CSUMB’s Otter Athletics reveals new brand logo at its Montes Award show

By Walter Ryce

CSUMB’s Otter Athletics department assembled the whole team — student-athletes, coaches, staff, campus administrators, almost 300 strong — to honor their top performing athletes at their annual Montes Award show on Monday, April 28, at the World Theater. 

“I’m honored to be here today celebrating all of you in Otter Athletics,” President Vanya Quiñones told the audience. “You are always working very, very hard. I watch you in action… and I look at you with amazement.”

“I used to shuttle my kids to soccer,” she continued. “I know the importance of parents. Please give a round of applause to your parents.” 

Next, Kirby Garry, Otter athletics director, spoke. 

“I’m thankful to be here and I’m humbled to be your athletic director,” Garry told the audience. “Tonight is a night we get fired up and get renewed spirit.”

Minutes later, as student play-by-play announcer Jacob Van Roekel called out the winners, the raucous audience cheered in support as fellow athletes – dressed up in award-gala style – walked across the stage to collect crystal awards in categories such as Newcomer of the Year, Scholar Athlete of the Year, and more. 

Athlete of the Year awards went to soccer player Jennifer Limon, who recovered from a knee injury and garnered CCA All-Region honors, and baseball player KW Quilici, who made a celebrated and viral wall-climbing catch to rob Cal State San Marcos of a homer. 

The end of the jubilant show was punctuated by a surprise appearance — a dramatic video montage of CSUMB’s athletes in action that culminated in the unveiling of Otter Athletic’s new logo, marks and colors.  

Here is a video of that brand reveal.

The new logo designs were created by award-winning designer Benjamin Mayberry, a former Otter student-athlete who has done work on graphics and designs for the 49ers, Oakland A’s, New England Patriots, San Antonio Spurs, Leeds United, Real Madrid and more.

“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Mayberry. “To return to the university and athletic department that shaped the foundation of my design and sports marketing career, and to be entrusted with refreshing the brand, is an accomplishment I’ll always hold close. It’s incredibly meaningful to contribute to a place that gave me so much, and to help shape its future for the next generation of Otters.”

The annual Montes Award show is a fun, year-end celebration of CSUMB student-athlete achievements on the field as well as in the classroom and in our communities. 

After the show, Otter student-athletes and mascot Monte Rey donned Athletics gear with the new logo and posed on the stage to show off the new look, colors and spirit. Then all the athletes walked next door to the University Center to enjoy dinner and celebrate together. 

Clothes and gear with the new logo will be available at the CSUMB bookstore and through the Otter Athletics website..