ATHERTON, Calif. -- There will be a strong voice bringing listeners Menlo College Athletics action during the Oaks' 2026-27 season as the department has announced Austin Ota will serve both as the Oaks Broadcaster and Sports Information Director for non-NCAA Athletics teams. Bringing broadcast and coverage experience from the Walnut Creek Crawdads and West Valley College previously, Ota is a familiar voice to the program after providing play-by-play for select Menlo events this past year.

"I am excited and humbled to start this position at Menlo," Ota said. "Sharing stories of student-athletes and a community is something that is so important to me, and the community at Menlo is second-to-none. I can't wait to get to know everyone here and tell their story."
 
In the summer of 2026, Ota completed a five-year tenure as the general manager of the Walnut Creek Crawdads in the California Collegiate League, three of which he spent as the teams' play-by-play broadcaster. His run finished with five trips to the postseason, two to the championship series, and culminated with a championship victory in 2026.
 
Ota spent the 2025-26 school year at West Valley College as the interim sports information director where he provided play-by-play for all home broadcasts, wrote game recaps and previews and conducted interviews with coaches and student-athletes.

"Austin adds so much to our team," said Executive Director of Sports Information Rob Garcia. "A true professional in his craft, his work as a broadcaster literally speaks for itself and, after having him on the call for some of our competitions last year, we are thrilled to have him on staff covering our programs."
 
A 2025 graduate of the University of the University of Oregon, Ota spent two years as the head director at KWVA 88.1 FM, the student radio station, where he broadcast numerous Oregon sports including football, women's basketball and volleyball, as well as baseball and volleyball on Big Ten Plus.