More Than Their Sport: A Deeper Dive into the Lives of D1 Athletes

By: Isabella Areyano

Over the past nine weeks, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with eight remarkable D1 college athletes from diverse schools, sports, and career paths. During this journey, I’ve come to know these individuals beyond their athletic personas, uncovering their backgrounds, hobbies, passions, and aspirations outside of the sports that often define them.

What began as a semester-long class project, D1 Deep Dives, quickly turned into something I feel deeply passionate about. As a fan of college and professional sports, I’ve always been captivated by athletes’ stories—the moments, values, and experiences that make them who they are. Yet, it’s easy to lose sight of the humanity behind the stats and highlights. We often see athletes only as performers on a field, mat, or court, surrounded by roaring crowds or viewed only on television screens. But they are so much more—humans with unique stories and journeys that deserve to be told.

Competitors at the Division 1 level are no strangers to the spotlight. Many have had articles written about them and interviews highlighting their athletic achievements. With D1 Deep Dives, I set out to break that mold. I wanted to give fans, spectators, and the media a glimpse of the individuals beyond their sports—not just their stats or accolades.

To achieve this, I prioritized creating a space where these athletes felt comfortable and free to share their stories. During our Zoom interviews, I began each conversation with a casual introduction, asking about their day and reassuring them that this was not a high-stakes or traditional interview. I emphasized that they could share only what they were comfortable with and had the final say on what I included in the article. My goal was to make these conversations feel as natural as talking with a friend, even if it was our first meeting.

Through these interactions, I discovered so much more than I anticipated. These athletes opened up about their upbringings, personal growth, and values. Their personalities shone through as they shared insights about themselves, often diving into topics they weren’t expecting to discuss. It was a privilege to hear their stories and witness the layers that make them unique beyond the world of sports.

I do not consider myself a journalist or reporter—just a student with a passion for sports and storytelling. This project was my first experience interviewing anyone, and while it was a challenge at first, it quickly became the highlight of my week. I owe a huge thank-you to Sophia Jungling (Louisiana State), Richard Figueroa (Arizona State), Lucas Moore (University of Louisville), Sonny Santiago (University of North Carolina), Carissa Clay (UCLA), Maxwell Shor (Fresno State), and Trey Munoz (Oregon State) for trusting me with their stories and allowing me to share a piece of who they are with the world. I’m also incredibly grateful to everyone who followed along, read my articles, and engaged with this project.

As this semester comes to an end and D1 Deep Dives concludes, my hope is that the next time you watch a college game or attend a match, you’ll see the individuals behind the competition. Each athlete on that field, court, or mat is a person first, and their stories are just as extraordinary as the sports they play.