Rick Hoskin stands overseeing media day for the California State University, Dominguez Hills softball team in 2018. Photo courtesy of Rick Hoskin
By Sara Bhatt, Staff Reporter
Rick Hoskin, assistant athletic director and sports information director at California State University, Dominguez Hills, announced on Jan. 24 that he would officially be leaving CSUDH Athletics after almost eight years. Hoskin has accepted a similar position at California State University, Chico that begins in March.
Hoskin, who has not lived near family since 2009, noted that being closer to his family is one of the main reasons for his decision to leave CSUDH. Hoskin has enjoyed his time in southern California and all that it has to offer but ultimately he is ready for his next adventure.
When asked what he will miss most about Dominguez Hills Athletics, Hoskin was quick to note, “I’m going to miss a lot of people here, especially the student-athletes. Everything starts with them.” Over the years, he has especially loved the process of getting to know the student-athletes as individuals outside of their respective sports and watching them go on to be successful in all different walks of life. To know that he was a part of their journey is an incredibly rewarding feeling.
During his time at CSUDH, Hoskin was an integral part of many projects however introducing and producing the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) network is his proudest accomplishment at Dominguez Hills. The CCAA network has allowed for livestream footage of games to be accessed anywhere and capture highlights all while getting multiple camera angles. In Hoskin’s eyes, and many others, the CCAA network has “enhanced the student-athlete experience” and although he recalled the process being a challenge, it has been an incredible success.
Over the years, Hoskin has been a big part of many memorable moments with Dominguez Hills Athletics. When asked about a specific memory that stands out, Hoskin said, “There are so many moments that stick out. In my very first year here, the men’s soccer team qualified for regionals and made it as far as the third round, just like our 2022 team did. The softball team’s tournament run [in 2022] was something that’s going to be cherished for the rest of my life. It was a lot of fun.”
Hoskin has worked with a plethora of amazing individuals while at CSUDH saying, “I got to know a lot of people around here but the reason for my success here is because I’m surrounded by the best.” Specifically, he credited Sara Perry, Melanie Molina, and Mel Miranda as those who aided in shaping and influencing him here at Dominguez Hills. Above all else, Hoskin noted that Kim Lopez, the current office manager for CSUDH Athletics, has always taken care of him and he will truly miss her and her caring heart. “There are a lot more people inside and outside this department that I’m going to miss so much but that was the core and that was where my success came from during my time here,” said Hoskin.
In his many accomplishments overall with CSUDH Athletics, Hoskin will be remembered for tapping into his inner “MacGyver” by attacking obstacles head-on with both innovation and determination. Hoskin and his instrumental impact on the CSUDH Athletic Department will be greatly missed, however, everyone at Dominguez Hills is excited to see the great things he accomplishes at Chico State.
