Bio

At Marian High School, “Rigo” earned Metro League volleyball honors and helped the 1979 and 1980 teams win two CIF 1A titles, a third and a second place finish at the California State Championship Tournaments. When Coach Karen Day moved to Southwestern College, she recruited Rigo for her experience, great ball control and tenacious play. At Southwestern College and as co-captain of the squad, Rigo helped to lead the Apaches to the 1981 Mission Conference and 1982 Pacific Coast Championship. An outstanding offensive player who owned the line and a relentless defensive player, Rigo earned SWC’s Rookie of the Year Award and both Mission Conference and Pacific Coast All Conference honors in her two seasons of play. A scholar athlete as well, Rigo earned an athletic and academic scholarship to Point Loma Nazarene in San Diego where she continued to play volleyball and excelled in the classroom. In 1985 as team captain, she earned MVP honors and the Academic Athletic Excellence Award. In 1986 Rigo completed her Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and in 1989 she completed a Master of Arts in Education, Teaching and Learning.

After competing for so many years, Rigo started her coaching career at Southwestern College as an assistant coach. As an adjunct in adjunct instructor, she taught Physical Education for elementary school and volleyball for beginning through advanced level. From 1987 to 1991, she became the Head Girls Volleyball Coach at her alma mater Marian Catholic, coaching the Crusaders to two more league championships and a second place finish in CIF Division III.

Since 1991 Rigo has worked at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) as a physical education and health instructor, serving as chairperson since 1999. She is a member of the American Alliance for Physical Education, Health, Recreation and Dance and of the Association for Advancement of Health Education. A tireless volunteer, Rigo has coached at SWC summer volleyball camps, worked with Girls Scouts, taught tumbling for Parks and Recreation, helped coach basketball at St. Rose of Lima, and assisted the Clear View Elementary PTA.

Rigo has been married for 17 years to Bob Hinkledire, a Chula Vista police officer. They have a ten-year-old daughter, Ana, who keeps them on their toes. A fitness buff, Rigo enjoys bike riding and taking yoga and Pilates classes at the Chula Vista YMCA.

Rigo’s fondest SWC memories include the College of Sequoias Tournaments in Fresno, the zebra college vans, and the camaraderie between Coaches Karen Day, Carolyn Brady and the players.

Inducted into Mater Dei Catholic High School’s first Hall of Fame as a member of the 1980 second place state team, it is a pleasure to welcome Rigo A. Hinkledire, a fierce competitor and a dedicated educator, into the 2008 Southwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame.