California State University Northridge Athletics
10/22/2026 8:39:00 AM | General, Women's Soccer
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – In the second MVP (Most Valuable Professor) Night of the 2026-27 academic year, the CSUN Women's Soccer team celebrated and recognized 19 CSUN faculty members during the Matadors' 0-0 Big West draw against California Baptist on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Matador Soccer Field.
"CSUN student-athletes continue to achieve at a high level thanks to the support of CSUN Faculty," said Ryan Swartwood, CSUN's Director of Athletics. "The MVP games are essential for our Athletics Department as we gather and celebrate our Faculty and express our gratitude for their contributions."
Participating student-athletes honored faculty members who have made a meaningful impact on their academic journeys, underscoring the strong connections that extend beyond the classroom. The ceremony celebrated the faculty's dedication to supporting student-athletes' academic and personal growth.
The following faculty members were honored:
- Kandice Grote, a professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Development, was invited by student-athlete Ireland Regan.
- Song Kim, a professor in the Department of Asian American Studies, was invited by student-athlete Theresa Castro.
- LeNisha Williams, a professor in the Department of Psychology, was invited by student-athlete Veronica Toscano.
- Yonjoong Ryuh, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, was invited by student-athlete Michelle Monroy.
- Kevin Corea, a professor in the Department of English, was invited by student-athlete Alex Valente.
- Kimberly Wells, a professor in the Department of English, was invited by student-athlete Isabella Andrino.
- Jordan Guevara, a professor in the Department of English, was invited by student-athlete Alana Miller.
- Jordan Rubin-McGregor, a professor in the Department of Psychology, was invited by student-athlete Hayden Mauldin.
- Adrian Valadez, a professor in the Department of Psychology, was invited by student-athlete Sydney Lipkin.
- Sabina Erickson, a professor in the Department of English, was invited by student-athlete Ariana Lopez-Angel.
- Roxana Naraghi, a professor in the Department of Systems and Operations Management, was invited by student-athletes Kayden Perigo, Yasmin Azar and Malea Johnson.
- Rabia Djellouli, a professor in the Department of Mathematics, was invited by student-athlete Emerson Moran.
- Sara Hernandez, a professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Development, was invited by student-athlete Alena Ramirez.
- Amanda Baugh, representing the Department of Religious Studies and the Sustainability M.A. Program, was invited by student-athlete Alena Ramirez.
- Elham Fazelpour, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, was invited by student-athlete Lia Peterson.
- Rebecca Spector, a professor in the Department of Academic First-Year Experiences, was invited by student-athlete McKenzie Sanchez.
The following professors were unable to attend but were also recognized during the ceremony:
- Peter Marston, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies, was invited by student-athlete Paige Harris.
- Rebecca Gonzales, a professor in the Department of English, was invited by student-athlete Alex Valente.
- Carol Shubin, a professor in the Department of Mathematics, was invited by student-athlete Ariah Velazquez.
CSUN Athletics thanks all participating faculty for their ongoing commitment to the success of Matador student-athletes.
CSUN Athletics' next MVP event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Matador Women's Volleyball team hosts UC Riverside at 4 p.m. at Premier America Credit Union Arena.
#GoMatadors
