RECognition: Kyan Fries, REC Experience
Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff
By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director
If Kyan Fries could have one superpower, he says it would be to pause time.
“Mainly so I can study and sleep while it’s paused and still not miss out on doing the things I love,” Kyan says.
And he has a lot to love.
When he’s not working as a Facility Supervisor at RIMAC and Main Gym, going to class, or playing guitar in his dorm, Kyan finds time to donate to worthy causes such as Camp Kesem — a student-run non-profit organization dedicated to supporting kids through and beyond a parent's cancer — and free clinics with the UCSD Pre-Dental Society.
“Kesem’s atmosphere is amazing because everyone is dedicated to a meaningful cause, and the impact you make on the kids is truly rewarding,” he says. “I volunteered as a counselor for both weeks of camp, and I made really strong bonds with both my campers and fellow counselors.”
The Pre-Dental Society (PDS) is intrinsically linked to Kyan’s intended career path. After graduating in the spring of 2026 with a degree in general biology, Kyan plans to go to dental school, specializing in pediatric dentistry or oral surgery. He joined PDS to participate in their student-run volunteer dental clinics that provide free care to underserved people.
“This is another extremely rewarding, but also very eye-opening experience,” says Kyan, a fourth-year in Seventh College. “I have been volunteering in the clinics for a little over a year now, and both PDS and Kesem have affirmed that I really enjoy working with people directly to have a positive impact on their well-being.”
Joining Recreation Experience in Spring Quarter of 2025, Kyan’s primary roles at RIMAC and Main Gym include opening and closing the buildings, handling emergencies, being a point of contact for patrons who need assistance, setting up for events, and supporting his fellow staff.
“I already use the facilities a lot with working out and Intramural Sports, so I thought I would apply because it’s a part of campus I feel connected to,” Kyan says.
Kyan hasn’t been with Recreation very long, but is already making an impression, says Recreation Experience Supervisor Erica Moe.
“He has been promoted to Facility Supervisor, and he is already becoming a leader within our department,” Moe says.
Aside from his volunteering, one of Kyan’s other passions is volleyball. He’s been playing since high school and says it’s “by far” his favorite Intramural Sport — though he plays several.
“I love volleyball because it's very fast-paced,” Kyan says. “The reliance on your team demands good chemistry, and being in an intense rally with lots of close saves is thrilling.”
During his downtime, Kyan likes to turn things up by playing guitar. His go-to song to play right now is “Europa,” by Santana. “Although I'm almost done working through ‘Cowboys from Hell,’ by Pantera, and it feels so awesome to play those fast legato runs in the solo.” His favorite guitarist, he says, is the virtuoso known as Buckethead, who — you guessed it — wears a (Kentucky Fried Chicken) bucket on his head and a white mask on stage.
"My favorite thing is that I feel like he plays guitar simply because he loves to do so,” Kyan says. “He doesn't put as much effort into releasing music tailored to an audience so he can make the most money, his playing sounds like it was made simply to appeal to his own interests, and I think that makes his music enjoyable for people who appreciate the more technical side of guitar playing.”
If only Kyan could pause time and appreciate that — and his various other passions — just a little longer. After all, he has a lot to love.
