For sophomore swimmer Alexia Fajardo, Cal State East Bay has become more than just a place to compete. It is a community that has supported her growth in the classroom, in the pool, and through one of the most challenging seasons of her life.
"I chose Cal State East Bay because of its close community and excellent athletics," Fajardo said. "I knew I would thrive in the positive environment that East Bay provides, and I have done that and more. From the classroom to the pool, my teachers, coaches, teammates, and other athletes are all very supportive of my journey. Every day, I am pushed to become a better student and athlete. There is no question that East Bay is the place for me."
That sense of belonging has fueled her development as a competitor. Fajardo credits much of her daily motivation to the people she trains alongside.
"As a student-athlete, I am inspired by my teammates the most," she said. "Whenever I watch my teammates excel, whether it be at practice or at a meet, I am inspired to be just as excellent as they are."
Beyond the pool, her mother remains her greatest role model.
"My mom constantly works hard to provide for me," Fajardo said. "I admire her positive attitude and dedication. All I could ever wish for myself is to be as caring and committed as she is."
While her collegiate career has included major accomplishments, it has also required resilience. In October 2023, Fajardo was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and was hospitalized for a week. The diagnosis introduced a new reality that required physical adjustment and mental strength.
"Something recent that I've had to overcome athletically and in my personal life was being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis," she said. "After being hospitalized, I was put on infusion therapy that would take up two to three hours of my day, and I had to miss a lot of practices because of it."
The disruption to her routine was difficult, but Fajardo focused on adapting rather than retreating.
"Slowly, it has gotten easier," she said. "Changing the medications and processes I use has helped me not miss any practices anymore. With the help of my doctors and medication, I can compete at a high level and have my UC under control. Facing this adversity was hard at first, but over time, I have learned to manage it and not have it control me."
Her perseverance mirrors the determination she shows in competition. This season, she set specific performance benchmarks for herself in the pool.
"Personal goals that I am trying to achieve this season are going under two minutes in the 200 butterfly and under 54 seconds in the 100 fly," Fajardo said.
Team success has already been a highlight.
"For team goals, we have already achieved the team goal I wanted most, which is winning our conference," she said. "Our team really excelled this year, and we couldn't have done it without our combined efforts."
Outside of athletics, Fajardo is preparing for a future rooted in creativity and leadership. A marketing management major with a minor in advertising, she hopes to build her career in the Bay Area, where she was born and raised.
"My ideal future would be to live and work in the Bay Area," she said. "I would ideally like to manage advertising for a larger company. I would also like to travel around the world before I eventually settle down. I would love to visit much of Europe as well as Asia."
Even after her collegiate career ends, swimming will remain part of her life.
"For swimming, even after I am done competing in college, I would still like to swim for exercise and for fun," she said.
Fajardo is also passionate about social issues, including environmental advocacy, women's rights, and broader humanitarian concerns. She believes in staying informed and engaged in the world beyond athletics.
As she continues her sophomore season, Alexia Fajardo represents more than just times on a scoreboard. Her journey reflects discipline, perspective, and the ability to push forward even when circumstances change. In the water and beyond, she continues to move with purpose.
