Jason Smith, Quarterback Football

Smith, junior business administration major, is a leader on the team this year. Smith, a 6-foot, third year varsity player attended Liberty High School in Brentwood. This season Smith hopes to help Sac State improve on last season’s 6-6 record.

Football has been a big piece of Smith’s life.

“Football has been a big part of my life since before I could even walk.” Smith said.

His older brothers played football and their dad coached them, he said.

“My dad carried me in a baby pouch to his games,” he said.

Smith was a walk-on for the Hornets and he redshirted during the 2006 season.

He worked his way to become the starting quarterback in 2007, and started all 11 games that season. Smith threw for 1,824 yards and had 16 touchdowns.

He pushes himself and his teammates that much harder because of the challenges he faced to get to the point he is at now.

“It shows young kids that anything is possible. You don’t have to be the most sought-out recruit to be a good football player. If you got what it takes go for it. Don’t wait for it to come to you,” Smith said.

Kim Kemper, Forward Women’s Soccer

Kemper, senior liberal studies major, is one of this year’s team leaders. Kemper, a 5-foot-8-inch fourth year varsity player attended Bella Vista High School in Orangeville. Sports have always played a major role in her life. Since she was 5 years old, Kemper has focused her attention towards soccer.

“Although growing up, I did try playing different sports, my loyalty and passion remained towards soccer,” Kemper said.

During high school, Kemper played for both her school team and a club team.

Kemper was named as one of 30 candidates for the 2009 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Act Award, which is given to students athletes who exemplifies dedication on the field and in the classroom.

Kemper has no time to focus on awards she said because her main focus is her team’s success.

Fernando Cabadas, Midfielder Men’s Soccer

Cabadas, junior mathematics major, is also leader this year. Cabadas, a 6-foot-1-inch third year varsity player attended Hiram Johnson High School in Sacramento.

He scored two goals, had an assist and earned first team all-MPSF honors for his diligence on and off the field in 2008.

Soccer is a way of life for Cabadas.

“Growing up I was always around soccer. My dad played Soccer, so it is second nature for me,” he said.

Cabadas is his own worst critic.

“I am not satisfied with how I played last season,” he said.

Cabadas hopes to have a better season in 2009.

“I need to score more goals and have more assists,” Cabadas said.

Cabadas also hopes to help his team play better.

“If you play at a high level, your team will play at a high level,” he said.

Cabadas said it is the Hornets’ mission to qualify for the NCAA Tournament and win the championship.

Desiree Hoyum, Outside Hitter Women’s Volleyball

Hoyum, senior kinesiology major, leads the volleyball team this year. Hoyum, a 6-foot, fourth-year varsity player attended West Valley High School in Anderson, Calif. Volleyball was not a sport that she grew up around.

“I only began playing volleyball in school just to be involved in a team sport. As time passed the sport grew on me. I played volleyball in high school, and on club teams,” Hoyum said.

Hoyum’s main concern this season is winning.

“If the team is successful, I am successful. I am going to do whatever it takes to make the team better,” she said.

Hoyum feels the team is working on lessons it learned last season.

“The team is working together and is working hard to be more aggressive this season. We looked at our weaknesses from last season and built on that,” she said.

Poetic Reid can be reached at [email protected]