In a poignant journey of resilience, Kristen Hoskins, a wide receiver for the University of North Dakota (UND), is making strides on the football field while coping with the recent loss of his mother, Kenyatta Hardy. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound athlete, who transferred from the University of Minnesota, is determined to succeed and contribute to the No. 8 Fighting Hawks.
During practice earlier this week, Hoskins expressed his yearning for a big play, acknowledging the emotional challenges that have accompanied his transition to UND. “It’s been hard for me not to feel that thing I’ve been missing and that’s the explosive play,” he said. Despite these challenges, Hoskins remains focused on the team’s success. “For me, the team winning and shining and smiling is everything.”
The emotional toll of losing his mother just a few months ago has made this season particularly demanding for Hoskins. He reflected on the profound impact of her passing, stating, “You only get one mom. When that happens, it’s a dagger. What I know for sure is my mom would want me to wake up the next day and put my foot on the gas.” He emphasized that her legacy of hard work continues to motivate him, saying, “Her blood is running through me, 100 percent.”
In September, Hoskins missed a game against Valparaiso to be with his family in Chicago. The supportive environment provided by his coaches and teammates during this difficult time has been invaluable. “The coaches, which I respect from the bottom of my heart, gave me the space and time to be away from the game and not think about it for some time,” he noted. “There are some days where … every day is not my best day. Football is what we do for fun. We’re people at the end of the day.”
Underscoring the human aspect of sports, UND head coach Eric Schmidt has been a steadfast supporter of Hoskins. “I think the one thing I really felt good about is we helped him go down and see his mom in the summer,” Schmidt explained. He highlighted the importance of allowing Hoskins to process his grief, stating, “We wanted to make sure that we supported him. Any time that he needed to be able to go be with his family… I think was important as a son to have closure.”
As Hoskins continues to adapt to his new team, he has begun to carve out a role within the offense. He showcased his potential with an 8-yard rush on a jet sweep against Southern Illinois and an 11-yard rush against Indiana State. In the same match, the Fighting Hawks attempted a deep pass to Hoskins, who had beaten the defense but was unable to connect due to an overthrow.
Schmidt noted that Hoskins is still developing as a player, stating, “We’re trying to expand his package. He’s become more consistent here in all phases of his life.” He believes that with continued support and guidance, Hoskins will further enhance his contributions to the team. “He’s creating one or two first downs. We had a chance to get him on an explosive play last week, too, that almost hit. Those are all positive signs that he’s continuing to grow and get better.”
As the season progresses, Hoskins remains committed to honoring his mother’s memory through his performance on the field. His journey reflects a powerful blend of personal determination and the support of a community that values not just athletic achievement but the human experience behind the game.
