Generations of Alumni Support
We are so grateful for the support we have received from generations of Cal Poly Swim & Dive alumni — many who continue to hold onto hope that their children and grandchildren can have the same education and athletic experience that they benefitted from while on Cal Poly Swim & Dive.
A RETURN TO WATER
Matt Mauser, Cal Poly Swimming ‘91-’92
Cal Poly alumnus and National Finalist for the Cal Poly swim team in 1991 and 1992, Matt Mauser is an American singer and musician known for his participation in the bands Tijuana Dogs and Matt Mauser Big Band. He gained wider recognition after participating in the reality television show "America's Got Talent" in 2021, where he showcased his vocal talent.
In addition to his music career, he has also been involved in various charitable efforts, particularly those related to the aftermath of the tragic loss of his wife, Christina Mauser, who was Kobe Bryant’s assistant girl’s basketball coach and onboard the helicopter that crashed in January 2020 with Kobe Bryant.
Matt has since become an advocate for mental health, sharing often that his return to swimming after the accident was the single most effective tool for him during that challenging time of losing his wife and becoming a single dad to his three children, ages 3, 9, 11.
“Without that time at Cal Poly, without those core memories and that love of just staring at that black line, getting in there and letting everything in your life go, I don’t know how effective my healing process would have been without swimming.”
Alumni Testimonials
“It is our love for the school that has brought everyone together from the Cal Poly community and from the sport of swimming. We believe in this team, we believe in the future for generations, we believe that this program belongs at Cal Poly.”
— Gloria Summers, ‘07-‘12
“Being a swimmer taught me so many lessons which apply to life — hard work, determination, dedication, goal setting , and most of all that sometimes it is more about the journey (and who is with you on the journey) than the destination.”
— Mario Esola, ‘95-’00
“I really feel strongly about how great it was to have a college athletics background, where I walked onto a campus, knew no one, and had an instant sense of community and family that could rally behind me.”
— Jeff Ross, ‘91 -’93
“I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to attend Cal poly and be part of this team. The people, friendships, experiences and lessons I learned during my four years on the team will forever impact my life.
— Amanda Maffris, ‘10 -’14
“The swim team at Cal Poly is very special – it’s one of the best memories of my life. The friends I made then, I still have today . . . The memories we share, the laughs that we share, the camaraderie is second to none.
— Scott Swaboda, ‘89-‘93
“As an international student from India, it was my dream to pursue swimming and an engineering degree at a very high level in the U.S. I’m thankful for Cal Poly Swim & Dive for giving me the opportunity to accomplish my dream.
— Avani Tantry, ‘18-’22
Lost touch with some of your fellow Cal Poly Swim & Dive alumni?
You may find them in the newly created Facebook group Cal Poly Swim Eras United. Jump in!