SEASIDE, Calif. — For Mezziah Oakman, choosing to attend Cal State Monterey Bay was a decision that came naturally. With his mother hailing from Seaside, Mezziah
felt a deep connection to the area.
Not only did he have the opportunity to pursue his degree in sociology, but he also got to continue playing the game he loves — basketball. Reflecting on his collegiate experience, Oakman cherishes the travel opportunities he has had and the lifelong relationships he has formed along the way.
"The best part has been the travel and the connections I've made," he said. "I've played on several teams and have traveled extensively, both on the West Coast and the East Coast. I've met so many people and built lifelong relationships with teammates, coaching staff, and people within the athletics community. It's been an incredible journey."
A selfless individual, Oakman's primary focus this year is on graduating and being the best teammate he can be. He understands the importance of being a reliable presence both on and off the court, and he is committed to supporting his teammates and coaches in any way he can.
"Graduating is a short-term goal I have," he said. "And when it comes to basketball, I want to be the best teammate I can be. I want to be there for my teammates, provide advice, and set an example for the younger guys. It's about being a rock-solid presence for the community of Monterey and CSUMB."
As he looks ahead to the rest of the season, Oakman hopes to have a fun and successful year with his team. He embraces the brotherhood aspect of the game, emphasizing the importance of having each other's backs.
"We're here because we want to be here. We love the game of basketball, so having our brothers' backs is crucial. You can't win without that."
Looking beyond his time at CSUMB, Oakman dreams of playing overseas and taking care of his family. As a first-generation college student, he understands the significance of his accomplishments and is determined to make his family proud.
"One of my big goals after graduating is to play overseas and buy my mom a house. It's a huge goal for me to take care of my family and make them proud. As a first-generation college student, it's important for me to do whatever I can to support my family."
Lastly, Oakman compares his experience at CSUMB to his time at the Division I level. While he acknowledges the challenges he has faced throughout his basketball journey, he emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
"It's a process with ups and downs, but it's all about how you persevere through them," he said. "My next tattoo is actually going to be 'perseverance' because of everything I've been through. From being a JUCO kid to playing Division I and now Division II, it takes a lot of grit and not giving up. You have to keep your head up and keep moving forward."
CSUMB has provided Oakman with the opportunity to pursue his education and basketball goals while staying close to home. His dedication to his team, community, and family is a testament to his character and resilience. As he continues his journey, Oakman remains focused on making a positive impact both on and off the court.
GO OTTERS!
