We Never Just 'Are'

By Kayla Padilla

Basketball is more than just a game; it's a legacy that connects past legends with future stars, a legacy I've been a part of since I was a young girl in the stands, dreaming big. Watching USC's Jamie Hagiya play, a Japanese-American from California with a story that mirrored my own, sparked a fire within me.

The tales of basketball greats like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, along with Jamie's journey, set the path I aspired to follow. Their dedication and achievements on the court motivated me to pursue my dreams with unwavering determination.

My journey from a spectator at the Galen Center to an active participant on its court has been a testament to years of hard work, sweat, and relentless pursuit. Growing up in Southern California, I was immersed in the culture of USC basketball, idolizing the players and the spirit of the game. Now, being a part of that world feels surreal, as I play in front of a home crowd that embodies our city's undefeated spirit.

This transition from playing in AAU and Asian-American leagues to becoming a beacon for young Filipino-American athletes has been both challenging and rewarding, fueled by the desire to carve my own path and make a difference.

The guidance and mentorship of Noelle Quinn, my high school coach, played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to the game and life.

She instilled in me the belief that excellence extends beyond the court, urging me to infuse purpose and intensity into every endeavor. Her mantra, "don't just be," resonates with me, pushing me to strive for more, to never settle for mediocrity.

This philosophy came to life in a critical game in Tucson, where, in the final seconds, my training and mindset converged, leading to a game-tying shot that pushed us into overtime. This moment epitomized the essence of basketball—hard work and dreams merging to achieve greatness.

Beyond the court, my passion extends to creating narratives and building communities through Sideline Post, a platform I founded at the University of Pennsylvania. Here, we celebrate the stories of college athletes, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

My love for music, finding solace in the piano, drums, and guitar, complements my athletic pursuits, offering balance and a creative outlet. My journey in basketball, from the simple joys of playing with friends to becoming a source of inspiration for a young fan who sees herself in me, underscores the powerful cycle of influence and aspiration.

As March Madness approaches, our team stands ready, building on the rich legacy of those who came before us, united in our goal to reach the Final Four and make our mark in the history of women's basketball.

Dear basketball, we promise to make our city and school proud. Never just be.

Fight On,

Kayla

WHERE THE TROJANS SAVOR VICTORY

Honor the Past as We Build the Future

House of Victory is thrilled to present the much-anticipated 'Legends of Troy' gala. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on Monday, April 29th, hosted at the luxurious Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, California.

This signature soirée is more than just an event; it's a tribute to the icons who've paved the way, a celebration of our current athletic triumphs, and a forward-looking discussion on the evolving landscape of college sports and NIL.

Meet legends across USC’s 21 sports and immerse yourself in top-tier entertainment at one of Newport Beach’s top venues.

🎩 Here's what's in store:

• VIP Tables: Secure a premier table for $25,000, offering premium seating and dinner for 8, alongside the honor of hosting 2 USC legends or coaches. Enjoy perks like hosted valet, an open bar, public acknowledgment, and a VIP thank you package.

• Private Tables: Opt for intimacy with our $10,000 tables, providing standard seating for 8 with one USC legend or coach, complete with all the VIP amenities.

• Individual Seats: For $1,250, join us solo and indulge in a night of elegance, including dinner, valet, and bar services.

📅 For your calendar:

• Date: Monday, April 29th

• Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

• Venue: Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach, CA

• Dress Code: Business Casual

• Programming: Stay tuned for more details!

WHERE TROJANS PLAN THEIR FUTURES— OVER $26B UNDER MANAGEMENT

🔥 Our own JuJu Watkins and USC Women’s Basketball are now ranked the 5th team in the nation heading towards March Madness! For the first time in a decade, the team achieved a road sweep against the Arizona schools, with JuJu Watkins being named Pac-12 Freshman of the Week for a record 14th time this season.

✍️ Signing Milestone: Kait Devir, honored as the Pac-12 Co-Goalkeeper of the Year, has joined House of Victory as our inaugural lacrosse athlete, marking a significant addition to our roster. Welcome to the family Kait!!

👏 Swimming & Diving Excellence: The No. 4 ranked USC Women's Team clinched three individual and one relay title, securing the runner-up position at the 2024 Pac-12 Championships with their highest title count since 2003.

🔥 Isaiah Collier's Stellar Performance: USC's Men’s Basketball point guard Isaiah Collier was named Pac-12 Men's Freshman of the Week for his outstanding contributions, setting a new record for the conference with the most Freshman of the Week honors.

DRIVING THE TROJANS FORWARD

The Trojans Are Coming to Your Living Room

Last newsletter we updated you on the much-anticipated return of the EA Sports College Football video game series, set to launch in the summer of 2024.

As an update, nearly 10 days post the introduction of the NIL opt-in program, an overwhelming 10,000+ athletes have eagerly signed up to be featured in EA Sports College Football 25, marking a significant milestone in the revival of this beloved franchise. Including House of Victory’s own, Zachariah Branch!

Aimed at encompassing comprehensive 85-man rosters for all 134 FBS teams, EA Sports is nearing its target, having achieved approximately 87% of its goal. Participants in this program are set to receive $600 alongside a copy of the game, valued at $70, as a token of appreciation for their participation.

In collaboration with the NIL marketplace Opendorse, EA Sports is not just focusing on broad athlete inclusion but also forging marketing partnerships with standout college football talents. This initiative is expected to enrich the gaming experience with authentic representations of fan-favorite athletes.

With the opt-in window open until the end of April, EA Sports encourages all eligible college football players to seize this unique opportunity. The process facilitated by OneTeam Partners through the Compass NIL app is streamlined for athletes to register and partake in this historic venture.

We will keep you updated as House of Victory and other USC football student-athletes join the game!