[NOTE: Ward and the Otters return to Cardinale Stadium to host Cal State Dominguez Hills on Oct. 3. Get your tickets online at OtterAthletics.com/Tickets]
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SEASIDE, Calif. — When Mason Ward arrived at Cal State Monterey Bay, he immediately felt something different. "I chose CSUMB because when I first came in as a freshman, everyone showed me respect from the coaching staff, to the players, as well as the staff on campus," Ward said. "It truly felt very welcoming and the location is very beautiful. I'm glad I made the right decision for myself."
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That first impression set the tone for his collegiate journey—one defined by community, growth, and a commitment to something larger than himself.
For Ward, the memories he's made with his teammates stand out above everything else. "I think the best part of my collegiate playing experience is making a ton of memories on and off the field with my teammates," he said. "When competing, there is no better feeling than winning games with your brothers."
Those moments away from the field are just as important. "Getting to hang out with my teammates off the field is something that builds our chemistry and will take us as far as possible in our fall season," Ward added. The relationships he's built have become the backbone of his experience, fueling both his passion for the game and his drive to succeed.
Ward's focus this season has been clear from the start. "I hope to help my team go as far as possible in our season. To conference playoffs, all the way to the NCAA tournament," he said. "This has been one of our team goals since day one of fall season."
He knows that reaching those heights requires daily dedication. "It takes a lot of individual work from doing my everyday recovery and focusing on the little details that will make me feel 100 percent to get ready for the next practice or game," Ward explained. That commitment to the process—paying attention to recovery, preparation, and consistency—has become a defining trait of his approach.
Ward's experience at CSUMB hasn't just been about soccer. The support he's found in the classroom has been just as meaningful. "My college experience in the classroom has been very good," he said. "The teachers really care about their students' success and are willing to help you reach the grade that you want."
That encouragement has given him the confidence to set ambitious goals for his future. "One of my big goals after I graduate CSUMB is to continue playing soccer," Ward said. "Another one of my goals is to become a Physical Therapist Aide."
As he looks ahead, Ward remains grounded in the values that first drew him to CSUMB—respect, community, and growth. Those principles continue to guide him as he chases new goals and builds on the foundation he's created on the Monterey Bay.
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GO OTTERS!
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