When Elijah Hoskin (B.S. ’25) ran out of the tunnel with Old Dominion University’s football team at the home opener against Norfolk State University on September 5, it wasn’t his first time running onto the field.
But, this time, he was wearing a badge instead of a jersey.
Officer Hoskin joined the Old Dominion University Police Department in June, shortly after earning his criminal justice degree and graduating first in his police academy class. On game day, he was on the other side of the field from where he used to play, assigned to Thurmond Family Head Football Coach Ricky Rahne.
The Monarchs went on to defeat their crosstown rival, Norfolk State’s Spartans, in the teams’ first matchup since 2019. S.B. Ballard Stadium was full, the energy was high and the game also honored Lt. Col. Brandon A. Shah (’07).
For Officer Hoskin, though, the significance of the day went beyond the score.
“It was emotional for me,” Hoskin said. “It’s really quite a surreal moment. It’s always amazing to be on the field during a game day.”
Just a year earlier, Officer Hoskin was on that field as a student-athlete.
Now, he was returning, as an Old Dominion University police officer, protecting the coach who had helped him find his next path.
Officer Hoskin played football at Old Dominion University, while earning his degree in criminal justice. As his time on the team was coming to an end, Coach Rahne asked him what he wanted to do next.
Officer Hoskin told him he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Coach Rahne offered to connect him with Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton, who also serves as assistant vice president for public safety. That conversation in December 2025 helped set Officer Hoskin on a new path.
“It was evident from the first minute that he was passionate about giving back to the University and had a strong desire to be part of the Old Dominion University Police Department,” Chief Shelton said.
Chief Shelton said Officer Hoskin’s professionalism, knowledge of law enforcement and desire to give back to the University stood out from their first conversation.
For Officer Hoskin, that desire is personal.
“I look at it as a University took the chance on me. They admitted me into the school and accepted me. It really means everything to be able to repay that trust as a police officer,” Officer Hoskin said.
Coach Rahne said Officer Hoskin’s experience is also a lesson for other student-athletes: share your goals with the people around you.
“Make sure to tell them what your goals are and what you want to do so they can help you reach those,” Coach Rahne said.
Because Officer Hoskin shared his plans, Coach Rahne was able to make an introduction that ultimately helped connect him with his next career.
There are always two officers assigned to the football team on game days. But having Officer Hoskin there brought another dimension to the role.
As a former player, he already understood the team and had built relationships within the program. As a recent student, he also knows what it is like to be on the other side of the badge.
Chief Shelton said that experience can help Officer Hoskin build connections with students.
“He has the capability to break down barriers, not just with the football team, but with students as a whole, because he was one at this time last year,” he said.
For Officer Hoskin, that connection is an important part of what he hopes to bring to the job.
“I think this allows me to educate people and intervene, while still exercising the law,” he said.
Coach Rahne said Officer Hoskin’s work ethic, toughness, dedication and care for others — qualities that made him successful as a student-athlete — will serve him well as an officer.
“He did a great job,” Coach Rahne said of Officer Hoskin’s first game day assignment. “Having a person I’ve had a years-long relationship with and personal experiences with is always great. He’s a great person to have around.”
For Officer Hoskin, returning to Old Dominion University in a new role is about more than a career. It’s about giving back to the place that gave him his start.
Chief Shelton has watched that journey unfold — from Officer Hoskin’s final season as a Monarch to his hiring, police training and first game-day assignment.
“I think that’s a full-circle moment,” Chief Shelton said.