SEASIDE, Calif. — When Nalani Galindo arrived at Cal State Monterey Bay, she knew she'd found the right place. After transferring from junior college in San Diego, she was looking for a program where she could grow both as an athlete and a student—and CSUMB
felt like home from the start.
"I transferred here from San Diego, and CSUMB just felt like a really good fit for me," Galindo said. "I liked the environment of the school and the overall vibe of the campus. When I talked to the coaches and got to know the team a little more, it felt like a place where I could see myself fitting in and continuing to grow."
The move to a four-year university came with its challenges, but Galindo credits her teammates for making the transition smooth. "The transition from junior college to a four year university was definitely challenging at first," she said. "But something that made the transition a lot easier was how welcoming everyone on the team was. From the beginning they were really supportive and made me feel at home, which made adapting to a new school and environment a lot smoother."
That sense of belonging has defined her experience as an Otter. "The best part has definitely been the team environment," Galindo said. "We have a ton of talent on this team and overall it's been a really cool experience learning and playing with a whole different squad. Everyone is really supportive and pushes each other to get better every day."
Now settled into life at CSUMB, Galindo is focused on growth—both in the pool and in the classroom. "Individually, this year, I want to continue building on the habits that help me stay successful both in and out of the pool," she said. "Being a student athlete takes a lot of consistency, discipline, and time management, so my goal is to keep maintaining those standards every day."
For Galindo, it's all about reliability and steady improvement. "I want to continue performing well academically while also staying focused on improving and contributing as an athlete," she said. "For me, it's really about staying consistent, being dependable, and continuing to grow so I can make the most of my time here at CSUMB."
With postseason play on the horizon, she and her teammates are preparing to showcase the progress they've made. "One thing we really want to continue working toward as a team this year is competing at a high level and executing the things we've been working on all season," Galindo said. "With WWPA's coming up we are all super excited. This tournament is something we've all been focused on and working hard toward."
As she looks beyond her collegiate career, Galindo has a clear vision for her future—one that keeps her close to the world of athletics. "One of my biggest goals after graduating from CSUMB is to become a licensed massage therapist and work with athletes," she said. "Being a student athlete myself, I understand how important recovery and injury prevention are, so I'm really interested in helping athletes take care of their bodies and perform at their best."
Whether she's in the pool or planning for life after graduation, Galindo's journey at CSUMB is defined by determination, growth, and a genuine love for her team. "I'm really glad I made the decision to transfer and be a part of the raft," she said.
GO OTTERS!
