Athletics
Hail to the Matadors: Hall of Fame ’26
he 2026 CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame class, made up of five individuals and one team, will be inducted and celebrated during a night of Matador pride later this fall. The ceremony is sched-uled to take place Nov. 6.
This year’s inductees are Bobby Braswell ’85 (Men’s Basketball), Valerie Brisco-Hooks (Track and Field), Katie Holloway Bridge ’08 (Women’s Basketball), Dennis Gilbert (special inductee), Scott Sharts (Baseball), and the 1975 National Champion Men’s Track and Field team.
“CSUN Athletics has an incredibly rich history, and we’re honored to induct these proud Matadors into the CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Director of Athletics Ryan Swartwood.
Selections for the Hall of Fame are made by a committee of athletics admin-istrators and coaches, but the nomination process is heavily community-driven. To be considered, nominees must meet eligibility requirements under at least one of five categories: student-athlete, coach, team, community member or posthumous award.
Few individuals have had a greater impact on the success and growth of CSUN Men’s Basketball than Braswell. A proud alumnus, Braswell served as head coach from 1996-2013, and he became the winningest Division I coach in program history (a record he still holds). He led CSUN to the first two NCAA Division I “March Madness” tournament appearances in school history, in 2001 and 2009.
Brisco-Hooks, an All-American and one of the most decorated athletes in CSUN history, was a key member of the Women’s Track and Field program during one of the most successful periods in school history. In 1979, she helped lead the Matadors to the AIAW National Championship. BriscoHooks went on to become one of the most accomplished Olympians in U.S. track and field history. At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, she captured three gold medals: in the 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash and 4×400-meter relay. She added a silver medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, as a member of the 4×400-meter relay team.
Holloway Bridge is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who was named MVP of the Tokyo 2020 Games, as Sitting Volleyball team captain. She was a member of the Matador Women’s Basketball team from 2004-08. Holloway Bridge was born with fibular hemimelia — without a fibula bone — in her right leg, which led to amput-ation of her foot and ankle at age 2. Wearing a prosthetic leg, she went on to excel at basket-ball and volleyball. At CSUN, she established herself as one of the most efficient and impact-ful players in school history.
Gilbert’s impact extends far beyond the baseball field, combining success in business as an agent, professional sports and philanthropy in a career defined by innovation, leadership and service. He attended CSUN from 1969-71 before embarking on a career that has made him one of the most influential figures in sports business and financial services.
Sharts, who excelled as a power hitter and a dominant pitcher, was one the most versatile players in CSUN Baseball history. A star for CSUN from 1990-91, he helped the Matadors reach unprecedented success, including advancing to the NCAA Division II Championship Series and finishing as national runners-up. He went on to play four seasons of professional baseball.
The 1975 Men’s Track & Field team captured a national championship and cemented its place among the elite collegiate teams of its era. Led by head coach Cliff Abel, the Matadors’ season culminated with winning the 1975 NCAA Division II National Championship. The squad also included two individual national champions: Steve Albright dominated in the shot put, and Ed Chaidez ’78 captured the national title in the 6-mile run.
Soccer Coach’s Journey Comes Full Circle
“We have a hungry, motivated group with a really good balance of youth and experience,” Garcia said. “Our younger players bring energy, while our veterans know what to expect and can help bring those guys along. We also feel really good about our attacking group and believe we’ve added players who can help us score goals. More than anything, this team is connected. There’s a strong chemistry and camaraderie that we’ve been building.”
Garcia also hopes to add a spark in recruiting, said Head Coach Terry Davila. “Rafa looks for players with the right mentality,” Davila said. “He’s not just looking for talent. He wants players who can stay engaged, remain competitive throughout the entire game and continue to compete when things aren’t going their way. He’s very good at identifying those players and getting the best out of them.”
A former Matador, the late Greg Avila, was Garcia’s first club coach in his teen years. Avila saw the potential in Garcia from the start and brought him to his CSUN games. That’s where Garcia met coach Davila, who made a lasting impression and drew him to Northridge.
Later, as a Matador, Garcia earned three All-Big West Team selections, including a first-team honor as a senior in 2011. He played in 68 games, racking up five goals, eight assists and 18 points.
Garcia was a second-round pick in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft.
Kaiser Permanente Partnership Supports Local Health and Wellness
Kaiser Permanente will engage with the CSUN community through select athletics events and campus activities that promote health, wellness and connection. The organization also will have a presence at The Soraya, extending its reach beyond athletics into broader community experiences.