The Wait Is Over

Depending on the sport, the Aztecs will compete against Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, Texas State, Utah State and Washington State, along with Pac-12 affiliate members. Meet seven Aztecs leading the way in the opening months of competition.

MEN’S BASKETBALL
Elzie Harrington
Guard, Sophomore
Hometown: Long Beach, California

COACH BRIAN DUTCHER ON HARRINGTON: Elzie is everything you want in a player. He’s a good person, a good student and a good player, and he represents us well on all three levels.

ELZIE HARRINGTON ON A MEANINGFUL CAREER MOMENT: The last time my dad watched me play was during a playoff game on Feb. 14, 2025. He had been sick for some time, so it had become harder for him to be there. If you asked anyone, they would tell you that his favorite thing was talking about me playing basketball.

“Elzie has NBA size and athleticism, and as he regains full health, he will be an outstanding Pac-12 player.”

COMPETITIVE STREAK OUTSIDE OF BASKETBALL: I especially love playing cards and dominoes. At a family gathering, that’s what I’m doing most of the time—and I’m winning a lot.

GAME TO WATCH: Feb. 6 vs. Gonzaga

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Natalia Martinez
Guard, Junior
Hometown: San Leandro, California

COACH STACIE TERRY-HUTSON ON MARTINEZ: Natalia is wise beyond her years, coachable and a great ambassador of our program. She is someone that her teammates admire and look up to. 

MARTINEZ ON A MEANINGFUL CAREER MOMENT: When we do field trip games at SDSU, children come up to us afterward and say, “You were awesome out there. I want to be like you when I grow up.” Those are the moments you play basketball for. You play your sport to inspire young people.

“Natalia’s preparation is unmatched, and she holds herself to a high standard. No one outworks her.”

COMPETITIVE STREAK OUTSIDE OF BASKETBALL: Our team goes to the beach and holds Spikeball tournaments. If you watched us without knowing what was happening, you would think we were playing for a championship.

GAME TO WATCH: Jan. 21 vs. Gonzaga

CROSS-COUNTRY
Elliana Lomeli
6K Runner, Sophomore
Hometown: Clovis, California

COACH ROBERT LUSITANA ON LOMELI: Elliana has taken it upon herself to help lead the team through words and actions and has made it clear that she wants to be a key contributor as our program enters this new era with the Pac-12.

LOMELI ON A MEANINGFUL CAREER MOMENT: Committing to SDSU my junior year was my “I made it” moment. I felt as though all the hard work I had put in throughout high school had led me there.

“Elliana strives to put her best effort forward and carries herself with the mentality needed to thrive as a distance runner.”

COMPETITIVE STREAK OUTSIDE OF CROSS-COUNTRY: Board games with my siblings. If someone isn’t paying attention when it’s their turn, I’ll say, “Hey, this is serious. We need to focus.”

VOLLEYBALL
Zara Stewart
Libero & Defensive Specialist, Sophomore
Hometown: Bonita Springs, Florida

COACH BRENT HILLIARD ON STEWART: Zara is extremely prepared for Pac-12 level competition as her skill set is second to none at her position. She’s an elite passer who can run an offense out of the libero spot, which is extremely unique.

STEWART ON PLAYING IN THE PAC-12: It’s special knowing that we’re helping create a new chapter with the Pac-12, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.

“Zara is relentless in her pursuit of greatness, both individually and as part of the team.”

COMPETITIVE STREAK OUTSIDE OF VOLLEYBALL: I can be having fun and not taking something seriously, but the second there’s a winner and a loser, I want to win.

GAME TO WATCH: Oct. 15 vs. Utah State

FOOTBALL
Max Garrison
Safety, Senior
Hometown: Pasadena, California

COACH SEAN LEWIS ON GARRISON: If we had 105 Max Garrisons, we’d be a pretty good team. We’d fight for each other, bleed for each other and win for each other.

GARRISON ON A CHALLENGE HE’S OVERCOME: My dad has heart and kidney failure, so that’s something our family is still working through. To have him in my corner while he’s fighting for his life and still supporting me in everything I do is truly special. We have an incredible bond, and he’s my superhero.

“Max epitomizes what it is to be an Aztec. He’s selfless and does whatever is needed to help this team succeed.”

COMPETITIVE STREAK OUTSIDE OF FOOTBALL: The new college football video game [EA Sports College Football 27]. It’s fun to be [featured] in the game and a lot of my friends are in it as well.

GAME TO WATCH: Homecoming, Oct. 17 vs. Fresno State

WOMEN’S SOCCER
Kailey Carlen
Goalkeeper, Sophomore
Hometown: Chula Vista, California

COACH MIKE FRIESEN ON CARLEN: Having Kailey as an anchor in goal as we head into Pac-12 play is going to be great. We’ll concede a goal or two, but I hope her story is that she can deal with the adversity and bounce right back and be the phenomenal asset that she’s been the whole time.

CARLEN ON PLAYING IN THE PAC-12: Of course there are nerves. Of course there’s a lot of pressure coming into a new conference and having to prove yourself. But for this team, as soon as we step on the field, we sort of forget everything. We just enjoy playing with one another. That’s something our coaches have instilled in us: being grateful that it’s a gift to play alongside our teammates.

“Kailey’s an outstanding person who is a phenomenal teammate and cares about other people. She wants to be her absolute best, and I think that’s infectious for the whole team.”

COMPETITIVE STREAK OUTSIDE OF SOCCER: Uno. When my friends and I play, it gets even more competitive, ’cause they hit you with a +4. That’s when it starts to get heated.

GAME TO WATCH: Oct. 30 vs. Gonzaga

MEN’S SOCCER
Jonah Kawamura
Midfielder, Fifth Year
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

COACH RYAN HOPKINS ON KAWAMURA: I always try to pick my captains for their obvious care for their teammates and leaving the program in a better place than they found it. Jonah has both qualities in large abundance.

KAWAMURA ON PLAYING THE PAC-12: Growing up as a West Coast kid, the Pac-12 Network was one of the only channels I could watch. I always wanted to play in the Pac-12, so it means the world to me. SDSU has given me so much, and I can’t wait to help make a big impact in the first year.

“Jonah’s positioning, ball recoveries and ability to link the defense and offense is invaluable.”

COMPETITIVE STREAK OUTSIDE OF SOCCER: Golf. I definitely feel the competitive juices flowing when the little comments are made about my shanked shot into the bushes.

GAME TO WATCH: Oct. 31 vs. UCSD