Spotlight: From the LAX Field to the Final Frontier

FLIGHT PATH

Applying to the Notre Dame Master of Science in Business Analytics program meant navigating some logistical turbulence. Josh Yago (MSBA ’26) needed a full academic scholarship to satisfy the Air Force’s graduate school requirements, resulting in weeks of anxious yet hopeful phone calls. He was initially told he wasn’t permitted to play lacrosse, but Yago reported to campus in August anyway, intent on attending Mendoza regardless.

 

SQUAD TRAINING

Yago took leadership lessons from the Air Force Academy directly into the Notre Dame locker room, instantly anchoring an offense that had lost all three starters from the previous year. He earned ACC Offensive Player of the Week accolades after leading the Irish with nine points off five goals and four assists in two wins, right before the team climbed to No. 1 in the country.

 

SPACE FORCE BOUND

At the Academy, Yago majored in operations research — a blend of data science and business management. He’ll soon report for duty in the Space Force, perhaps in satellite operations. Mendoza’s emphasis on networking gives him an edge, as he expects to work with NASA and companies such as Lockheed Martin or Space X.

 

THE PERFECT ASSIST

Yago’s father, Roger Yago, played for the University of Colorado football team that defeated Notre Dame 10-9 in the 1991 Orange Bowl to win the national championship. But Josh has left his own mark under the Golden Dome. He helped keep the dream of an NCAA championship title alive until the Irish fell to No. 1 Princeton in the finals. Josh was named to the Championship All-Tournament Team. For him, ultimate success isn’t measured in box scores or statistics, but in the trust of his teammates.

“Josh brings his background and experiences as a leader at the Academy and a great appreciation for the opportunities he has earned.”

Baumer Family Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach Kevin Corrigann

 

2026 Magazine Issue