BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHT HOME

CSU Bakersfield is next on the Black History Spotlight as we take a look at Gyasi Zardes and Ty Outland ('15).
 
Gyasi Zardes was a prolific forward for CSU Bakersfield, tallying 38 goals and 94 points in only three seasons. Zardes led the team to three consecutive MPSF Pacific Division titles and to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2011. His goals and assists are the most in the Roadrunners' Division I era and rank second all-time in program history.

His accomplishments on the field led to a bevy of awards. He was named 2010 MPSF Rookie of the Year, MPSF Player of the Year in 2011 and '12, an All-West Region selection in each of his three seasons and received All-America honors from the NCSAA, College Soccer News, Soccer America and College Sports Madness over his his last two seasons. Zardes was also a Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2011, given to the top player in collegiate soccer.

Zardes signed with LA Galaxy as a homegrown player, hailing from nearby Hawthorne. He had an outstanding debut season, setting MLS history as the highest homegrown player scorer in league history with 16 goals. The breakout campaign earned him selection to the senior United States men's soccer team, making his international debut on January 28, 2015 against Chile. Zardes currently plays for the Columbus Crew SC and has earned 56 appearances with Team USA since his debut.

Zardes has also given back to his hometown, furthering the game of soccer in the area. He partnered with LA Galaxy and Chevrolet to transform several underused tennis courts into new futsal courts in Hawthorne in 2016. Part of that was an unveiling of a mural of Zardes as part of a series that depicted civic pride and the game of soccer. He also found earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Cal State Dominguez Hills in 2017, earning his diploma on the same field that he won the MLS Cup with the Galaxy.

Hometown Hero Gyasi Zardes Proud to Represent Hawthorne as He Continues His Meteoric Rise with the LA Galaxy - LA Galaxy

 
Ty Outland went from humble upbringings in Compton, Calif., to one of the most accomplished players to ever put on a CSU Bakersfield uniform. In the program career record lists, she ranks first in total points (2,078), field goals (722), free throws (528), free throws attempts (709), and games played (132). She also ranks third in steals (231) and rebounds (627) and fourth in assists (310).

Outland's decorated playing career led to several accolades as she was named first team All-WAC in 2014 and '15 as well as honorable mention All-America honors from the WBCA in both of those seasons. She also became the first player in CSUB history to sign a WNBA contract when she agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2015. Outland also graduated from CSUB with a degree in criminal justice and had her jersey retired by Lynwood High School following an outstanding prep career.

Outland returned to CSUB to serve as an assistant coach under Greg McCall, the same coach she played for during her prolific career.