Iriafen’s favorite course is BAEP 552: Venture Feasibility with Hovig Tchalian, assistant professor of clinical entrepreneurship. According to Iriafen, Tchalian invites a collaborative, conversational atmosphere, while challenging students to create their own ventures and pitch them to the class on Tuesday nights.
“That’s one of the classes I look forward to. When we have a game, I’m like, ‘No! Why is it on Tuesday?’ Because I love going to that class,” Iriafen said.
Tchalian often took note of Iriafen’s commitment and active participation in class, providing engaged and thoughtful responses. Along with other Marshall professors, he appreciates the demanding schedules of students-athletes and strives to set them up for academic success despite the challenges.
“I’ve had a number of student-athletes in my classes over the last few years, and I’ve found them to be smart, disciplined, and conscientious,” Tchalian said. “I and other Marshall faculty realize that athletes have a lot on their plates and a very full daily schedule. We appreciate their dedication and hold them to the same standards we hold other students to. But we also try to be flexible if a game or two interferes with the schedule.”
Family, Trojans, and an Unlikely Tradition
Iriafen's drive to excel began during her childhood in Los Angeles, when her parents instilled in her a world-class work ethic and encouraged excellence in the classroom, as well as on the court. The culture of the USC women’s basketball team fosters the same high-achieving mindset.
When deciding whether to come to USC, Iriafen toured with members of the women’s basketball team, including fellow grad transfers and basketball players McKenzie Forbes and Kayla Padilla. Her future teammates couldn’t speak highly enough about their own time in MSEI, the supportive culture, and how the program set them up for their post-basketball careers.
Once enrolled, Iriafen saw first hand why other Trojan players vouched for the program.
“Everybody is very pro [student-athlete]. You can do both. [They] can help make it work for you,” Iriafen said. “I think that’s been one of the things that I’ve loved about the program as well.”
Even as she enters the last semester of her college career, Iriafen is determined to succeed in all facets of her education. Whether posting up the Big Ten center or pitching a startup in Professor Tchalian’s class, Iriafen is constantly pushing for success at the highest levels.
“I think in anything that I do, I want to do it with excellence,” Iriafen explained. “Of course, that’s not going to be perfect, but I think striving for excellence in all that I do, whether that’s on the court or in the classroom, is something that’s been instilled in me since I was little and something that I don’t take lightly.”
Back in Los Angeles, Iriafen’s journey has come full circle. Each night, as she dons the cardinal and gold, she can gaze to the stands to see two families: the one that raised her and the new one made at Marshall.
“It honestly feels like I have Senior Night every single night here in Galen Center,” Iriafen reflected. “To be able to have my parents and my siblings come to every single game, it just makes me want to play even harder, like I’m playing for something bigger than myself.”
As the next class of graduate transfers tours USC, Iriafen plans to offer them the same warm Marshall welcome she received.
“I hope to help promote the longevity of this MSEI-USC women’s basketball pipeline,” Iriafen said.
