CARSON -- The Cal State Dominguez Hills community mourns the passing of women's volleyball assistant coach Victor De La Cruz, who passed on June 2, 2026 after a battle with cancer.

A Hacienda Heights native who earned two first-team All-Area selections in volleyball and soccer at Los Altos High School and attended Westcliff University where he competed as both an outside hitter and setter, De La Cruz completed his third season as a Toro assistant coach in 2025.

Prior to joining CSUDH, De La Cruz spent four seasons at Rio Hondo College as an assistant coach, where he helped lead the Roadrunners to a South Coast Conference Championship, the program's first since 1995. He also coached at Los Altos High School, serving as head freshman girls coach and later as assistant varsity coach for the boy's program, helping guide the Conquerors to their first CIF championship in school history.

At the club level, De La Cruz coached for six years at ICON Volleyball Club, working with athletes ages 12–18. He also completed his second year with Surfside Volleyball Club, where led teams at the top divisions. He is also a member of the Gold Medal Squared coaching staff and previously served as the head varsity boys coach at La Mirada High School.

De La Cruz is survived by family, friends and the countless lives he impacted on and off the court, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he worked with. His dedication, leadership, and genuine care for others will never be forgotten. He was a proud Toro who represented the university with professionalism, pride, and integrity every day, and his legacy will continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched.