Sometimes, student athletes can bounce around colleges until they find the right balance, which can be a long journey. Chico State is a great Division II school and as athletes commit and transfer from other programs, the Wildcats are very welcoming.

Spencer Downey, an animal science major and junior on the women’s golf team, has gone through the full transition experience, switching from Modesto Junior College to Chico State.

“The transition has been nice because everyone is friendly and I wish I could have gone here as a freshman to get the full college dorm experience,” Downey said.

Recently, the women’s golf team took home the gold in Arizona for 2013-14 season-opening tournament. They came back from eighth place to win it all and start the season with high expectations.

“The competition is more intense and we travel a lot more,” Downey said. “The 5:30 a.m. workouts Monday through Thursday show you how serious it is.”

Giordano Estrada, a business finance major and senior on the men’s basketball team, is also going through the same situation, he said. Estrada played for Sacramento State last year and has come to the ‘Cats to play point guard.

“The transition has been fairly easy and I’ve played with some of the guys in high school and tournaments, so I feel welcomed,” Estrada said. “At Sacramento State it felt like more of a commuter school where Chico has a big time community feel.”

With Chico having such a community feel, it gives student athletes more of an opportunity to become public figures and introduce themselves, he said.

“The campus feels different at Sacramento State, you would be on a rush between class, your car and work,” Estrada said. “But here at Chico, it’s a lot more walking and people are more friendly and you can spark a conversation with classmates easier.”

Kristyn Casalino, an exercise physiology and pre-med major, and junior on the women’s volleyball team, has gone from team captain at Santa Rosa Junior College to a newcomer for the Wildcats who still has to prove herself.

“The transition for me has been alright, but I don’t think I would highly recommend to someone who wants to play sports in college to go to a junior college first,” Casalino said. “I definitely wish I would’ve gone straight to a four-year college to play from the beginning and I think it would be a lot easier to develop through one program.”

Halfway through the season, the ‘Cats are 7-8 on the season and 4-4 in conference play. And as the season continues, Casalino will have chances to display her talents.

“All the girls on my team are so fantastic on and off the court and that has really made a positive difference in my experience,” Casalino said. “I feel lucky to have come onto this team with these great girls and I’m happy to be a Wildcat.”

Ben Marquez can be reached at [email protected]