Meet Our Team
From top draft picks, national team athletes, to emerging high school superstars, each mentor has a unique set of experiences and skills that they're eager to pass onto the next generation! Every mentor was hand selected through an application process, and represents all of the values we hold at Talk To Talent Mentorships. They're all elite athletes, and even better people!
Tanner Murray
Infielder - Tampa Bay Rays
Bio- I played Division 1 Baseball at UC Davis from 2018-2020, and was a 2018 Freshman All-American, 2018 Big West Freshman of the year, 2019 First Team All-Big West. I was drafted in 4th Round of the 2020 MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, and am currently in Rays minor league system (up to AAA)
What is a message within your sport that you feel strongly about providing to younger athletes? - "Smile more and don’t stress the little things, especially in the game of baseball"
Alex Williams
Pitcher- Miami Marlins
Bio - I grew up in Castro Valley, California with two sisters. I graduated from Redwood Christian High School in 2018 coming off back to back Sectional Championships, and from Stanford University in 2022 after advancing to the college World Series in my final two seasons, winning Conference Pitcher of the Year my senior season. I was then drafted in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB draft by the Miami Marlins
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I’ve always loved working with the younger generation through baseball camps, workouts, and other individual training. I’ve recently however begun working on the mental side of the game and feel like it has been truly beneficial for me in my sport as well as my daily life. I’d love to help out the next generation of ball players looking to find there way though the mental side of the game, building strong habits to help them as a person and player, as well as navigating their way through school to set them up to have a chance at playing at the college level as well.
Danny Carrion
Pitcher - Pittsburgh Pirates
Bio - I came from a small farming high-school in Northern California and walked on to D1 UC Davis baseball team as a freshman in college. I was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB draft. Currently a minor leaguer. I’m passionate about God, family and baseball, in the order.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I wish I had the courage, let alone the opportunity, to speak with pro/college athletes when I was a kid."
Matthew Bardowell
Outfield - Cal State Fullerton
Bio - 2022 junior college player of the year 2022 OEC player of the year 1st team all American
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "To give knowledge I wish I had at a younger age"
Daniel Cope
Catcher - Colorado Rockies
Bio- My name is Daniel Cope and I am currently a catcher in the Colorado Rockies organization. I played in AAA last year and I am going to be in my 5th season of professional baseball. I am from San Diego, CA and I played baseball at Cal State Fullerton from 2017-2019.
Whats one message you feel strongly about passing onto younger athletes - What it takes to be a professional athlete. All of the variables that go into it and to correlate my story to help young athletes achieve their goals.
Zach Kokoska
Infielder - Colorado Rockies
Bio- I am a professional baseball player for the Colorado Rockies, and a Kansas State baseball alum
Whats one message you feel strongly about passing onto younger athletes - "Baseball is a process. Trust it. Use people in a higher position than you to help influence you ahead of time to get a jump on competition."
Brett Erwin
Pitcher - East Side Diamond Hoppers
Bio - My name is Brett Erwin. I graduated from UC Davis with a graduate certificate from the University of Maine. I am a professional pitcher entering my third year of pro ball and happy to give back in any way I can. Baseball is a great sport and I’m grateful for the opportunity to spread my experiences and advice.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I think that baseball is a sport that has a lot of adversity and at a young age you can get lost chasing the wrong things. As I look back at my career, having a mentor would’ve been a great thing for my development, so I want to help give back and be a positive role model."
Zach Morgan
Catcher - San Francisco Giants
Bio - Hello my name is Zach Morgan. I was born and raised in Stockton, CA. I attended Fresno State where I played baseball for four years. I got drafted by the San Fransisco Giants in 2022 and am currently playing in their organization. In my spare time I enjoy reading and playing cards.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - I would like to help the younger generation of talent by giving them knowledge and insight.
Hayden Coon
Pitcher - BYU
Bio- Hi! My name is Hayden Coon, and I am a junior pitcher at BYU. I started my college career at Riverside City College, where we won a state championship. I pitch with a lot of passion, and am happy to pass down my knowledge and experiences to the next generation of players.
What is a message within your sport that you feel strongly about passing onto younger athletes? - "Be able to take it pitch by pitch and realize you can’t change the past and if you dwell on it you tend not to bounce back that outing"
Gavin Napier
Infielder - St. Marys
Bio- My name is Gavin Napier. I am a senior second baseman at Saint Mary’s College. I am from Livermore, California. I have had a great and really fun college career and hope to share some of my experiences with others looking to play at the next level.
What's a message you feel strongly about sharing with the younger generation of athletes? - "The importance of being a good teammate whether you play everyday or not. The best teams have guys who play and root for each other and don’t think selfishly."
Connor Linchey
Pitcher - St. Marys
Bio- Hi! I’m a sixth-year senior at Saint Mary’s College and I’m a right-handed pitcher. I have an underdog story including not playing much in high school until my senior year, lightly recruited to college, redshirted, injured, and now fulfilling my dream of pitching in a significant role for an NCAA Division 1 program. Would love to any questions including, but not limited to: mentality, work ethic, recruitment, and becoming a better baseball player. A fun fact about me is that I taught myself to throw left-handed as well one summer when I had to shut down throwing for my right arm.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "To give back to younger athletes and guide them like I wish I did when I was younger and wondering how to get to the next level"
Garrett Hoitt
Outfielder - Tampa Bay Rays
Bio- I had 1 offer to play baseball in college. Went and played 4 years at a small D2 school and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019. Played 4 years in their organization spending time at every minor league level. My Career came to an end in 2022. I am now an entrepreneur having started a business in the golf industry. The business has been operating for 4 months as we are scaling and opening locations across the east coast.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - I enjoy speaking with and helping people that had similar goals to myself when I was in their situation.
Andrew Mazzone
Infielder- Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio- I am currently playing baseball as a grad student for Claremont-Mudd-Scripps pursuing an MBA at Claremont Graduate University. Attended undergraduate at Dickinson College in PA with an International Business and Management major, Economics and Japanese minor. I was named all-conference 2021, 2022, 2023, and all-region in 2021. I'm a member of all academic conference team. I also played football for two years as a center at Dickinson.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "To help others who may be struggling with the game or if they need help in guidance through college recruiting, approach to the game, etc."
Hunter Schilperoort
Pitcher- Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
Bio - I played 2 years of junior college baseball that started at west valley college then mission college. I then played 3 years D1 at The University of the Pacific. I’ve played 2 years in the pioneer league one for the Grand Junction Rockies and the other for the Billings Mustangs. This upcoming season I will be in the Atlantic league playing for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - I’d like to give younger guys perspective I didn’t have when I was younger. I’ve also coached in the past and helping younger guys is and will always be rewarding
Eric Smelko
Outfield- Point Loma
Bio- I started my college career at Saint Mary's College of California before transferring to California State Dominguez Hills. I got my undergraduate degree in Psychology, and currently working on a masters in Kinesiology. I am currently at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. I have seen all of college baseball and am happy to help answer any questions you may have.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I want to give back to the younger athletes. I want to provide them with information I wish I had earlier in my career."
Jack Gallagher
Catcher - UC Davis
Bio- My name is Jack Gallagher, and I am currently a senior on the UC Davis baseball team, coming from two years at Santa Rosa JC. During my time at SRJC, I was named Big 8 conference MVP, 1st Team All-State, and 2nd Team All-American PacWest Region. Also, I am the single season home run leader at UC Davis. I have been playing baseball almost my entire life and have gained many valuable skills and lessons during my time on the diamond, and I can’t wait to share them.
Whats one message you feel strongly about passing onto younger athletes - One message within my sport that I feel strongly about is no matter the struggles, stay confident and keeping pushing. Baseball is a tough sport and everyone struggles, but it is those that have the mental strength to withstand the challenges that will are the most successful.
Cameron Calvillo
Infielder - Gonzaga
Bio- Hi my name is Cameron Calvillo, I am a junior baseball player at Gonzaga University. This is my first year here at GU after playing my freshman and sophomore year at Ohlone Junior College in Fremont California, and i'm having a blast. As my college career is winding down I am able to reflect on so many different instances where I would have loved to have some guidance or insight on how to maneuver through them. I am here as a resource to help not only with in game scenarios and mental preparation but also game politics and relationship building to keep the game fun while also getting you to the next level.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - First off I have a lot of experience playing this game at very different levels and I also would love to give back to players who were in the same spot I was in to give them some knowledge on the things I wish I knew more about at that time.
Kody Perry
Pitcher - Claremont Mckenna Scripps
Bio- "Hi, my name is Kody Perry and I am a sophomore at Claremont Mckenna College. I am a right handed pitcher and I have been playing baseball for almost all of my life. Before Claremont I went to Trinity College in Hartford Connecticut."
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "To pass along information I wished I could have known when I was younger."
Riley Eagan
Pitcher/Infield- Castro Valley HS
Bio- My name is Riley Eagan i’m a junior at Castro Valley High school, I currently play both high school baseball and travel baseball which I have traveled all over the country for, I have played baseball for 12 years and hope to play for many years to come.
Why do you want to become a mentor - "Sounds like a good opportunity to spread my knowledge of baseball and the mental side to others wanting to succeed.."
Joey Wilson
Infield - Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio- "I’ve played baseball my whole life and it is one of my biggest passions. I’ve gone through many mental hardships during my playing time, but I’ve worked hard to get past them and earn a spot with an up and coming, soon to be the best D3 team in the nation, the CMS Stags."
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I’m interested in giving back the things I’ve learned to younger athletes in my sport"
Matthew Bergan
Pitcher- Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio- "My name is Matthew Bergan, I am a right handed pitcher at Claremont McKenna College from Portola Valley, CA. I played at Skyline College in San Bruno, CA, before this and went to Menlo Atherton High School. I have been through many ups and downs throughout my career making me the pitcher I am today, looking forward to helping the younger generation."
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "Help pass down things I’ve learned while playing that can help the younger generation"
Christian Almanza
Infielder - St Marys
Bio- "Hi I am Christian Almanza from Stockton, California. I am a graduate student at Saint Mary’s College where I currently play and pursuing a masters in Management and Technology."
What is a message you feel strongly about providing to younger athletes? - "To never count yourself out. Playing baseball at this level is tough, but what can separate yourself is your preparation and ability to compete."
Leighton Helfrick
Outfielder - UC Davis
Bio- " I am a sophomore outfielder for the University of California, Davis baseball team, and a Clayton Valley Charter alum. I look forward to sharing my experiences!"
What is a message you feel strongly about providing to younger athletes? - "Trust in YOUR process; one’s journey is completely independent to others. Always stay level headed and your time will come.."
Jake Tripp
Catcher - Punahou
Bio- " Hi I am Jake Tripp. I live in Honolulu, Hawaii and go to Punahou School. I currently play Catcher and First-Base on the Varsity team. I have played baseball since I was 5 years old and I am now 16. I hope to help you get better at the mental side of the game."
What is a message you feel strongly about providing to younger athletes? - "TBaseball is a everyday sport. If you don't come to work hard and compete everyday, then there will be someone right next to you who will out work you because they will want it more then you. Another message I have is appreciate the game of baseball. Especially playing in Hawaii I am able to play all year around and I sometimes take for granted that I can play baseball everyday and have the equipment I need and want."
Andrew Kirkpatrick
Infielder - Wittenberg University
Bio- I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and have played baseball since I could walk. I Started on the high school varsity team all 3 years (missed my sophomore year because of covid). In high school I set the school record for RBI’S and was named all conference all three years. Along with baseball I played football earning academic all state as a kicker/punter, and played hockey as well. I committed to Wittenberg University, where I currently am a sophomore playing first base.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "My entire baseball career I have struggled with the mental side, having something like this at my disposal would have been huge. Through my struggles I have learned a lot about what it takes to improve and I’d love to help pass that down to younger players in similar situations."
Soccer
Henry Otte
Goalkeeper- Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio - "My name is Henry Otte and I am a 2nd year goalkeeper on the CMS Mens Varsity Soccer team. I grew up in Santa Barbara, Ca, and played on Santa Barbara Soccer Club from age 9 til 18. I played at Laguna Blanca High School for 4 years and became a starter as a softmore and junior year I became a captain. But, my love for the game hasn’t been without its challenges. Various injuries and team dynamics often made it difficult to be the best player I could be. But, through hard work, dedication, grit, and intensity, I was able to reach my dream of playing college soccer at a top institution"
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "Because I strongly believe this program could genuinely help high school athletes to grow mentally and prepare for the college athlete process. I also think I would be a good candidate because I’m a people person and have so much info to share that I wish I knew before I became a college athlete."
Mia Scranton
Cal Baptist University
Bio - "My name is Mia Scranton and I am freshman on the CBU women's soccer team. I grew up in Temecula, Ca, and played for City Soccer Club. I played at Chapparal High School as a 4 year varsity player before coming to CBU"
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "To help younger athletes find their full potential"
James Gomez
FWD - Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio- "James Gomez is a soccer player who attends Claremont McKenna College and plays on the Guam Men’s National Team at the senior level."
Whats a message you feel strongly about giving to young players? - "A message I feel strongly about in soccer is helping people who struggle with consistency, confidence, and reaching their flow state. These are all problems I have encountered throughout my career, but I learned to navigate them using tools and tricks that I’ve learned from experiences (I’ve traveled to over 10 countries to play international matches) and from other professional soccer players that I played with on the Guam National Team."
Nico Monsalve
MID - Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio- "I am currently a Junior Midfielder player for the CMS men’s soccer team. I have previously played club, academy, and high school soccer. During my recruiting process I spoke with schools of all divisions and would love to meet to talk recruiting, time management, athletic confidence/ mentality, or anything else."
Whats a message you feel strongly about giving to young players? - "I have had many ups and downs in my athletic careers, and I feel ask though I can help many athletes overcome the downs they feel in their sport. I feel strongly about building confidence and perspective for athletes."
Lukas Huntington
MID - Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio - "I'm a pass-first holding midfielder for the CMS Men's Soccer team who's also played semi-professionally for a year in Germany. I love the game and would be happy to connect with anyone interested in talking about the college process, playing over seas, improving their game, dealing with challenging injuries or circumstances, or anything else!"
Whats a message you feel strongly about giving to young players? - "That your confidence is going to go up and down, and the key lies in not getting too low or too high on either side. I've had teammates who endured a few months of low confidence and never really recovered, as well as teammates who have gotten so high on their good performances that they were rocked when they regressed back to their mean. I've also dealt with these ups and downs, and I'd love to be able to help some younger guys navigate them like a boss."
Nate Kim
Goalkeeper - Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio- "Hey guys! My name is Nate Kim, and I am a current Junior on the CMS Men’s Soccer team. I’m originally from Orange County and played club soccer with Strikers FC my whole life. You can come talk to me about any issues on college sports or if you just need some general guidance or mentorship. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!"
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I want to help give advice to others who are either struggling with their game or need advice on how to get to the higher level. Having been through the whole recruiting process, I feel I have a deep understanding for what it takes to become a player at a higher level."
Shaan Malik
MID - Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio- "My name is Shaan Malik, and I am a 19-year-old college soccer player at Claremont Mckenna College. I have played and experienced high-level soccer globally in Singapore, Spain, Portugal, and Czech." I am originally from the Bay Area, however, I lived in Singapore for 12 years of my life, before moving to Arizona to play in a soccer boarding school. I would love to talk about college sports, and give mentorship on the college process, player development, dealing with challenging obstacles, or anything else! Looking forward to hearing from you soon!"
Why do you want to become a mentor? - " I want to become a mentor because, from personal experience, mentorship can play a crucial role in athletic and personal development. Becoming an All-Conference player in my sophomore year, I greatly attribute my success to the mentors I've had throughout my career. I view mentoring as a way to give back to the sport that has shaped the majority of my life which is why I am very interested in it. Being able to advise and help younger athletes achieve their goals is something that I am extremely passionate about. I am confident that the knowledge and experience that got me where I am today can similarly benefit many younger athletes. Especially in athletics, the game is just as much mental as it is physical, and whether that is improvements on the field or advice on choosing the right college, I am passionate about helping students reach their goals. Having navigated many obstacles throughout my athletic journey, I want to share these experiences, providing advice that can help upcoming athletes avoid the mistakes that held me back in my career."
Cason Goodman
FWD - UC Davis
Bio- "My name is Cason Goodman and I am a sophomore forward on the UC Davis Men's Soccer Team. Born and raised in Santa Barbara with some of my childhood spent in Arizona, my soccer journey has been one of many ups and downs, a couple of new beginnings, and gradual growth. Since coming to UC Davis, I earned a spot on the All-Big West Freshman Team as a true freshman and then the very next year led my team in goals, securing a place on the All-Big West Second Team. I am looking forward to sharing my experience in youth soccer, recruitment, and any and all aspects of college life and sports. I can't wait to get started with you!"
Whats a message you feel strongly about giving to young players?- "People peak and evolve at different times, you’re not on the same path as the player next to you. I hit puberty late and played on a lower level club team all the way up until my sophomore/junior year of high school. Anything is possible. I wish I had access to more people and stories who were playing at this level when I was playing youth soccer so I love the idea that I get to share my experience with young athletes on a similar path that I was."
Mason Lamb
Cal State Fullerton
Bio- "Born and raised in Orlando, FL. Came up in Orlando City’s Academy from U13. Graduated HS at Montverde Academy (2019). Signed to Orlando City B. Committed to Rollins College (NCAA DII). Transferred to Cal State Fullerton (NCAA DI, current)."
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I believe in the initiative. I want to help young athletes that will come after me."
Mia Fontana
UC Berkeley
Bio- "Soccer has been at the heart of my journey for the past six years as a proud member of the UC Berkeley women's soccer team. As a Bay Area native, I've loved every second of it. Now, I set my sights on a professional soccer career as I remain driven by my passion as I rehab an ACL injury this year."
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "Growing up I was fortunate enough to have mentors to look up to and in a way I want to give back and provide the same kind of guidance."
Golf
Tom Hutchison
Bio- I’m a former NCAA Division 1 collegiate golfer who competed for UC Davis and was an All American. I’m currently playing professionally and have competed on PGA Tour Canada, working towards getting my Korn Ferry Tour card.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "Because I wish I had someone readily available to answer the deeper questions of my sport, whether it’s technical or mental."
Yoonhee Kim
Bio - Hi! My name is Yoonhee Kim and I am a professional golfer on the Annika Women’s All Pro Tour. I played collegiate golf at UC Davis and graduated in 2020!
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I love giving back. I appreciate everyone who helped me out when I was starting my journey as a collegiate and professional athlete.."
Softball
Lili Belton - Westcliff
Bio- Hi! I am originally from Northern California, I grew up in the East Bay Area. I have played softball since middle school and fell in love with the game. I was fueled by the grind and found myself aspiring to play at the next level at a young age. I graduated from high school in 2018 and attended Junior College for two years before transferring to a four-year university. This transition for me was in the middle of Covid so I had to grow past a lot of experiences and adversities in the middle of getting my degree. I ended up finishing with my Bachelors in Business Administration. After softball and school was done, I pursued my Masters in Sport and Performance psychology, which I completed in December 2023. Due to Covid, I still had eligibility, so I am currently getting one more certificate in Organizational Leadership to be eligible to play one more season of softball, currently at Westcliff University in Orange County, CA. After taking a year off, I am excited to tackle everyday with grace and further my purpose. I also love Star Wars, spending time with family/friends, and listening to music!
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I have always wanted to find outlets to help other athletes, to be a mentor would be the perfect one because I didn’t have someone to talk to when I was younger who I could relate with— promptly or just in general when dealing with adversity and just life being a student athlete. I knew at a younger age that I would take something from playing softball that meant more than just playing time, I want to inspire younger athletes to be the best version of themself on and off the field!"
Acacia Anders - UC Berkeley
Bio- Hello:) I am a senior on the University of California-Berkeley Softball team. I am a consistent starter in the infield and a lefty in the line-up. Additionally, I have been a consistent leader on and off the field as I have been named captain for multiple years. I have earned a couple of Pac-12 honors such as the All-Freshman Team, Player of the Week and the All-Second Team. Additionally, I am majoring in Psychology and have earned a Pac-12 Honor Roll plan as well as earning a spot on the Academic All-District Team. Upon graduation, I plan on pursuing a career in the medical field which will be another challenge but I am excited and determined to accomplish another goal! Outside of academics and athletics, I love spending time with my family and friends, coloring and reading.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "As a first generation student-athlete I did not have resources like this and was overwhelmed with the entire process causing me to feel more stressed than I needed to be. Therefore, I promised myself I would give back to the softball community and help those who want to accomplish the same goal because I remember being a little girl dreaming of doing what I am doing now. I know the journey may seem a bit scary and challenging but I have learned that with the right mindset and level of motivation anything is possible. I would love to help the next generation of softball players get to where they want to be!"
Volleyball
Marilu Pally - UC Berkeley
Bio- "I am a D1 beach volleyball player that plays for Cal Berkeley. I am a junior and an applied mathematics major. I am also a dual citizen for France and play for their national team. This summer I earned the France Champion title. Besides beach volleyball I enjoy connecting with others and being a mentor for those around!"
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "It is a great opportunity to engage and inspire youth to follow their dreams. By sharing my recruiting experience and giving tips to success I will be able to connect and teach the youth about how to find success."
Cross Country, Track and Field
Carrick Denker - UC Berkeley
Bio- I am a student athlete majoring in business at UC Berkeley and am captain of the Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Over the past several years, I have learned how to overcome life's challenges in order to reach my goals and become the best version of myself. I look forward to sharing my thought processes and work ethic with ambitious young runners like myself.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "My first several years of college athletics were rough--filled with injury, self doubt, lack of a positive team culture, and an overall struggle to perform at a high level through life's obstacles. Over the last year and a half, I found myself as a person and an athlete and have completely turned everything around. I have inspired myself and my teammates to push for greatness, leading us to our highest finish at the Pac 12 Cross Country Championships in 12 years. Through this journey of personal development, I have learned that I possess the ability to achieve whatever I set my mind too--and so does everyone else. I have absolutely loved being able to mentor and motivate to my younger teammates, and I know I could be a valuable asset to other athletes looking for mentorship from an experienced college athlete."
Claire Yerby - UC Berkeley
Bio- I ran cross country and track at Cal for 4 years and was a track team captain during my last two years. I hold the second fastest 1500m time in school history. I majored in Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development. In my free time I like cooking, knitting, and going on bike rides.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "Navigating the recruiting process or deciding to get serious about your sport during high school can be scary. This is especially true in individual sports like cross country and track where it can be so easy to focus on times and constantly compare yourself to past versions of yourself, other runners, and recruiting standards. I remember feeling a lot of pressure in high school when I decided that I wanted to run in college and I want to help alleviate some of that stress for younger athletes."
Seth Johnson - UC Berkeley
Bio-Hi! My name is Seth Johnson and I am a Sophomore Decathlete at the University of California, Berkeley. Though my collegiate career is still in it's early stages, I was the CA State High jump Champion and Indoor National Champion in the Pentathlon my Senior year of High School. I am currently the 24th best Decathlete in the nation headed into the NCAA Championship season and I really enjoy my sport. I wish to go pro post-collegiately and am interested in Nutrition/Dietetics as well as Strength and Conditioning, and Sports Phycology. I'm studying Geography (and maybe a double major in Political Economy) and minoring in Health and Wellness. Really looking forward to working with you, and I wish the best to whoever is reading this, athletically and otherwise!!
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I want to teach and communicate to the next generation of athletes who hope to make it to my level and hopefully beyond. I wish I had that opportunity when I was younger and I think my success would have been accelerated if I had that chance."
Rowing
Evan Gold - UC Berkeley
Bio- As a former elite level youth swimmer and current Cal Men's Rower, Evan has more than a decade of experience navigating the complexities of managing a sports-centric life.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I transitioned into rowing very late in high school and as a result found the recruiting (and decision making) process incredibly stressful. Having taken all of my D1 official visits for swimming before transitioning to Rowing, I saw a ton of schools but found deciding what I wanted out of my college experience challenging. With my experience navigating the stresses of my college process in addition to those of a sports-centric life I would love to share with younger athletes the skills I've picked up."
Jeremy Beale - UC Berkeley
Bio- Jeremy is a rower at Cal Berkeley, who grew up on the central coast of Australia. He played a variety of other sports during high school at a high level, including swimming, surfing, athletics. Jeremy is passionate about helping younger athletes discover their potential, and supporting them through the difficult college application process.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "As a bit of a perfectionist and indecisive person, I found I had lots of questions about college life (particularly as an international student coming to a big school like Berkeley). I had lots of support and I would love to pay it forward; I genuinely love helping others and giving back so others can feel supported in the process."
Lacrosse
Clara Page - UC Berkeley
Bio- My name is Clara Page and I am a Division 1 lacrosse player at the University of California, Berkeley. I grew up in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and have played lacrosse for 10 years.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I would like to become a mentor because I would like to help those who strive to make it to the next level. As a mixed women who is a minority in the sport that she plays, I think I have a helpful perspective in advocating for striving for your goals and getting there. It would mean the world to me to give younger child the courage and confidence to reach their goals."
Gymnastics
Jaxon Mitchell - Cal Berkeley
Bio- Hello! I'm Jaxon Mitchell, a hard-working gymnast and a proud member of the University of California, Berkeley, community. Gymnastics has been a part of my life since I was just four years old, and it quickly became my lifelong passion. Over the years, I've dedicated countless hours to perfecting my craft and embracing the endless challenges that the sport presents.
During my freshman year at Berkeley, I had the honor of being recognized as the Conference Freshman of the Week, individually qualified to day two of the NCAA National; championships, and I was humbled to be nominated for the College Gymnastics Association Freshman of the Year award.
As a student-athlete, I've learned the importance of time management, dedication, and adaptability. Juggling my athletic commitments with academic pursuits has equipped me with valuable skills that will serve me throughout my life. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to represent my university and to inspire others through my sport.
Moving forward, I aim to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible, both in gymnastics and in my academic pursuits. I strive to leave a positive impact on the sport that has given me so much and to inspire future generations of athletes. I hope to share my love for gymnastics and encourage others to embrace its challenges and rewards.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "What drew me into mentoring was witnessing the life-changing, powerful mentors within my life as a second-year Division I gymnast. Mentors have been so important to me in my athletic career that has made not just my development as a gymnast but also my personal growth possible. They've helped me through challenges, shared their wisdom, and guided me through the unique rigors of maintaining student-athlete status. I felt compelled to pay it forward, to help those behind me understand and persevere.
This mentorship will provide the same level of support and guidance that I received from my mentors. I would like to motivate and help the upcoming gymnasts by helping them get through the trials and chances they need. I'm able to understand how mentorship could play a central role in the life of an athlete because I have gone through it; hence, I understand the benefits associated with it during the journey of trial and personal growth. I find it makes a lot of difference to aspiring gymnasts by sharing my experience, giving tips, and being a listening ear.
Furthermore, being a second-year athlete, there are several valuable insights and lessons learned that I would like to share with others. I have learned good lessons about dedication, time management, and balancing academic and athletic responsibilities. I wish to share such lessons with others, help them avoid these pitfalls, and celebrate their successes to help them reach their full potential. Mentorship provides a platform to impart such lessons and positively influence the trajectories of aspiring athletes.
Moreover, it allows me to return to the gymnastics community that has given me so much. It is my way of thanking all those people who were there to help and advise me throughout my gymnastics career. In this way, by becoming a mentor to gymnasts who are on the rise, I can help in the development and success of other gymnasts by making sure that they also get the tools and guidance to pursue their dreams. I am very much interested in mentoring, so this will allow me to pay back to the sport, for the gifts that have been given to me, and leave a positive, lasting mark on the sport that has given me so much."
Harrison Gregory - Cal Berkeley
Bio- My name is Harrison Gregory, and I was a member of the Cal Men's Gymnastics team in 2023 and 2024 until a medical retirement. I am currently studying Psychology and Philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley. Growing up in southern Virginia with a coach for a mom, I started gymnastics at four and trained intensely, spending 40-50 hours a week in the gym. This experience shaped my discipline, resilience, and dedication. Since retiring from gymnastics, I have embraced new interests such as hiking, traveling, fishing, cooking, and weightlifting. I also volunteer at the Berkeley Student Farms, growing food for local shelters and the Berkeley Food Pantry. In my studies, I am fascinated by the intersection of sport, nutrition, health, and wellness, especially the role of mental health in athletics. I aspire to provide guidance and therapy to young athletes, recognizing that gymnastics is 95% mental and 5% physical. Success in this sport requires mastering the mind, overcoming fears, and believing in oneself completely. To excel in gymnastics, you need confidence and a strong mental game. Those who reach the highest levels genuinely believe they are the best, as doubt can hinder performance. My goal is to help the next generation of athletes navigate these mental challenges and achieve their full potential.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "have had the privilege of competing and practicing gymnastics for 16 years, gaining extensive experience within the sport. This includes participating in Division 1 NCAA competitions against some of the world's best gymnasts, including Olympians and world champions. Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous trials and tribulations, from injuries and setbacks to triumphs, and have developed the knowledge to handle a wide range of situations. Unfortunately, my gymnastics career came to an end during my sophomore year of college due to a career-ending injury—a fracture in my L4 vertebrae. This experience forced me to take time away from the sport I love and led me through a complete identity crisis. However, it also ignited a strong desire to give back to the gymnastics community. Having reached every tier and level of this sport, I am eager to share my experiences and knowledge with the next generation of athletes. I want to be a mentor to provide guidance, support, and inspiration to young gymnasts as they navigate their own journeys, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential.
Football
Nate Escalada - UC Berkeley
Bio- Hi! My name is Nate, and I play football at Cal Berkeley. I look forward to helping you progress throughout your athletic endeavors and improve as a player overall.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I have always looked up to older athletes, asking them for advice, their past experience, and more. Growing up without a father, I did not always have an accessible resource to discuss athletics through the eyes of a past athlete. I wish I could have had mentorship through sports throughout my youth. I believe I can provide that mentorship for many young athletes. I hope to be a "big brother" figure for those trying to progress in their sport."
RJ Stephens - UC Berkeley
Bio- What's up guys! My name is R.J. Stephens and I'm a freshman playing football at Cal on the Defensive Line. I'm a Bay Area native, so I love that I get the chance to stay close to home and play the sport I'm passionate about. I'm excited to meet you all and have the chance to support your athletic goals.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I want to become a mentor for the younger generation since mentors are those who are willing to inspire and help others who are on similar journeys. I've seen firsthand the positive effect a mentor can have on a student-athlete. I've been blessed to have many mentors in my life who have supported my dreams and aspirations that have allowed me to reach where I am now. My father to this day is one of my mentors and he continues to inspire me since he came from a third-world country and was able to make it to the top of his sport. As a mentor, I would be a support system for inspiring D1 student-athletes because I know how hard the journey is, but it's important to remember that you're not alone and I can help be that person to guide you along your journey!"
Truette Tumey - Texas A&M
Bio- My name is Truette Tumey. I am a junior at Texas A&M and I am a punter on the football team. I am very passionate about what I do and I treat my position as a work of art and a full time job. No one truly understands the amount of dedication and discipline needed in order to succeed in the classroom and in sports until they have been in those shoes. My goal is to help you succeed and tackle any obstacles head on, to make you the best version of yourself.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "To help young athletes overcome obstacles that they struggle with and improve their game. I personally have had to overcome many obstacles including academic, physical, and mental aspects that affected how I performed. I believe that I can express to others on how I was able to overcome these obstacles and make them the best version of themselves."
Marcus Scott II - Cal Berkeley
Bio- I'm Marcus Scott II, and my journey is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. I've faced numerous hardships that demanded unwavering determination, and each time, I've overcome them by going the extra mile. My path hasn't been easy; I've had to navigate through challenges that tested my resolve, including injuries and dealing with internal corruption within administrations. But through it all, I've remained focused on achieving elite status in my field. Now, I'm driven by a passion to guide and uplift young athletes. I want to share the knowledge and experiences I've gained to make their paths a bit easier. I firmly believe that hard work reigns supreme, and I'm dedicated to helping others realize their potential and prosper in their endeavors.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "To provide guidance to younger athletes and offer information I wish I had attained at the time"
Water Polo
Isabel Del Villar - Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio- My name is Isabel Del Villar and I am a sophomore at Claremont McKenna College playing Water Polo. I am from Newport Beach, California and I have been playing Water Polo since the age of nine and I absolutely love it.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I think being a student-athlete is extremely challenging at times but is the most rewarding. Their were times when I was having a tough time and the people who help you the most are those who are going through what you are going through. I would love to be in a position where I can help somebody just like somebody was able to help me."
Jacob Hatch - Cal State Fullerton
Bio- My name is Jacob Hatch. I grew up in Morgan Hill, California where I played 4 years of Varsity Water Polo at Ann Sobrato High School where I scored 218 goals, 113 assists, 225 steals combined between my Junior and Senior year. I grew up playing Club Water Polo for South Valley Manta, my hometown club until I was 18. I committed to SJSU’s Men’s Water Polo team out of high school but because of COVID-19 and unforeseen family circumstances, I decided to step away from the sport until my passion for it was reignited at West Valley Community College. I played for a year before I was recruited to Cal State Fullerton to join their 1st Men’s Water Polo team since 1985. I’m now in my junior year at CSUF with two more years of eligibility.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I want to be a mentor because I understand that for some athletes it can be hard to find someone to relate to and talk to about their struggles and desires. I want to be able to help athletes through these mental blocks and understand the bigger picture and help them believe in their process. As I came up as an athlete, I always had support but never someone who I could talk to that understood what I was experiencing so now that I’m older I would be honored to offer that to upcoming athletes."
Natalie Stearns - Claremont Mudd Scripps
Bio- My name is Natalie Stearns and I am a sophomore at Claremont McKenna College. I am a goalie for the Women's Water Polo team here, and have been playing water polo for nine years now. I am originally from Dallas, Texas, but I love to travel around and have been loving living in a new place. In my free time I love to hike, bake, or paint.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I have been an athlete for a very long time, and there have been many challenging moments through this time, even times that I considered quitting. Now that I am playing a sport in college, I am so grateful I stuck with it. I want to be a mentor because sports have had such a big impact on my life, including teaching me so many valuable skills such as communication and teamwork. It is also very tough to be a student athlete, so I want to be a mentor in order to help struggling athletes get through tough times. I want to make a difference in young athletes just like some of my own mentors did for me."
Equestrian
Amber Nusser
UC Davis
Bio- "I am a fourth year undergraduate student on the UC Davis Division I Women's Equestrian Team where she is a starting rider on the reining squad. I'm majoring in Psychology with a minor in Global Studies. I also am currently working as a research assistant in the Attraction and Romantic Relationships Lab on campus. I am focusing my senior honors thesis on the prevention of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and investigating factors that influence conflict and communication in intimate relationships. I hope to spend her gap year teaching English in Spain through the NALCAP Program before applying to Sports Psychology graduate programs. I am also an avid reader and loves to ski during the winter months.
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "My favorite part about being a student athlete is chatting with new members and potential recruits. I love getting to share my experience with others and all of the information/lessons I wish I would’ve known before becoming a collegiate athlete. I hope to provide the information and support I was missing when I first started, such as student-athlete resources, access to sport psychology services, tutoring, navigating team dynamics, etc."
Elena Haas
Wake Forrest
Bio - "I am in the Wake Forest University class of 2026, and an equestrian athlete based out of Wellington, Florida where I train with Team Welles. I was lucky enough to represent the United States at the Youth Nations Cup Finals in 2022, and have competed at the North American Youth Championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023. I'm also highly committed to my academic endeavors and am particularly interested in Environmental Sustainability, which I am lucky to be able to study while still flying back and forth to train and compete with my horses each weekend. While completing both is definitely a balancing act, I have definitely learned lots of tips and tricks along the way that I am excited to share. I've also learned that everyone requires a slightly different path, and I am excited to share my knowledge, advise, and guide others who are considering similar journeys!"
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I think this is a wonderful idea to help older athletes not only give back to our sports, but also help the next generation. I would've loved to have someone to go to when I was beginning to think about college and continuing my sport, and really just would've loved to have someone who's gone through it to help talk through and navigate that journey. It can definitely feel very daunting and overwhelming at first glance, so I'd love the opportunity to help ease those feelings as much as possible for people going through the same process."
Grace Gerbus
South Dakota State
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I would like to become a mentor because I enjoy investing in other people (especially youth) who have a good work ethic, high goals, and strong drive to succeed. I had several mentors in my middle school/highschool years that really shaped me into the person, and athlete, that I am today. So, I would love to give back to others and potentially be that person to future student athletes."
What is a message you feel strongly about passing onto younger athletes? - "I think a common notion in the equestrian/horse world is that you have to be extremely wealthy to be a successful athlete in college. However, I have found this to be very untrue. I feel as if many young girls never look into riding horses collegiately because they think they aren't good enough, rich enough, or even pretty/thin enough (around 42% of equestrian athletes have eating disorders). I would love to show others through example that their income doesn't determine talent, athletic ability, or collegiate success. When talking about being pretty or thin enough, I think it's important to show younger athletes that the smallest version of yourself isn't the best version of yourself. That a strong body is necessary to be successful in athletics! That being thinner or the thinnest will not make you win. Additionally, I would love to encourage young females because the topmost level of equestrian competition is currently dominated by males. It would be awesome to even out the numbers a bit! Lastly, I would love to encourage mental resilience in younger athletes and increase their focus on strengthening their mind. I have seen the benefits in growing my own mental fitness and would like to help others do the same."
Sophia Kregoski
South Dakota State
Bio - "Hi there, my name is Sophia Kregoski and I am on the women’s equestrian team at South Dakota State University. Being a sophomore, this is my second year on the team and I have enjoyed the experience so far. Before college, I was riding and training with my mom who owns a barn in Northern California, where I have lived my whole life. Even though I started my freshman year as a nursing major with intentions to become a nurse, I have realized through riding for SDSU that I want to pursue a career in the horse industry. I hope that on the way I can help young riders develop to become the horseman that they want to be and encourage them to follow their dreams."
What is a message feel strongly about passing onto younger athletes? - "I think a lot of riders compare themselves to others in the sport and start to look down on their riding and belittle their progress, when in reality they may not be presented with the same opportunities. Progression is not linear and it is not the same journey for everyone. I believe it is imperative to be able to see what you are doing well and what can use improvement as opposed to just viewing the negative results."
Katelyn VanDenburg
SMU
Bio - "My name is Katelyn VanDenburg, I am a freshman on the SMU equestrian team and have competed in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation, I am also majoring in Sport management. I have been riding for 13 years with ribbons and had top 25 finishes at all the major equitation finals. I plan to continue riding horses after college with the plan to go pro after I am done being a student-athlete."
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "I want to become a mentor to be able to answer questions regarding college recruitment, mental strength and physical strength for sports and helping younger athletes become better versions of themselves"
Sport And Performance Psychology
Matt Mascio
Bio- I am a former pitcher in colligate and professional baseball, and the founder of Talk To Talent Mentorships LLC. I graduated form UC Davis in 2021 with a B.S. in human development, and an M.S in sport and performance psychology from CBU in 2023. I've worked with countless athletes all the way from the youth to professional levels on their mental performance/mental health, and love what I do!
Why do you want to become a mentor? - "My major takeaway from my own playing career is the importance of mental skills that allow someone to handle the pressure of games, which ultimately lead to a competitive on-field performance. I have seen teammates that were super talented, skilled, and had great work ethic, but they lacked the mental performance skillsets to put it all together during games. Learning how to perform under pressure was something that helped me tremendously, which is why I feel passionate about passing that knowledge on."