Cole Aman’s days leave little room for idle time. By noon, Aman has already moved between morning lectures and training with Cal Poly men’s soccer. Evenings often include more classes, film sessions and stacks of homework. In between, the sophomore from Portland, Ore. carves out time to recharge with friends or his girlfriend — brief pauses in a schedule built around two demanding pursuits. 

Aman is a biomedical engineering major concentrating in bioinstrumentation, drawn to the intersection of math, science, and helping others. Aman is also a Division I athlete expected to perform at the highest level. Balancing both is not easy, but Aman has found a rhythm that works: show up, stay consistent and trust the people nearby. 

As a student-athlete in one of the university’s most rigorous majors, Aman has learned that excellence is not a single achievement — excellence is a habit. A path at Cal Poly defined by discipline, curiosity and a belief that growth off the field matters as much as accomplishments on the field. 
 

  

When Aman committed to Cal Poly as a high school junior, Aman knew a major choice would come before arriving on campus. Aman gravitated toward subjects long considered favorites and a future built around helping others. Biomedical engineering felt like the perfect combination. 

"I knew that I was coming here and that I would have to decide my major before I started school," Aman recalled. My parents helped me a lot and we were trying to find something that would incorporate math and science, and I always thought I wanted to be able to try to help people with medicine. Biomedical engineering was kind of just a combo of all those things, and then we ended up deciding on that."  

Aman quickly discovered the right choice had been made. Early Biomechanical Engineering (BMED) courses showed the real-world impact of the field, and an introductory electrical engineering class — EE 201 — sparked a deeper interest in the technical side of medical devices and instrumentation. The more Aman learned, the stronger the desire became to keep going. 

Now, with a concentration in bioinstrumentation, Aman envisions a career designing devices that improve lives. A specific industry or company has not been settled on yet, but Aman is drawn to the possibilities within medical technology — especially work related to the heart and electrical systems. Wherever Aman’s career leads, meaningful work remains the goal. 
 

  

During the season, Aman’s weeks follow a steady rhythm. Cal Poly typically plays two matches a week, with game nights dedicated entirely to preparation and competition. Most days start with morning classes, followed by midday training, a short break, and then additional evening lectures. The rest of Aman’s time goes to homework, studying, and recovery with socializing filling in the gaps. 

Maintaining a 3.9 GPA while playing Division I soccer requires more than talent — structure is essential. Aman learned that lesson early in college. As a first-year student, time management needed work; over time, Aman built a routine that stuck. Consistency became the foundation. Aman attends every class, stays engaged and treats studying like another part of training. 

"It sometimes just requires sacrificing a little bit of time for that maybe you would have for other stuff or just trying to figure out how to manage your schedule," Aman said. "Sometimes you're waking up earlier or staying up a little later to do homework or study or things like that. But, you know, I feel really lucky because we have coaches who really understand that the academics take a lot of time. 

The support around Aman makes the balance possible. Cal Poly’s coaches respect the demands of the major and give Aman space to prioritize academics when necessary. Professors are flexible and understanding about travel and competition. That trust goes both ways — Aman meets professors’ expectations by staying organized and communicating clearly. 

"It's really important just showing up to classes, always trying to pay attention and listen to the professors, and ask them for help when you need it," Aman said. "I think those sort of things go a really, really long way and just not just for grades, but also just for trying to understand and learn the material the best you can." 

Aman does not measure success solely by high marks, but making the dean's list six times is a point of pride. The daily habits of showing up every day, attentiveness and a genuine desire to learn are behind the academic achievements, and these life skills mean the most. Results follow from the effort. 
 

  

Service has always been part of Aman’s life, but service took on new meaning at Cal Poly. The men’s soccer coaching staff emphasizes community involvement, and the team regularly volunteers with local food banks, trail cleanups, and youth clinics. Aman enjoys working with younger players and seeing the impact the team can have in San Luis Obispo. 

Aman also sees a clear connection between soccer and engineering. Both require collaboration, communication, and trust. On the field, players must make quick decisions and rely on each other in real time. In the classroom and lab, group projects demand clear roles, shared goals, and the ability to give and receive feedback. Each environment sharpens skills that translate to the other. 

"Our coaches have set a really high standard for us as a team to work as hard as we can and try to achieve excellence on and off the field," he said. "I think it's just about trying to do the best you can every day." 

Aman’s standard is simple: show up and give the best effort, whether in a lecture, a lift, a match or a lab. Aman credits coaches and professors for setting high expectations and helping meet those expectations. Aman has learned that excellence is not a finish line — excellence is a daily choice. For Aman, that choice looks like discipline, humility, and a steady commitment to people and communities served.