Derek Hanks completed his sixth season as an assistant coach for the women’s soccer program and his second since returning to the staff in 2015. He served as volunteer coach in 2007, moved to the second assistant position for the 2008 and 2009 seasons and re-assumed the volunteer duties for the 2010 season.
The Matadors earned their first Big West regular season title in Hanks’ second season with the team in 2016 and posted numerous defensive records including the most shutouts in team history with 15. The team also registered the most shutouts in a row (6) and the most consecutive conference shutouts (6). CSUN finished the season second in the nation in shutout percentage (.714). Following the regular season, Nicole Thompson earned Big West Defender of the Year honors and Jovani McCakill took home Goalkeeper of the Year accolades. A total of eight Matadors received all-conference selections including five members of the defense.
In his first stint on the sidelines at CSUN, the Matadors’ defense was one of the more formidable units in the Big West Conference. In 2009, the squad helped secure eight shutouts and two members of the backline (Katie Fox, Second Team, and Brielle Slepicoff, Honorable Mention) received All-Big West honors. In 2008, then-captain Nalena Betancourt also received All-Big West Honorable Mention accolades.
Hanks was also a four-year starter for the Matadors from 2003-2006.The two-time captain started 77 matches over his distinguished career and finished seventh in the all-time ranks after playing in 78 matches. Hanks accumulated five goals over his career, including two scores as a senior, and notched 12 points for his career.
Hanks graduated in 2006 from Cal State Northridge with his B.S. in Kinesiology. He and his wife Katie live in Los Angeles.