Cadet Profiles

Olivia Baptiste ’25

October 17, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Parker, Colorado

Major: Biomedical Science

Outfit: Squadron 20

A member of Squadron 20, Olivia Baptiste ’25 currently serves as the Commanding Officer of Parsons Mounted Cavalry.

Off the Quad, Olivia volunteers with the Courtney Cares Equine Therapy Program and a local nursing home. In her free time, Olivia enjoys hiking, trail running with her dog, Nellie, fly fishing and baking.

“The Corps has blessed me with countless opportunities to better understand my gifts and how I can use them in service to others. Beyond that, I have gained valuable experience in observing others’ strengths and weaknesses and learning how to develop and grow alongside them,” Olivia said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Olivia plans to attend veterinary school and pursue a career as a rural mixed-practice veterinarian.

James Guandolo ’25

September 23, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Highland Park, Texas

Major: Computer Science

Outfit: Corps Staff/Company S-2

Originally from Company S-2, James Guandolo ’25 currently serves as the 2024-2025 Deputy Corps Commander. Prior to being named the Deputy Corps Commander, James served as the First Regiment Sergeant Major.

In addition to his leadership position on the Quad, James is a member of the Ross Volunteer Company and the Recon Company. As a freshman, James was a member of the Fish Drill Team, where he was part of the team's 12th consecutive championship win at Tulane University's NROTC Mardi Gras Drill Meet.

Off the Quad, James is a member of Texas A&M's Cyber Leadership Development Program.

“My experience in the Corps of Cadets has profoundly shaped my character and abilities; equipping me with essential skills for life. From the very beginning, Texas A&M's core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service were ingrained in me,” James said of his time in the Corps.

"The Corps provided me with numerous resources, from academic support to practical experience. These resources were invaluable in my academic and personal growth, teaching me the importance of taking initiative and seeking guidance when necessary. I've grown more assertive, resilient, creative and confident. These lessons in critical thinking, decisive action and effective communication will continue to guide me as I step into future challenges. I am confident in the foundation that the Corps has provided me," he continued.

After graduation, James plans to commission into the United States Marine Corps.

Aurora Villarreal ’25

August 22, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Woodland Park, Colorado

Major: Sociology

Outfit: Corps Staff/Company F-2

Originally from Company F-2, Aurora Villarreal ’25 currently serves as the 2024-2025 Corps Public Relations (PR) Officer. Prior to being named the Corps PR Officer, Aurora served as the Corps PR Sergeant for the 2023-2024 academic year.

In addition to her leadership position on the Quad, Aurora serves as the Co-Captain for the Corps Women’s Soccer team.

Off the Quad, Aurora works as a patient care technician on a cardio monitoring unit.

“The Corps has taught me to make every decision with purpose and intentionality. Understanding that everything in the Corps has a purpose and learning what that means to me has changed how I respond in certain situations, how I work with others and more,” Aurora said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Aurora plans to pursue a nursing degree and work as a cardiovascular nurse.

Deandre Macri ’25

May 7, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Killeen, Texas

Major: Meteorology

Outfit: Corps Staff/Squadron 6

Originally from Squadron 6, Deandre Macri ’25 currently serves as the 2024-2025 Corps Commander. Prior to being named the Corps Commander, Deandre served as the Corps Sergeant Major.

In addition to his leadership position on the Quad, Deandre is currently a member of the Corps Marathon team. Deandre was also previously a member of the Class of 2025 National Champion Fish Drill Team, the Corps Color Guard and the Cadet Awareness Diversity Expansion Team (C.A.D.E.T.).

Off the Quad, Deandre is a member of the Texas A&M Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (TAMSCAMS).

“The Corps of Cadets has developed me as a leader by providing an environment that empowers me to lead confidently while simultaneously providing a safe place to fail at 100% and learn from my mistakes. This experience has made me resilient and prepared for challenges I will face in life beyond graduation,” Deandre said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Deandre plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where he hopes to serve as a Weather Officer. Deandre also plans to obtain his PhD in climatology and research satellite warfare with the United States Space Force.

Ayla Myrin ’24

April 12, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Arcadia, Utah

Major: Agricultural Leadership & Development

Outfit: Squadron 2

Ayla Myrin ’24 presently serves as the Logistics Officer for Squadron 2. In addition to her participation in the outfit, Ayla is also a member of the Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit (CCMU).

Off the Quad, Ayla enjoys leatherwork, reading, shooting and spending time with her family.

“During my sophomore year in the Corps I had the opportunity to teach the then freshman class on CCMU how to be good teammates, students, and cadets in addition to weapons handling and marksmanship. Watching their growth and achievements as they have developed into capable shooters and leaders in their own right has been the best experience of my college career. I have learned that teamwork and hard work are everything and serving those around you is the most rewarding thing you can do,” Ayla said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Ayla plans to return to Utah to work on her family’s cattle ranch and beef business.