Kiera Herron -Student-Athlete Spotlight

STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Please tell us about yourself.

I'm originally from College Station, Texas. I’m a senior at San Diego State University, majoring in Political Science. I transferred last year from Oregon State. I’m also a student-athlete on the SDSU Volleyball team.

What is your favorite highlight or memory from SDSU Volleyball?

My favorite highlight would be the away game at Wyoming during the 2024 season, it was Halloween AND my birthday, and the whole crowd was dressed up in costumes! We had a great game because we swept them in 3.

What do you enjoy most about training with Coach Hilliard?

What I enjoy most about training with Coach Hillard would be the energy he brings to practice. After playing volleyball for almost 12 years, it's hard not to feel burned out sometimes, but the atmosphere our coach creates makes it easy to have fun at practice while also pushing ourselves to be the best volleyball players we can be. 

What are the difficulties you've faced as a full-time student-athlete?

You are already so packed in your schedule, and when you're not actively playing volleyball or studying/doing homework, you’re thinking about either of those things. Or your free time is spent watching film from practice or preparing for a test. There is no break mentally.  Another aspect of that is the inability to get a job. Being a full-time student and a student-athlete during the season means there is no time for work, and it is really hard to make money.

What does it mean to you to see packed stands at Peterson Gym?

A packed gym at Peterson Gym means the absolute world to me. I take it as a bit of a “look, I made it” moment. Knowing that people come out to watch us and support the Aztecs makes me feel like all the years of dedication and hard work have truly paid off. 

How can Aztec fans and donors get involved with the Volleyball program directly?

Aztec donors can get directly involved with the Volleyball program by donating to the Student-Athlete Recruitment and Retention Fund. During my internship, I’m working on a project to help get fans even more engaged with the volleyball program!

What is one thing fans can look forward to in the 2025 season?

I think fans can look forward to another amazing season from volleyball. We want more. I believe our team is poised for greatness this year. We’re aiming for a championship title.

 

Please tell us about your Aztecs Going Pro internship.

My stint as the Development and Donor Engagement intern has been so amazing. I have the most supportive work staff, and I have been learning so much about fundraising, sales, and marketing from them, and it’s only been two weeks! Thank you and shoutout to Bob, Nick, Isaac, Sherry, Trudie, and Julia for being the best team I could hope for.

How is your internship through Aztecs Going Pro preparing you for the workforce after graduating?

The Aztec Club is presenting a valuable opportunity to further develop my skills in fundraising, sales, and marketing. In the future, I want to work in wine and spirits sales. My passion for this industry started early, growing up around the business and watching my dad work as a winemaker. Ultimately, I hope to work with a leading distribution company like E&J Gallo or Southern Glazer's. 

What skills have you gained from interning for the Aztec Club?

Although my internship has only just begun, I’ve already started gaining a wide range of valuable skills. I’m becoming more proficient in software tools such as Excel, Archtics, and the Microsoft Office Suite. I’m gaining hands-on experience with donor relations, event planning, data tracking, and fundraising strategy; all of which are helping me understand how to build and maintain meaningful partnerships.

Please consider donating to the Student-Athlete Recruitment & Retention Fund to impact more students like Keira Herron! 

Please be sure to select Volleyball as your Designation.