Articles

After injury and uncertainty, Amy Leather finds her footing - and her joy - at Cal Poly - Mustang News

​​For redshirt sophomore Amy Leather, the path to becoming a key player for Cal Poly women’s tennis has been anything but straightforward. The Bath, England native’s collegiate journey has tested her resilience, challenged her perspective, and ultimately evolved her love for the game.


Now forming half of Cal Poly’s formidable No. 1-2 doubles team alongside Peyton Dunkle, Leather boasts an impressive 13-7 record this season en route to earning All-Big West Conference Second Team doubles honors...

Brandon Davis Battles Sevi Van Der Meer in Natural Selection Tour Debut DUELS Match at Kirkwood, CA - SnowBrains

The Natural Selection Tour makes its debut at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, bringing the world’s elite freestyle snowboarders to battle on untamed terrain in California’s Sierra Nevada range.
Among the most compelling matchups, 29-year-old Swiss rider Sevi Van Der Meer faces 28-year-old California native Brandon Davis. Both riders are making their Natural Selection Tour debuts, bringing fresh energy to the event as they approach the challenge from vastly different backgrounds—Van Der Meer from the...

Mountain Peaks Meet Island Vibes: A Journey Through Lake Tahoe's Winter Reggae Festival - SnowBrains

Reggae music, snow, and the mountains are the three things I love most in this world…
The Lake Tahoe Winter Reggae Festival is a scene that shouldn’t make sense with reggae music in the heart of ski country yet somehow feels perfectly natural.
Good Vibez Presents has created something magical here: a fusion of island culture and mountain spirit that transforms this state-of-the-art venue of the Tahoe Blue Event Center into a warm sanctuary from the February chill.
As the clock strikes 3 p.m., an...

Capturing the Thrill: The Evolution of Ski and Snowboard Videography - SnowBrains

In a world where adventure sports and social media merge seamlessly, snowboard videography has become an art form, blending athletic skill, visually appealing aesthetics, and boundary-pushing action. But how did it get here, to a place where a few minutes of filmed adrenaline can captivate millions and create the sport’s next superstar?Those who were around to see “Apocalypse Snow” in 1983, were probably blown away.It was French, a little weird, and only half about snowboarding, but it captured...

Planting Seeds: Student Growth in the Mind and Field - Mustang News

It was Anthony Roensch’s first day of class out on the farms, and his class was meeting at Field 26. He didn’t even know there were 26 fields on campus. Roensch, a senior construction management student, had signed up for something way out of his comfort zone. He got lost angrily wandering the expansive land for two hours and missed his first day of class. Roensch wouldn’t know until later that this land would change his life.


Cal Poly owns 9,178 acres of land, which is the equivalent of 7,50...

Inside Cal Poly's Historic Win: Koonce's 30 points propel Cal Poly Men's Basketball over Stanford - Mustang News

Cal Poly Men’s Basketball was tied with Stanford at 82 apiece with 90 seconds to play against as the Mustangs needed someone to hit a big shot. 


After six passes, the ball moved like a hot potato from the top to the elbow, swinging to the corner and entering the high post.


The Mustangs pass the ball from the post to the right elbow right in front of the Mustang bench to graduate guard Jarred Hyder. 


Hyder is three steps behind the three-point line, but it doesn’t matter. Cal Poly goes u...

Top 5 Most Longed-For Extinct Ski Brands According to SnowBrains Readers - SnowBrains

We all remember our first pair of skis, no matter how many years ago we got them. Whether they were brand new, hand-me-downs, or some classic rentals, these early skis played a role in our love for the sport and community. Many new brands were starting, and a pair of skis was more than just a tool to get turns in. What you ride says a lot about your personality and mountain flair. Unfortunately, not all brands can stand the test of time for many reasons.
We asked SnowBrains readers which vintage...

Hometown Mountain Shoutout: The Soul Cleansing Winter Wonderland of Bear Valley, CA - SnowBrains

Looking for a down-to-earth and tranquil mountain? Nestled amidst the beauty of California’s vast Sierra Nevada mountains, Bear Valley Resort beckons outdoor enthusiasts with a year-round haven. From its renowned downhill skiing and snowboarding terrain to its charming small-town village atmosphere, this resort promises an unforgettable experience. Just two hours from the greater Sacramento area and three hours for those coming from the Bay Area, Bear Valley is the perfect destination for a day...

From France to California: How Romane Mosse’s French flair has impacted Cal Poly Women’s Tennis - Mustang News

Three years ago in Viroflay, France, Romane Mosse decided to chase her dreams and come to play tennis in the United States.


Mosse’s first stop on her journey was Jacksonville, Alabama, approximately 4,420 miles from her hometown.


As the No.1 player for the Jacksonville State Gamecocks as a freshman, she flourished. In her sophomore season, she mounted a 13-7 record in singles, garnering interest from other schools nationwide. 


Mosse transferred to Cal Poly in June 2024, ready to make an...

A Champions Legacy: Melissa LaMette and Delanie Dunkle's Last Dance - Mustang News

For the second time in program history, the Cal Poly Women’s Tennis team took home the Big West Championship and advanced to the NCAA postseason tournament.


Fifth-year Delanie Dunkle and graduate student Melissa LaMette have been integral parts of the Mustangs’ championship run.


However, the Mustangs could not pick up the win against USC in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. For Dunkle and LaMette, two long-time members of the women’s tennis team, their illustrious collegiate careers...

Underdogs to Top Dogs: Cal Poly Women’s Polo crowned national champions - Mustang News

The 2023 season was one to remember for the Cal Poly Women’s Polo Team, which took home its first national championship by dethroning the reigning champs, the University of Connecticut.


The Division II national tournament took place from March 28 through April 1 at the Central Coast Polo Club.


“Being named a national champion is definitely a huge honor knowing how much work we put in to get here,” sophomore Sofie Rosenquist said. “Cal Poly has not won a national championship in all its yea...

Matur Dhal seeks to inspire and make South Sudan proud - Mustang News

Matur Dhal is far from the average basketball player. Listed at 6 feet 11 inches, he already stands out from the other players on the court. But what really sets him apart from the pack is his inspiring journey from South Sudan to now playing at Cal Poly. 


Growing up in South Sudan, Matur was heavily involved in soccer and volleyball, but in 2016 it all changed when his friends and family advised him to try basketball. 


“Soccer wasn’t for me anymore; I kept growing and was too tall,” Dhal...