Ofure Iselen is heading into her third season on the UC Irvine women's volleyball team. Alongside being a competitor on the court, Iselen is also dedicated in the classroom, earning Scholar-Athlete distinction. In May, she attended the Black Student Athlete Summit where she made connections and learned lessons that will last a lifetime.

 

How did you get started playing volleyball?
I started playing in 6th grade. One of my friends wanted to try it, so I tried it with her. I didn't start playing competitively until my freshman year of high school.
 
Why did you decide to play here at UC Irvine?
My recruiting process was during COVID so that shut down a lot of in-person meeting times with coaches. The director of the club that I was playing for put me in contact with the UCI coaches. We started building a relationship and this was a place I saw myself at.
 
How have you enjoyed your time playing here at UCI?
It's been fun. I've been here for two years and I've learned so much and have so many memories and experiences that I will keep with me forever.
 
What goals do you have for next season?
Finish top of the conference for sure. Make it to the NCAA tournament, and have a strong team connection.
  
What has been your favorite memory playing here over the past two years?
Probably beating Cal Poly in their gym. It was a game where we were the underdogs and everyone was playing amazing.
 
What motivates you when you step out onto the court?
Knowing how far I came and knowing what it took for me to get here.
 
Who inspires you the most?
My mom and my dad. My dad immigrated here from Nigeria and built a life for himself from nothing. Seeing that from my parents makes me believe I can do anything.
 
What were you recognized for at the recent UCI Scholar-Athlete Awards?
I received the highest honor for GPA requirements.
 
How important to you is staying on top of your education and succeeding at a high level academically?
Volleyball won't last forever and my education will carry me through. I really make sure my grades aren't slipping. Volleyball could end at any second and I need to rely on my education.
 
How was your experience attending the Black Student Athlete Summit?
That was truly an amazing experience. I met so many different people from so many different conferences. I met with professionals and coaches and got to hear a lot of advice that will help me along my journey.
 
What was the most impactful seminar at the summit?
There were two. The first was a forum surrounding the mental health of coaches. Hearing that opened my eyes to their perspective. Another big thing that stuck with me from the seminar is the phrase, 'Your network is your net worth.' The connections you have go a long way.
 
Being a Black student-athlete, what are some challenges that you face?
The stereotypes. Everyone thinks we have an advantage but we truly work just as hard as the next person.
 
What is there to enjoy about being a Black student-athlete?
The community. Being at the Black Student Athlete Summit, everyone felt a connection like we knew each other because of our shared experiences.
 
After your playing days are over, what career path do you plan on taking?
My goal after my undergrad is to get a master's in business administration. I want to work my way up to become a marketing executive, so whatever it takes to get there is my plan.