Barbara Nwaba: Track and Field
Courtesy of UCSB athletics.
Barbara Nwaba is one of the most accomplished athletes to wear the Gaucho jersey. A 2012 graduate, Nwaba dominated the track and field scene, excelling in the pentathlon and heptathlon. These are track and field competitions that demand an all-round mastery of five and seven events respectively. The heptathlon includes javelin, shotput, high jump, long jump, 100m hurdles, 200m and 800m.
Though UCSB wasn’t known for producing elite sprinters, Nwaba shattered expectations. She became the fastest hurdler in university history in both the 100- and 400-meters, mastering all seven events of the heptathlon under the guidance of assistant coach Josh Priester. Her rapid development led her to a Big West Championship and a second-place finish in the NCAA heptathlon in 2012. But she wasn’t done yet. That same year, she competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials,
“I competed in my school uniform at the Olympic trials in 2012. I finished fifth and began to see that anything was possible,” Nwaba said.
Nwaba continued to train in Santa Barbara after graduation at the Santa Barbara Track Club, and in 2015, she won the U.S. heptathlon title. A year later, she secured her place on the world stage by winning the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials and competing in the Rio Olympics, where she finished 12th among the world’s best multi-event athletes.
Despite competing at the highest level, Nwaba holds UCSB close to her heart. When reflecting on her most memorable moment as a Gaucho, she recalled the 2012 Big West meet.
“Being with the team at the 2012 Big West meet when I ran in the 4×400 relay and we lost by half a point 一 that was emotional,” Nwaba said.
Nwaba’s journey from UCSB standout to Olympian is a testament to perseverance. Her legacy as an All-American – an honorary title given to elite college athletes – and Olympian remains inspiring to Gauchos to this day.
Orlando Johnson: Basketball
Courtesy of UCSB athletics.
Orlando Johnson’s name is key in UCSB’s basketball history. A 2012 graduate, he left an unforgettable mark on the program, becoming the first player from the Bob Williams coaching era to be inducted into the UCSB Hall of Fame. With his scoring prowess and leadership, Johnson helped lead Gaucho basketball to multiple successes.
During his time at UCSB, Johnson was a three-time All-Big West selection and the MVP of the conference tournament in both 2010 and 2011. This meant he was recognized as one of the top players in the Big West Conference and led the Gauchos to back-to-back Big West titles and NCAA tournament appearances. His ability to excel under pressure and strong team mentality made him a key figure in UCSB’s success.
“Taking the team to the NCAA tournament two years in a row — I had great teammates, and I came through when they needed me the most,” Johnson said.
A dominant force on the court, Johnson averaged 21.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game as a junior, finishing his collegiate career as UCSB’s all-time leading scorer with 1,825 points. His career didn’t stop there as he was selected 36th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2012 NBA Draft before being traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he signed a multi-year deal and played two seasons. He continued his professional basketball career for over a decade before officially retiring on Jan. 10, 2025.
Even after his renowned time as a Gaucho, Johnson remains connected to UCSB basketball, watching with pride as the program continues to grow.
“Seeing the Gauchos doing well on TV this year, you feel you played a special part in the history of the school, and you want it to continue,” Johnson said.
His legacy as a record-breaking scorer, champion and leader ensures that his impact on UCSB basketball will not be forgotten.
A version of this article was printed in the Feb 27th edition of the Daily Nexus.
