Jackson Ozburn

“I didn’t come in with expectations of playing and expectations of being a starter, but that’s what happened, and my teammates were very supportive. They helped me a lot, and they were nothing but happy for me,” said Karich. Karich currently plays as a midfielder for the Boston Legacy FC, where she was the first player signed to the NWSL expansion team. For former women’s basketball player Olivia Pollerd ’25, the journey to becoming a professional started at an early age.

Santa Clara’s football program was founded in 1896, and success followed soon after. The Broncos had become a nationally recognized team by 1930, with back-to-back Sugar Bowl victories in 1937-38. These wins helped establish Santa Clara as a major competitor at a time when the West Coast wasn’t known for having strong football programs. According to University records, football elevated the University’s national profile and contributed to increased enrollment.

With the West Coast Conference title race coming down to the wire, a marquee matchup is on tap for this Saturday, Valentine’s Day. The Santa Clara Broncos (21-5, 12-1 in WCC play) are set to host the No. 12 Gonzaga Bulldogs (23-2, 11-1 in WCC play) on Saturday at the Leavey Center at 7:30 pm. With just four regular-season games remaining, the outcome could play a huge role in determining the eventual conference champion. Since the beginning of conference play, the Broncos have been red-hot.