applied Health & Fitness with a Minor in Business Administration – 2025
Sport: Football
What brought you to Portland State University? Tell us a bit about you and your story.
I came to PSU on a football scholarship, born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii. My main goal was and still is to make my family proud and work my hardest in whatever I do. Hawaii is a very different place from Oregon, and adjusting to the people and place took time. Though during my career here, I have made many close friends and connections that I am so thankful for.
Tell us about life as a student-athlete. What are your favorite and most challenging aspects?
Growing up in Hawaii, I was taught the importance of a strong work ethic by my family and mentors. I carried my work ethic into life as a student-athlete, which has helped me be successful on and off the field. Time management and sacrifice are my top aspects because, as a student-athlete, managing your time is essential, and sacrifices must be made to be successful. However, the achievements are worth it as they are fulfilling in their own way.
What are your academic and career plans after graduation?
I plan to return to Hawaii after graduation, staying in the business world in a role that helps serve my local community and aligns with my values. If not, I will follow my family’s career footsteps as a first responder.
What is your advice for incoming students?
Make as many connections as you can, as these are invaluable. Realize that everyone is unsure of what’s next, so stay together. Work hard, stay humble, and be grateful for where you are and what you have.
Name: Cameron (Cam) Dixon
Degree: Applied Health and Fitness with a Minor in Business Administration – 2024
Sport: Women’s Soccer
What brought you to Portland State University? Tell us a bit about you and your story.
Honestly, soccer brought me to PSU, but many other factors played a role in my decision to commit here. My coaches were a big reason why I committed. I loved the atmosphere that they created within the team. During my official visit, I could see how this team was like a family away from home, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. I also loved Portland and being in the Pacific Northwest. I am from Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is nothing like Portland, but it has been a really fun change.
Tell us about life as a student-athlete. What are your favorite and most challenging aspects?
Life as a student-athlete can be very challenging at some points, but it is also the most rewarding thing ever. Balancing academics and athletics is never a simple task, so it’s important to figure out what works best for you to stay on top of things. My favorite thing about being a student-athlete is travel trips. When everyone has homework, we all go to someone’s room or a banquet room, work on homework together, and just hang out. Even though the team is around each other 24/7 during the season, there is something different and special about a travel trip. You create closer bonds with teammates and the best memories.
What are your academic and career plans after graduation?
I plan to be a personal trainer after graduation. I would love to work with athletes with injury prevention and help them return from injuries. One day, I’d love to open up my own performance gym, but that’s further down the road. Since surgery, I have realized that I have a unique opportunity to get my story out there to inspire other people to think about being a living donor. I’m also excited and optimistic to see where this opportunity takes me!
How has PSU helped you reach your goals?
PSU, academically and personally, helped me work closer to achieving my goals. Academically, by the classes I have been required to take. Personally, by helping my communication skills!
What is your advice for incoming students?
My advice to incoming students would be to have fun, be outgoing, and try to be comfortable being uncomfortable. College is about trying new things and creating new experiences!
Name: Ashley Peterson
Degree: Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing – 2026
Sport: Track & Field
What brought you to Portland State University? Tell us a bit about you and your story.
My dad attended Portland State and always told me how much he liked going to PSU, and PSU’s School of Business really piqued my interest. Plus, they offered not only everything I was looking for academically but athletically as well. And I am from the Portland area, so I wanted to be close to home.
Tell us about life as a student-athlete. What are your favorite and most challenging aspects?
Being a student-athlete is so fun! Going to different athletes’ sporting events is one of my favorite parts of being a student-athlete. Recently, I switched my sports. I played soccer this past fall, and now I’m in track full-time, so it has been an adjustment, but I am super excited for what is to come and am really looking forward to my track season. Time management is definitely challenging, but I make it work. Especially since I have a full schedule this quarter, I’d say the hardest part is time management and ensuring I have enough time in my day to do the things I need to do on top of my studies and track. But I love staying busy.
What are your academic and career plans after graduation?
My career plans are still undetermined. However, I want to either work for Nike or a company similar to them on their marketing team and be a marketing analyst or sports agent.
How has PSU helped you reach your goals?
PSU has helped me reach my goals by allowing me to compete at the division one level while getting the opportunity to study at one of the best schools of business in the Pacific Northwest.
What is your advice for incoming students?
Go to as many events and sporting events as possible! College is all about meeting new people, and our student-athlete community at Portland State is a great community to be a part of!
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