Pacific Index

A team built on enthusiasm, confidence, and the occasional questionable strategy

   In the dim, echoing halls of Stoller, a team of unlikely heroes emerges. These champions don’t wear capes— well, unless you count their hoodies and athletic gear. Armed with double-knotted shoelaces, excessive energy drinks, and dreams of reclaiming their long-lost glory (or just having a bit of fun), are the Stoller StreetBallers— a group of administrators, coaches, and alumni who’ve traded spreadsheets for basketballs, and emails for layups.

   The Stoller StreetBallers are captained by Hayden Huzefka, Pacific University’s director of intramurals and recreation. While Huzefka’s bachelor’s degree in history is a testament to his intellectual expertise, his true claim to fame lies in his past as a recreational basketball legend (in his own mind). This team is here to prove one thing: that the halls of the athletic facility are not only for answering student worker time-off requests, but also for alley-oops, fast breaks, and perhaps a few half-court shots. Huzefka describes his pregame ritual as nothing more than an average day, “Me personally, I’m going to be making sure that the rest of the intramurals are running properly. Because that’s my job.” He does, however, admit that The Largest by BigXthaPlug will be blasting in the intramural office before game time. Huzefka leads this season with complete confidence, stating, “Depending on how many games we play, I don’t plan on dropping a single one, but I would rather not give away game plans prior to the season.”

   This roster is composed of Pacific University’s finest athletic administrators, coaches, and alumni with unmatched enthusiasm and a whole lot of energy. Mallory Hiefield, the assistant athletic director, shared her excitement, “We spend so much time watching sports that this is our chance to be in the action. Intramurals are open to all students, staff, and faculty, so it would be great to get a faculty team or anyone who wants to join.”

   Adding to the dynamic, Huzefka isn’t the only one showing confidence for the season. Derek Wiley, Pacific’s sports information director, is coming in hot with previous 12th man experience from his middle school basketball team. Wiley explained his strategy saying, “I’m going 0-15 in the first game so I don’t get guarded, then I’m going to come back in the second half and not miss.” Confidence? Absolutely. Realism? Debatable.

   Nick Veach, director of athletic facility operations, is ready to prove that his expertise extends beyond hammering padding onto the back of the baseball stadium. He said with unwavering certainty, “We are guaranteed to win the championship,” before adding, “How could we not? Hayden pays the refs.” This bold statement was later confirmed by Huzefka himself, “I literally pay the refs.”

   As Huzefka, the team’s captain, aptly puts it, “Intramurals offer a fun outlet for students at Pacific University. You get the competitive spirit of varsity sports without the heavy time commitment. We take care of all the organizing— the planning, the setup, the referees, so you can just show up, ball out, and have a great time.” And while the Stoller StreetBallers may be setting the bar high with their confidence, Pacific University’s intramural sports provide students, staff, and faculty, with a chance to get active. With options like sand volleyball, indoor soccer, pickleball, and more, there’s no excuse not to jump in and have some fun. After all, the only thing more rewarding than the game itself is the community that comes with it.