3 minute read
pasion’s passion
Discovering career opportunities in the sports industry has sparked intense interest for first-generation college student Branden Pasion
by marissa dolson ’24
Advertisement
Attending Modesto Junior College has helped mature and humble Branden Pasion.
Hailing from Salida, California, the Linfield University first baseman says that with support from his family, he has learned a lot throughout his five years of college.
“My experience at Modesto Junior College helped me mature quickly. As a freshman at MJC, I was young and did not know how college worked. Modesto helped me develop good study habits and it showed me that if I want to be a college athlete, I have to work harder than I did in high school.
“That little extra step of going to a junior college helped me understand how a college athlete should act on and off the field.”
Pasion’s family in Salida was sad depart his home state but has continued support and motivate him throughout his Oregon. Cheering Branden on are his mother, Terri, father, Larry, and two sisters, Daniele Cortney, all of whom recently moved to “My family has shaped me to always because I am the only one in my immediate pursue a college degree,” he says.
Growing up in a close-knit family, his have impacted him and his success in throughout his journey. Pasion is grateful family’s dynamic support and the freedom pursue his dreams.
“My role models growing up were always my parents. My dad and I always connected easily with sports. He was my coach growing up and helped me become a successful athlete today. My mom was the one who pushed me academically and she shaped me to always work hard in the classroom and strive to do my best on all my assignments,” Pasion says.
When it came time to say goodbye family in Salida, he was packing his bags closer to a second family in McMinnville, “Transferring to Linfield was an easy familiar with McMinnville because I have At first, I was uncomfortable because I on campus. But as the fall semester and season came around, I became more with the campus and the guys on the team, smoothed my transition.”
As he emerged as a prominent player on the baseball team, Pasion began to create lasting friendships and memories in his new home at Linfield. The chemistry on the baseball team enabled Pasion to flourish.
Looking back to last season’s run to a share of the Northwest Conference championship and a berth in the league tournament, Pasion recalls how “my teammates accepted me with open arms and made me feel comfortable in a situation where I wasn’t entirely comfortable. One of my most memorable moments was our tournament run last year. While it ended in defeat, we had so much chemistry, which led to so much fun and success. It made the whole year memorable.”
Soon after arriving at Linfield, Pasion decided to explore sport management as a new major and it has since brought pure contentment.
“My academic career at Linfield helped me grow as a person because it allowed me to find what I like,” he says. “Before coming to Linfield, I was a mathematics major. I didn’t enjoy doing math for fun and wanted to explore other options.”
Growing up playing baseball his whole life and the it was clear where his The opportunity to earn a sport calling his name. declaring at Linfield, I immediately management was a major instantly. It helped me find that I truly like, it allowed me to passion for my work and find could do forever.”
Pasion pursues his love sports in various ways, he discovering more and more interests. Though he hasn’t narrowed down his specific career plans, he knows his calling is within the sport management field.
“My future goals are unknown because I am not familiar with working with sports. However the more courses I’ve taken, the more sports marketing interests me. At the moment, I am trying to get an internship during the summer and then hopefully I can a job.” decision to attend Linfield is one will never regret. He has overwhelmed by the joy, memories, friendships he has creMcMinnville. He is optimistic about the progresses. Right now, he has his another NWC Tournament run.
ETHAN RHOADS | 0
5-11 | Sophomore | INF Seattle, Washington
