Student Roster

Devin Greer (she/they)

Major: Psychology and Brain Sciences and Black Studies Minor

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Sacramento, California

Favorite Music Artist/Band: kwn, Kehlani, Michael Jackson, Rihanna

Devin’s Story

My parents put me into soccer at around 4 years old and I have been playing ever since. I played a bunch of other sports throughout my childhood, but soccer always was there and I just got really good at it. My family was always a big sports family as my dad played college football at Berkeley and my mom was super involved by helping coach our elementary/middle school track team and some in high school. My twin sister and I were always on the same team which was the best thing because I automatically had a best friend on any team we were on. I realized I was pretty good at soccer when I started to get invited to special id camps and was recognized at tournaments. I got recruited by going to ECNL showcases and college coaches started reaching out to me and replying to emails in my junior year of high school.

I decided to come to UCSB because the coaching staff were very responsive and showed genuine interest and I knew I could make an immediate impact at a mid-major program. When I came on an unofficial visit and official visit, the girls on the team were super welcoming and I could tell that it would be a great environment for me to develop. My favorite part of being a UCSB student now is the campus is so pretty and there are always events going on weekly. Being by the ocean is just a blessing and living by the beach is something I never could have imagined for myself.

Other than being on the women's soccer team, I am on the board of a mental health awareness club called Active Minds and create and post on the Instagram account. I work for the athletics department on the Events Staff team which involves helping at various athletic events. When I have time, I like to volunteer for several different nonprofit organizations and write for the Daily Nexus which is the student newspaper on campus. I got involved with all these positions by either applying through postings on social media or emailing the organizations themselves expressing my interest.

Being a black, queer athlete can feel isolating at times, but I really got so lucky since my team and coaches are super accepting. I think it is important to find those special spaces with other people who can relate to certain parts of your identity can be very uplifting so I encourage going to queer, black, POC, etc. events. I know it is hard to feel like you belong in white dominated space like a PWI, but it is difficult to get into high ranked universities so you are worthy of your seat at the table no matter your background or who you are.

Advice to High School Students or Incoming Freshman: My greatest piece of advice is to make connections and to reach out to people in career positions, majors, research, etc. that you are interested in. My dad always told me “a closed mouth never gets fed.” Advocate for yourself and make your name known even though you might not know where a connection or relationship will take you in the future.

Favorite Course: My favorite course so far has been History 49A - Survey of African History. Professor Ware was such an engaging lecturer and I learned so many things about Africa and debunked many misconceptions I had about Africa. I recommend this course to everyone!

Plans After Graduation: I am not totally sure what I want to do post graduation, but it would be cool to pursue a professional career for soccer. I have always been interested in working in healthcare and pediatrics specifically so possibly a physician assistant, nurse, occupational therapist, or something like that.

Instagram: @devingreer20

Amor Jones (she/her)

Major: Communications and Art History Minor

Year: Senior

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Favorite Artist: Tyler the Creator

Amor’s Story

I’ve been running track since I was 6 years old. I started off playing soccer then my mother and coaches saw potential to run track so I started running. I later got more interested in track because of a famous olympian Flo Jo! I loved her style and how she owned the track when she stepped on it so I decided I wanted to be like her!

​​I decided on UCSB because it’s a gorgeous location, I mean who wouldn’t want to go to school right by the beach. My favorite part about UCSB is the beach and the amazing people that live here. Having easy access to the beach and being able to turn around and still have an aspect of the forest is amazing. I’m a part of the fashion club because I love anything to do with fashion.

I would want Black students attending a PWI to know that it is ok, my experience at UCSB has not been bad. I feel like finding your people and becoming close with them will make your experience a lot better because it’s safe knowing you have more Black students in your circle.

Advice to High School Students or Incoming Freshman: Honestly I would say utilize the UCEN and Student Resource Building, there are so many resources there that so many students don’t take advantage of.

Favorite Courses at UCSB: Probably Greek Mythology or my class about the history of photography. I loved Greek because I’ve always loved learning about Greek mythology and consolations that connect to them. As far as photography I’m a photographer so the history of it is very interesting.

Plans After Graduation: As of right now I’m planning on getting a job, staying in Santa Barbara, helping coach my track team and traveling.

Instagram: @amor_jones_

Layo Ogunleye (she/her)

Major: Economics & Accounting + Communications

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Fairfield, CA

Favorite Artists: PARTYNEXTDOOR, Frank Ocean, Ruger, SZA

Layo’s Story

I have always been interested in the arts. I grew up loving to sing and dance. I did ballet (not for long), gymnastics (for around a year), played the flute, praise dance in my church, and I sang in my choir. Then in quarantine I started to learn a lot about hair because I wasn't getting my hair done, so I wanted to learn how to do it myself. I learned a lot about my natural hair but leaned more into protective styles. I learned a lot of this for myself, but my mom was also a big push and helped me do anything I was interested in.

I chose to come to UCSB because I wanted a change of pace to be honest. I am from Norcal and had never had real experience in Socal. I love the idea of the beach and just hot weather so I wanted to come. And that's my favorite part of being a UCSB student. The weather, the environment, but also how interconnected the campus is. I like that it is smaller and you feel more of a community rather than competing for everything

I am the Secretary of the Nigerian Student Association and Membership Development Coordinator for Black Student Union. I also work as a Community Engagement Intern at the Office of Admissions and I recently got hired as an OBSD Intern. I think all the positions point to my passion in outreach and inclusivity. One of my main takeaways at UCSB is seeing the lack of diversity and I think initially I was very saddened by the campus. But getting involved has really helped me see that I am capable of making change.

I think my identity as a Black student has become the center of my experience at UCSB due to everything I am involved in which has shaped me to be a person that people are comfortable with. But, I encourage everyone to pursue higher education, especially as a Black student. Higher education is meant for everybody who qualifies, regardless of skin color. I think it is really important to take over spaces like these because we are the start of change. These institutions lead us to jobs that are high status and places where we do and want to see people that look just like us and are looking out for marginalized communities.

Advice to High School Students or Incoming Freshman: I would definitely say to research your major and all the requirements. For advice, I would say be intentional with the spaces you put yourself in. If you know you want to be involved in clubs, research, or opportunities, I would know in advance where to go and put yourself out there.

Favorite Course at UCSB: Philosophy 4- Intro to Ethics. I have always loved the idea of philosophy and I am a very inquisitive person. I took it with Elinor Mason and I just loved learning about the different philosophers and their different views. My professor also had a British accent and was fun to listen to :)

Plans After Graduation: After graduation, I would like to get my masters in business administration. To be honest, I do not know what exactly is in my future, butttt I know I want to work in inclusive marketing, entertainment, and creative directing. I also still love hair and my biggest dream is to open black hair salons all through the US that are dependable and consistent. Just like how there are supercuts all through the US.

Instagram: @_layyyooo · @hair.bylayo

Mya Delaney (she/her)

Major: Physical Geography with an Ocean Science Emphasis and Earth Science minor

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Long Beach, CA

Favorite Artists:Frank Ocean

Mya’s Story

My entire family played soccer growing up. My mom got injured before she could play in college, so it’s really cool that I get to fulfill my dream of playing at the collegiate level as well as her dream. I chose to attend UCSB because of the proximity to the beach and how welcoming the team was on my official visit. It’s an interesting experience because I am biracial. Because I go to a PWI, the Black community here is welcoming and tight-knit in my opinion. (Specifically, the Black student athletes) I feel more connected than ever to the Black community, simply because there aren’t very many of us at UCSB. My advice would be to attend BSU events and other Black community events to form connections and relationships with people.

Advice to High School Students or Incoming Freshman: In general, I would recommend sending out AS MANY emails as possible to coaches. Be polite. Be authentic. Be personable.

Favorite Course at UCSB: GEOG 4 Land Water Life has been my favorite course so far because of the professor and content. I was comfortable answering and asking questions in lectures. (Normally, I don’t raise my hand ever, just due to nerves.)

Plans After Graduation: I hope to attend grad school in San Diego. After that, I’d love to go into the environmental justice segment of environmentalism.

Instagram: @myajdelaney

TikTok: @myajdelaney

Noah Smith (he/they)

Major: Sociology

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Favorite Artists: SZA, Solange, Blood Orange, Marvin Gaye

Layo’s Story

I'm an adopted child with two parents, born in Chicago. Throughout my childhood, from ages 3 to 14, I was a gymnast. In my sophomore year of high school, I decided to do cheerleading as I always enjoyed creativity and performance in acrobatics. Being of an underrepresented background motivated me to continue in spaces where I do not commonly see individuals who look like me.

California, for the opportunities it offers, has always been my dream. Choosing UCSB for its social life, academic opportunities, and available campus resources was a major factor. The best part is, naturally, the beach! We have the beach as our backyard.

As a UCSB Cheerleader, I am also a research assistant in a Sociological research lab with Dr. Terell Winder, a McNair scholar, an ASPB Production Staff Member, and a Co-Chair to the Associated Students Human Rights Board. These are multiple responsibilities that can be overwhelming and have different requirements and expectations as a student. However, connecting with organizations and opportunities that align with me as an individual keeps me motivated and my spirits high!

There are times it feels isolating; being Black at UCSB came with polarizing experiences, and that has come with feelings of othering. As a Black Athlete, seeking community through organizations and social networks is a huge ticket to finding a grounded space. Reminding yourself that you bring something special into the spaces of higher education will keep you level-headed as a minority.

Advice to High School Students or Incoming Freshman: Look into experiences and resources for your identity group! Researching available community resources before entering college will help cushion you and your nerves as you navigate a large institution!

Favorite Course at UCSB: Social Inequalities - SOC145 with Caleb Dawson, an informative sociological course covering different forms of inequalities and stratifications. This class is collaborative and bridges learning with the professor and students.

Plans After Graduation: I will be getting my PHD and Doctorate in Sociology, followed by administrative leadership through public policy.

Instagram: @noahszmth

Kennedy Johnson (she/her)

Major: Political Science and Feminist Studies Double Major

Year: Senior

Hometown: La Verne, California

Kennedy’s Story

I grew up in a family full of athletes, so competition, discipline, and hard work were always a part of my environment from a young age. Being surrounded by competitive people taught me how to push myself and never settle for mediocrity, both on and off the track. My faith keeps me grounded through everything, and my “why” is rooted in God, my family, and wanting to promote representation for other Black students and athletes.

I chose to attend UCSB because I wanted a place where I could grow academically, socially, and athletically. UCSB challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone while being able to build lifelong relationships. My favorite part of being a UCSB student is meeting afferent people and learning from them and their experiences. There is something special about balancing rigorous academics with sunsets at the beach and moments that remind you to stay present and appreciate where you are.

At UCSB, I have been involved as a student-athlete and team captain, experiences that taught me leadership, accountability, and how to encourage others even during difficult moments. I am also involved in organizations like the A.S. Liaison Committee and Students for Reproductive Justice because advocacy and grassroots movements are important to me. Through these spaces, I found ways to connect my passions for policy, justice, and mentorship to real-world action. I joined these involvements because I never wanted college to just be about earning a degree. I wanted it to shape the kind of person and leader I become.

Being a Black student at a PWI has taught me how important it is to remain confident in who I am without dimming my light or shrinking myself to make others comfortable. There were definitely moments where I felt overlooked and belittled, but those experiences pushed me to become stronger, more grounded in my identity, and more intentional about building community. My faith has also helped me navigate through these spaces and given me peace when I questioned if I belonged or in uncertain times. I would want Black students and student-athletes to know that higher education is not a space where you have to “earn” your place. Your presence and voice already matter, and you deserve to be in that room.

Advice to High School Students or Incoming Freshman: I would encourage incoming students to get involved early and begin to build relationships with professors and mentors. There are resources like CAPS and the MultiCultural Center that help you to stay connected or navigate college. College moves fast, so do not get so focused on proving yourself that you forget to actually experience and enjoy your growth and time.

Favorite Course: FEMST 183: Action Lab or POLS 166: US Immigration Politics & Policy

Plans After Graduation: To travel and gain work experience then I plan on getting a master's degree in public policy.

Instagram: @kenni_johnson_