CARSON -- A number of former Cal State Dominguez Hills student-athletes have turned in one uniform for another, currently finding themselves in the middle of today's fight against COVID-19.  

GoToros.com salutes these alums, and will recognize their heroic efforts on the front line as the pandemic continues to alter the way we go about our daily activities.

This profile in courage features Valerie Osborn (nee Long), a 4-year member of the Toros softball team who currently works as a West Region EMS Account Manager - McKesson Medical Surgical, after graduating from CSUDH in 2006 with a Business degree, before earning her MS in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Health & Human Performance from the University of Central Missouri in 2013.

In her four years in Cardinal and Gold, Valerie thrice was named an All-CCAA selection, earning 1st-team honors as a senior en route to leading the Toros to a record 46 wins.  She also earned an All-Region nod and was named the 2005 CSUDH Female Athlete of the Year.

In the circle, Osborn also holds the distinction of pitching the Toros to the program's first-ever win in NCAA postseason play, and forever is etched in CSUDH softball lore for throwing a no-hitter.

Also a stellar student, Valerie earned a pair of Academic All-District honors before embarking on a career as an assistant coach for the Toros for two seasons, doubling as the department's academic advisor.

Thank you, Valerie, for your commitment and dedication to serve.

Vitals	Hometown	Stockton
	Sport (Years)	Softball (2002-05)
	CSUDH Graduation	2006 in Business
	Graduate School	2011 from the University of Central Missouri
	Current Profession	West Region EMS Account Manager - McKesson Medical Surgical

How I'm helping:
"My everyday role is to ensure EMS/Fire/Paramedic agencies are stocked with the medical equipment, supplies, and medications they need to serve their patients and the community. Thankfully, I work for McKesson, Fortune's #8 company and an industry leader in medical supply distribution. We are partnering with the federal government and FEMA on Project Airbridge to bring medical supplies and much needed Personal Protective Equipment back to our first responders and medical personnel who are helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic."

My motivation to help is:
"Comes from how I was raised. My mama taught me to 'Always, do the right thing!' Finding solutions and being available to my accounts so they can serve the community during this pandemic is 'the right thing' to do. I am in a position where we can help protect those who are are caring for our sickest patients in hot spots across the nation. I have a strong sense of pride and fulfillment when I am able to get PPE equipment and scarce medications to our first responders on the front lines when they have been reusing equipment or fashioning makeshift PPE to get by."

How life has changed in 2020:
"Prior to COVID-19 my work-life was mostly spent in airports and hotels traveling to visit EMS accounts in my west region territory. During the pandemic, I have been working mostly from home. I and my company have been working around the clock to ensure our customers get the supplies they need. I will continue to serve my EMS community from an appropriate and respectful distance moving forward, doing whatever is needed to keep them equipped to serve patients and the community."

How my participation in collegiate athletics influences me during the current pandemic:
"Collegiate athletics prepared me for LIFE, not just the current pandemic! I am equipped with the necessary intangible tools to be successful in all aspects of my life. I am able to persevere in times of adversity, communicate and work in teams to find solutions to problems, be flexible in ever-changing environments, and most importantly, always finding a way to WIN! Yes, I said it, WINNING is Important!"