Brief team history:
San Diego State’s Triathlon Club is dedicated to introducing triathlon to athletes at all levels, fostering a vibrant community of endurance sports enthusiasts, and supporting a spectrum of goals—from boosting fitness and picking up new sports, to training for elite-level competition and collegiate racing. Whether you're aiming to get healthier, try something new, or join a competitive training cohort, our inclusive club has a place for you. We provide structured practices in swimming, cycling, and running, alongside valuable team bonding through social events, regular coached sessions, and race weekends. Founded as an SDSU sport club competing in the West Coast Collegiate Triathlon Conference (WCCTC), the team travels to compete in sprint- and Olympic-distance races hosted locally, regionally, and nationally. We aim to build a strong, inclusive community where members can set and achieve their personal goals, find teammates to motivate and challenge them, and represent our school in collegiate competitions. In addition to athletic achievements, the team is known for its inclusive and supportive environment, making it a cornerstone of the university's athletic and student life.
Recent successes or struggles:
The team struggled with low participation during COVID because of the canceled races and virtual schooling. However, since 2021, SDSU Triathlon has tripled its number of members and are looking to grow even more. In 2023 following the coach resigning, we continued to train and attend races. As a self motivated group of athletes, we were able to send a large group of athletes to USA Triathlon Collegiate Club nationals both in Mission Viejo, California in 2024 and Miami, Florida in 2025. We placed 25th and 26th, respectfully, out of over 80 colleges.
Breakdown of highest costs & call to action:
The primary expenses include transportation, such as flights or long drives, which can be especially costly when traveling with bulky triathlon equipment. Additionally, accommodation for multiple days is often necessary, as races require participants to arrive in advance for preparation. Race entry fees themselves can be significant, particularly for high-profile events such as regionals and nationals. Other expenses include meals, the cost of kits, bike transport, and lodging. Nationals will again be in Florida which cost about $1,000 per athlete to travel and participate. Racing at Triathlon Club Nationals is an incredible experience that brings together top collegiate talent from across the country, and we want to give as many SDSU athletes as possible the opportunity to compete, represent our school, and be part of that unforgettable event. These athletes are training tirelessly, and this race is a significant opportunity for them to showcase their hard work and dedication
A main goal for the club this year is to expand the roster by making the sport more accessible to new athletes. To achieve this, we’re seeking funding to build a supply of shared equipment—such as bikes, wetsuits, and other essentials—that can be loaned to incoming members who may not have the means to purchase their own. By removing financial barriers, we aim to grow a more inclusive and competitive team.
Together, these costs create a substantial financial burden, highlighting the need for careful budgeting and, often, external funding to make participation possible. With your generous support, we can ensure that our team has the resources they need to compete at their best, represent our community, and achieve their goals on a larger stage. Your tax-deductible contribution will make a direct impact on their success and the growth of our athletic program!
