Jackie Ricketson, senior guard (Courtesy of CPP ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT)

Student-athletes share their favorite moments competing as Broncos

Some athletes have spent their entire collegiate careers as Broncos and others as transfers, but regardless of how long they spent at Cal Poly Pomona, the memories they have created over the years will last a lifetime. After a disappointing finish to many collegiate careers due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, many seniors took the time to reflect on their most memorable moments in a Bronco uniform.

Brennan McKenzie, senior first baseman (Lauren Bruno | The Poly Post)

“The most memorable moment for me was (in) my junior year. Winning the (California Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament in Stockton. It was such a special moment because so many things had to go right for us to even be in that position. We were the sixth and last seed going into the tournament and we needed to win it all or our season would’ve ended. Everyone truly loved and cared about one another and we played for each other.”

Kasey Smit, senior forward (Courtesy of CPP Athletic Department)

“My greatest moment is just being in an environment with such great people. I really enjoyed the relationships that I’ve developed and made stronger. Every time we travel, there’s never a dull moment with anyone. We always found a way to make it fun because we were a team that derived off good energy and we couldn’t afford to have negative energy. I love my teammates. They’re like my family.”

Jackie Ricketson,
senior guard
(Courtesy of CPP Athletic Department)

“My first game back this year was a really big moment to me because it was the first time that I had really played after my knee injury, and I got to play with most of my teammates that I missed out playing with last year. I actually had a pretty good game, so I would say that was definitely a huge moment for me.”

Shane Martin, senior hurdler (Elizabeth Hernandez | The Poly Post)

“My first year, I placed sixth at nationals, so that got me All-American. My favorite moment was in conference the year that I won. I came in, no one really knew who I was, and I didn’t race the year before that, so it was all kind of just blind faith that coach Smith and coach Bradford put on me and gave me. I ended up running under 14 seconds (13.83 seconds), which had always been a dream of mine.”

Quotes compiled by staff writers Carlos Olivares & Michael Acevedo.

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