An Insight into Athletics

Students at Cal State East Bay wear multiple hats. While pursuing their careers and balancing their personal lives, many also participate in extracurricular activities. The College of Business & Economics spoke to two graduate business students who were also Pioneers on the playing field, giving an inside look at what it looks like to be a student and an athlete.

Scoring a Goal to Scoring a Home

An undergraduate alumna of UC Davis, Tami Kwong is currently an MBA student in the College of Business & Economics and a Forward for the Pioneer Women’s Soccer team. As a commuter student from Pleasanton, she’s been learning how to manage her time, stay on top of her evening classes, and hopes to build on her work experience as a realtor. Tami also shares music recommendations on what helps get her head in the game.

What do you like about CSUEB?

I think East Bay has great facilities, some great views, and has very quality people. The people I have met while attending East Bay are great. I will cherish and hopefully maintain relationships with them. 

What are your pre-game rituals?

My pre-game rituals include listening to my favorite songs to get me ready for the game and having a teammate do my “game day hair”. Usually, a song by Cardi B is in my pre-game music.  

How do you balance sports with academics?

Surprisingly, I think I balance sports and academics better during my season. In the off-season, I tend to think I have more time and procrastinate more. But when I am in my season, I know that I have to get all my homework done before traveling to an away game. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I hope to open my own business. I am currently working as a realtor for Keller Willams. I hope to have my own brokerage and be a successful real estate agent. 

What’s a challenge you face as a student-athlete?

A challenge I face as a student-athlete is the pressure and time commitment it takes to balance everything. Our season feels really short once we get into conference play. We have two games a week and only play each team once. So the pressure of having to perform your best every game because the margin for error is small. Also, I commuted from home, so having to wake up early for morning practice and then having night classes and homework in between took a lot of my time. 

What skills have you learned as an athlete that you’ve applied to other areas of your life?

A huge thing I learned as an athlete was being punctual. I was always at least 30 minutes early at practice, games, or anything team-related. Obviously, I am not there that early for my job, but I know the importance of being on time. I am always there early because it shows the other person that their time is just as valuable as yours. 

“Do Whatever it Takes to Win!”

As Guard for the Pioneer Women’s Basketball team, Madison Schiller was recognized as Cal State East Bay’s Female Athlete of the Year and the 2020-21 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Winter Academic Honor Roll. After completing her undergraduate studies at CSUEB with a B.S. in Computer Science, Madison completed the M.S. in Business Analytics program and graduated Summa Cum Laude in Spring 2022. Reflecting on her experience, Madison shares her appreciation for a campus that has allowed her to thrive on the court and in the classroom. 

What do you like about CSUEB?

Initially, I chose to come to Cal State East Bay because I knew I wouldn't have to sacrifice academics for athletics or vice versa. As this is my sixth year, I have learned that I truly love East Bay for the diversity, sense of community instilled on the campus, and the supportive faculty and staff in every department.

What are your pre-game rituals?

I don't have any personal pre-game rituals besides making sure my body and mind are ready to compete. As a team, our pre-game ritual is to state our goals for the game. My goal is always "Do Whatever it takes to Win!" 

How do you balance sports with academics?

Collegiate basketball is very mentally and physically intense. Time management and prioritization are the main attributes I credit to my success of balancing sports with academics. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I see myself pursuing my dream career of being a sports analyst where I can combine my two passions in the life of sports and technology. I also see myself traveling and exploring the world with my two dogs, Nike and Mamba. 

What’s a challenge you face as a student-athlete?

I believe one of the biggest challenges student athletes face is learning self-discipline, meaning sometimes sacrificing the now for the bigger picture later. 

What skills have you learned as an athlete that you’ve applied to other areas of your life?

Being an athlete has taught me many lessons I can apply to other areas of my life. I have learned the value of teamwork, the significance of being humble, the drive and hard work it takes to succeed, as well as, the importance of self-accountability and holding others accountable. 

For Tami and Madison, the College of Business and Economics and Pioneer Athletics have given them the skills to establish themselves in their careers, build connections, and build the mental capacity for dedication in all of their pursuits. Cal State East Bay welcomes everyone that steps foot on campus and onto the playing field, encouraging excellence and success.