Dominique Cabading
Point guard Dominique Cabading (sophomore) has already established herself as a standout player on the Occidental women’s basketball team. As a first year, she made it onto the Philippines 18 and younger women’s basketball team and this past season Cabading helped her team win the SCIAC championship. Cabading said the win is one of her favorite memories with the team.
“We broke barriers we did not even know we were going to break,” Cabading said. “We knew we could, of course, but we were not expecting it.”
Cabading said that support from the Occidental community made each game more exciting and each win more meaningful. During a game at the University of Laverne, Cabading said the Occidental student section was so enthusiastic it felt like they were playing at home. This game was pivotal in the mindset of the team, according to Cabading, and affirmed that championship success was within reach.
“When it really mattered, our support team showed up,” Cabading said. “It was amazing knowing that we were not only doing it for our team and our coach, but for the entire school. Everyone can say our women’s basketball team went to a tournament and won.”
The basketball team has been a core component of her Occidental experience so far, according to Cabading. She said the transition into college was made easier knowing her teammates had her back.
“We all really care about each other, and always have,” Cabading said. “Being comfortable in my own skin was really easy here because I already had this built-in support system of women who could help me with work from classes they had already taken, who I could eat lunch with, and who would support me on and off the court.”
Ainsley Shelsta (sophomore), a teammate and close friend of Cabading, said everything about Cabading inspires her.
“I admire her work ethic, her drive, her determination, her competence, her stamina and just really everything about her so much. She’s so driven and determined to win, but she’s also such a great person and a great friend,” Shelsta said.
According to Shelsta, due to an injury last year, this past season was Cabading’s first. Shelsta said watching her play for the first time since taking a break was a nerve-wracking but inspiring moment.
“I remember I was nervous, but I was so excited for her,” Shelsta said. “Just seeing her get on the court again after seeing her whole recovery and her determination was incredible. I was so proud of her.”
When asked about the future, Cabading said she would love to win at least one game at the NCAA Tournament this season. It has been several years since the Occidental women’s basketball team earned a spot in the tournament, making it an even more exciting event for the team and the entire Occidental community.
“I think we have the champion mentality, but I also want to make sure we appreciate all of the little wins along the way,” Cabading said. “Those matter just as much.”
Jack Davis
Jack Davis (first year) said he has found his people on the Occidental swim and water polo teams. Davis said he is so grateful he made the decision to join both athletic teams, since his support system is even bigger than it would have been otherwise.
“Having so many people that I know on campus feels really good,” Davis said. “Everyone is so supportive of each other during practice and meets and also in the day-to-day.”
Davis said he was happy with how he swam this season and surprised himself with his times at SCIAC.
“I was not expecting to swim as good as I did. I was really close to a lot of my best times, and during the meets in season before, I was super far off all my best times,” Davis said. “But once I rested up, all of a sudden I got so much faster which was really cool to see.”
Davis’ teammates and friends Matthew Spruance (first year) and Carter Park (first year) said Davis has come out of his shell since the beginning of the season and is now a vocal team member and leader.
“Jack is a valued team member because of his commitment and attitude. Jack would always show up on time with a smile,” Spruance said. “He is always a good sport when we poke fun, and he is not shy to retaliate.”
Davis said he is looking forward to the water polo off-season and continuing to improve in both sports throughout his time at Occidental.
“I am looking forward to building on what I’ve already accomplished, and just having a great time with the team,” Davis said.
Contact Eliza Kirk at ekirk@oxy.edu
