CARSON – California State University, Dominguez Hills Athletics is proud to announce the appointment of Teddi Esko as the new Head Coach for the Women's Volleyball team, bringing an extensive and distinguished coaching career spanning two decades to the Toros.
Esko, who has spent the last 21 years developing and leading the volleyball program at Rio Hondo College (RHC), has been a transformative figure in collegiate volleyball. Under her guidance, the Roadrunners have seen unprecedented success, including remarkable seasons, conference accolades, and advancements in regional playoffs. Esko's leadership has not only elevated the performance of her teams on the court but has also emphasized academic excellence and athletic success, with a significant number of her student-athletes transferring to four-year universities across the nation.
"We are excited about the hiring of Coach Esko. She is CSUDH Masters Graduate under our own FAR Dr. Mike Ernst and winner, academically and athletically" said AVP/Director of Athletics Eric McCurdy. "We are looking for Coach Esko to grab the baton and continue the race for our volleyball program to compete in one of toughest conferences in the country. We would like to also give a special thank you to Dr. Kurt Patberg and Mammoth Search Firm for conducting a professional, insightful, and collaborative search process."
In her tenure at RHC, Esko was instrumental in leading the team to one of its finest seasons in program history in 2023, culminating in a first-place finish in the South Coast Conference and a highest ranking of No. 12 in the California Community College Women's Volleyball Coaches Association State Poll. They reached CCCAA Elite Eight and State Sweet 16. Her achievements have earned her multiple Coach of the Year honors, including the Foothill Conference Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2015, South Coast Conference Coach of the Year in 2019, 2022, and 2023, and the CCCAA SoCal Regional Coach of the Year in 2023.
"I am honored and very excited about this opportunity to lead the Toro Volleyball program" said coach Esko. "Cal State Dominguez Hills is a place that helped shape my career path, so it makes this opportunity extra special. This is such a special time in these student-athletes' lives, so I'm very grateful to be a part of their journey! I can't wait to get started building a team of resilient young women that always play hard, and above all, play for the success of each other. Let's go Toro's!"
Beyond her coaching accomplishments, Esko has significantly contributed to the volleyball community as a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association, serving as a Mentor Coach, and holding positions within the CCCWVCA and CCCBVCA. She is also a respected Professor of Kinesiology at RHC, with a focus on strength, conditioning, sports nutrition, and distance education.
Esko's connection to CSUDH runs deep, having obtained her Master's Degree in Administration and Physical Education from the university. Her collegiate career as a multi-sport athlete and her professional journey reflect her dedication and passion for volleyball and education.
CSUDH looks forward to the expertise, energy, and leadership Esko will bring to the Women's Volleyball program, confident in her ability to guide our student-athletes to new heights of success both on and off the court.
