By Paige Bortner

Hastings College has become a place where athletic tradition continues long after graduation, with many former student-athletes returning to serve as coaches and mentors. Among them are Head Track & Field Coach Zac Osgood and Head Tennis Coach Josh Sodorff. Their journeys from competitors to leaders offer insight into how returning alumni shape the culture and future of Hastings athletics.

For Coach Zac, the transition from athlete to coach began early and unfolded naturally. “I went to UNL for a year, and decided I didn’t want to go back there. Since both my parents graduated from here, they kind of talked me into coming to Hastings College,” he said. Once on campus, his path solidified quickly. “I lined up my graduate assistant position before I was done with my junior year,” a decision that launched his coaching career before he had even finished competing. He served “three years” as a Graduate Assistant, then moved into a part-time assistant role, later becoming a Dorm Director, and eventually earning a full-time coaching position. Zac credits his extensive throwing background for shaping his coaching style. “Obviously there’s, you know, things that I did as an athlete that I still use today to coach my athletes,” he explained, noting that much of his approach “kind of just naturally happened because I’ve been throwing for most of my life.” Representing Hastings again carries special meaning, especially in the throws group, where he feels he has “built a lot of that history.” His core message to athletes emphasizes accountability: working hard, understanding “you kind of get out of it what you put into it,” and taking ownership of their athletic journey.

Coach Josh’s connection to Hastings began with a campus visit that left an immediate impression. “I grew up in southern Utah, and there weren’t a ton of options to play in-state,” he said. After connecting with the coach at the time, he visited the college. “I came to campus and instantly fell in love with it and signed that day.” That same sense of belonging guided him back when the coaching job opened. “Love the city, love the school, there is no other job better than this job.” As a former athlete, Josh draws heavily on early leadership experiences. Learning “how to be a leader” and “not being afraid to say what is right” has shaped him into a vocal and confident coach. He hopes to be remembered for “how much I care,” emphasizing his commitment to pouring “everything I have into the program and into my athletes every day.” He believes hiring alumni strengthens the college’s relationship with the community. “Just how well they know the campus and the community has helped the college become closer to the city,” he said. Looking ahead, his goal is ambitious and clear: lead Hastings to the GPAC Championship and “bring home the gold.”