CSU Dominguez Hills launches California's only varsity cycling team

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) has officially launched a varsity cycling team, making it the only university in California to offer a collegiate-level cycling program. The sport was added to the athletics department on September 2, marked by the signing of the program’s first student-athlete, Alejandro Che.

The initiative is supported by USA Cycling and AEG, the operator of the VELO Sports Center located at the Dignity Health Sports Park on the CSUDH campus. The VELO Sports Center is the largest of three active indoor velodromes in the United States and serves as the home for USA Cycling’s national track cycling program.

Interim President Mary Ann Villarreal noted that the program aims to provide athletes with the ability to pursue higher education without abandoning competitive cycling, especially as the campus prepares to host Olympic track cycling events in 2028. Travis Smith, manager of the VELO Sports Center and a 30-time Canadian national champion, will serve as the team’s coach for its inaugural season.