UC San Diego

Shane Poppen
Men's Basketball
2009 – Roosevelt – Economics

From a very young age, UC San Diego Basketball alumnus Shane Poppen (2009) had the motivation to succeed. At the age of 18, while still in high school, he obtained his real estate license. Knowing that he wanted to enter the commercial real estate industry, Shane worked at multiple firms while still a student-athlete at UC San Diego. Now, only five years after graduation, he is a Vice President of Hughes Marino, one of the leading commercial real estate firms in Southern California.   

During his time as a UC San Diego basketball student-athlete, Shane excelled on the court. He was an All-Conference selection his senior year (2008-09) and still ranks top 5 (DII) in single-season rebounding (221), career rebounding (544), career free throws made (255) and games played (113). Even though Shane experienced much individual success on the court, his most cherished Triton moment was when his team won the CCAA Championship Tournament in San Bernardino and went on to the NCAA DII West Regionals: “Three years of hard work paid off!”

Shane is adamant that his experience as a Triton student-athlete gave him an edge in the professional world.  He points to invaluable characteristics he learned while on the Triton Men’s Basketball Team, including determination and persistence. “In business, some people expect results quickly, but you need to stick with it, work hard, and things will pay off.”

Even though his collegiate basketball career has ended, the Triton bond that formed between Shane and his teammates is stronger than ever. Although they have all gone in different directions, the team makes sure to take time to catch up. The group especially looks forward to Homecoming and the Men’s Basketball Alumni game, as well as any alumni receptions during the season.

As it was when he was a Triton Athletics Council representative, Shane still makes giving back to the local community a top priority. Shane is a board member at the McAlister Institute, one of San Diego County's largest alcohol and drug treatment providers, and volunteers for various other organizations, including Feeding America San Diego. It is evident that he works hard to make a difference and have a positive impact on the San Diego community.

As to Shane’s greatest inspiration and mentor: John Wooden. “He influences my life every day,” he says. Shane defines ‘success’ with a John Wooden quote: “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” With all of his determination, effort, and perseverance in athletics and business alike, it is safe to say that Shane has truly achieved success and has embodied what it is like to be a true Triton Alumni Athlete.