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02/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 11:14

The Game-Day Playlist Powering Triton Women in Sports

Published Date

February 03, 2026

Article Content

Before a big game, meet or match, music can play different roles - helping athletes focus, calm nerves or tap into the energy they need. For Triton women scholar-athletes, those pregame choices range from high-energy anthems to familiar tracks that steady the mind or spark joy.

To mark National Girls & Women in Sports Day on Feb. 4, we asked them to share their game-day hype song or walk-up song: the track they listen to before competition to build confidence, focus or energy.

The result is a game-day soundtrack shaped by many sports and personalities, reflecting the different ways athletes prepare to compete. Whether you're heading to the gym, gearing up for a big moment or just need a boost, these are songs worth pressing play on.

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Celebrate with the Tritons

Join the Tritons as we celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day at the women's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 7 vs. Hawai'i at 4 p.m. Interact with several UC San Diego women's teams pregame and get autographs from the women's basketball team after the game. Discounted $5 tickets are available now through the Triton Box Office.

"Black Swan" by BTS

Katherine Kim| Fencing
Second year | Social Psychology

"To me, this song means being the first of your kind and having the courage to walk in the world as yourself. You should leave all your fears behind while embracing your uniqueness. Reminding myself of these positive affirmations gives me the strength and motivation to give my all and fight when life and competitions become challenging."

"California Love" by 2Pac, Roger Troutman, Dr. Dre

Ryanna Alano| Softball
Second year | Psychology

"I think that the intro of the song sounds fierce and commanding, which is my exact mindset going into a game. When I step into the batter's box, I want my competition to know that I'm not one to be underestimated and I set a high standard, and 'California Love' reflects that."

"Rich Girl" by Gwen Stefani, Eve

Mika Rome| Volleyball
Third year | Structural Engineering

"It's been my song ever since moving to California and all my teammates know I love it! It just reminds me that l'm rich with the opportunities I was given and that it's a privilege to be able to play the sport I love."

"Love You For a Long Time" by Maggie Rogers

Sabrina Ma| Basketball
Fourth year | International Business

"It's a cute, upbeat song that makes me feel happy and clears my mind."

"tv off" (feat. lefty gunplay) by Kendrick Lamar

Alyssa Doucette| Softball
Second year | Political Science

"This song really gets me going and pumps me up, but when he says 'Mustard' it sounds like Monster and that is a nickname I go by. It also just talks about how if no one is gonna do it, I gotta do it - never taking my foot off that gas."

"Hella Good" by No Doubt

Emily Cloherty| Water Polo
Third year | Business Economics

"This is the perfect game day song because it's high-energy and confident. It helps me shake off any game day nerves and remember to keep on dancing."

"Golden" by HUNTR/X (KPop Demon Hunters)

Dymonique Maxie | Basketball
Third year | Communication

"It helps me focus on the positives and remember to have fun while uplifting me as well."

"Lose Yourself" by Eminem

Samantha Womack| Softball
Second year | Marine Biology

"This song lets me calm my mind and narrows my focus so I can ground myself, while at the same time gets me hyped and motivated to go out and play like I'm invincible."

"Maneater" by Nelly Furtado

Haley Garcia| Softball
Fourth year | Communication

"It's such an upbeat song and puts me in a good mood."

"The Secret Life of Me" by Waterparks

Lily Nelson-Love| Fencing
Second year | Bioengineering: Biosystems

"I choose to listen to this song before competitions because its upbeat rhythm helps put me in a competitive mindset as I prepare for the day."

"Welcome to Jamrock" by Damian Marley

Emma Umemura| Softball
Second year | Human Development

"This reggae song has been a staple in my pregame/walk-up shuffle since high school because it is the perfect balance between getting me hyped up but also keeping me grounded and centered before competing."

"Tongue Tied" by GROUPLOVE

Danielle Carter| Swimming
First year | Economics

"This song reminds me of summer memories from when I was younger, which eases my nerves and helps me lock in."

"Real in Rio" from the "Rio" soundtrack

Olivia Allegre| Tennis
First year | Human Biology

"One of our teammates sings it at every practice and we all love it and laugh!"

"Best Friend" by Sofi Tukker, NERVO, The Knocks, ALISA UENO

Christel Elkins| Cross Country, Track and Field
Fourth year | Human Developmental Sciences

"This song empowers me to get in the zone and be powerful and confident."

"The Days - NOTION Remix " by Chrystal

Leilah Raad| Soccer
Third year | Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience

"I chose this song because it has high energy and gives me good vibes going into my warm-ups or games. I always feel like I can focus when I hear this song and it gets my energy going, putting me in a good game-day mindset."

"Hall of Fame" (feat. will.i.am) by The Script

Ireland McNees| Volleyball
Third year | International Business

"I chose this song because I've always listened to it since I was a kid and it has continued to hit a nerve for me to always do my best."

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