At California State University, Dominguez Hills, a typical day for most students ends when they are done with classes.
For student-athletes, their days are just getting started. Longer practices, intense workouts, and preparing for games are also a part of their schedule. Life as a student-athlete representing the Toros is very different from that of the average student; discipline, commitment, and determination are required to manage every aspect of their daily lives outside of school.
As a member of the NCAA Division II and California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), Dominguez Hills has 10 inter-collegiate sports programs, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, golf, and track and field. Although game days attract spectators’ attention, most of the work is done out of view through practice and team meetings, which fill the athlete’s schedule for the entire week.
It can feel overwhelming for many student-athletes trying to balance their academics as well as athletic responsibilities due to the fact that both require time commitment similar to that of full-time jobs. For example, when a student-athlete has class in the morning and then goes to practice in the afternoon, they may have team meetings, review film of past games, or lift weights before starting homework or studying.
“One of the hardest things is not having weekends to do homework or study,” said Chris Cornelius, a CSUDH pitcher. “Playing four games a week makes it tough to be able to get my classwork done.”
To be at your physical and mental best, while juggling classes, tests, and group work, athletes need strong time-management skills and enough stamina to meet those expectations every time. When traveling frequently, those challenges can be heightened.
According to the NCAA, the Division II student-athlete graduation rate remains at an all-time high. It reached 77 percent in 2025.
For many collegiate athletes, continuing to play sports while pursuing an education played a major role in their decision to choose CSUDH. Some other collegiate athletes state that the university offers both a good student experience and a strong athletic program, allowing them to take part in both aspects of college life without one overshadowing the other. To most, they come for the connections they’ve made during visits and the overall location of the school.
“I chose CSUDH because I was a big fan of our head coach, Tyler Wright,” Cornelius said. “When I met him during my visit, I knew that CSUDH was the place for me. Plus, I came here because it’s not too far from my home in Fullerton, so my parents could come to all of my games.”
For commuter campuses like CSUDH, athletics can create a sense of community among students. By attending events at Toro Stadium and the Torodome, students, families, and community members come together and support the teams. For many, this may be the only time they engage with the campus outside the classroom.
“I feel more connected to the school when I attend sporting events. Commuters may feel disconnected from campus life until they participate or get involved with the athletics community,” said Marquez Johnson, a CSUDH student.
Athletics can also help develop a sense of pride in the school, as student-athletes represent the university both on and off the field through many opportunities, including community outreach, working with the youth of Carson, and creating a presence for CSUDH beyond the campus.
“A lot of people in the community come out and support the athletics department, so it feels like we’re involved for more than just the team as we’re playing a role representing something bigger than ourselves,” said CSUDH student, who declined to provide his name in an interview with the Bulletin.
For many Toros athletes, the experience of competing in NCAA Division II athletics goes beyond wins and losses; It creates opportunities for them to develop discipline, establish relationships, and represent CSUDH. Although it is challenging for some student-athletes, the experience has given many a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
As student-athletes at CSUDH continue their semester and balance busy schedules, they also contribute to Dominguez Hills’ identity, campus, and cultural life by creating an environment for all students to celebrate and create community.