News Summary

San Lorenzo Valley High School welcomes Doug Costa as the new athletic director, excited to lead the athletic program with innovative plans for student participation, facility improvements, and fostering a strong sports culture. With 20 years of coaching experience, Costa is set to inspire both students and staff. He aims to bolster sports offerings and enhance the athletic facilities while balancing coaching duties for the junior varsity football team.

Exciting Times Ahead for San Lorenzo Valley High School’s Sports Program

San Lorenzo Valley is buzzing with excitement as the school welcomes its new athletic director, Doug Costa. With a rich history of coaching and a deep commitment to student athletics, Costa is ready to take on this pivotal role at San Lorenzo Valley High School (SLV). What does this mean for the students, faculty, and the community? Let’s dive into what makes Costa’s appointment a promising step forward for SLV’s athletic department!

Extensive Coaching Background

Doug Costa comes to SLV with a robust coaching history spanning over two decades. He’s spent 14 years nurturing young athletes at the middle school level, coaching basketball for an impressive 15 years and wrestling for 6 years at Ocala STEAM Academy and Mathson Middle Schools in San Jose. Costa also boasts four years as a prep football coach at various schools, including Los Altos, James Lick, and Evergreen, before eventually settling at Cupertino. All of this experience has shaped him into the dedicated leader he is today.

Ready to Tackle New Roles

In a surprising turn of events, Costa was also asked to coach the junior varsity football team at SLV. Though feeling some initial intimidation about balancing the responsibilities of being both the athletic director and a coach, Costa is confident in his abilities. He’s knowing that managing these roles will allow him to have a comprehensive impact on the athletic program.

Supporting him in this role will be Mia Torres, an SLV alumna. As the assistant athletic director and junior varsity girls’ volleyball coach, she brings a wealth of familiarity with the school’s values and a strong connection to the community. Together, Costa and Torres will work hand-in-hand to foster a vibrant and inclusive sports culture at SLV.

Paving the Path for Future Athletes

At the heart of Costa’s vision is a commitment to increasing student participation in athletics. He has plans to explore the possibility of introducing new sports to the school, like lacrosse, based on student interest. This initiative aims to create more opportunities for students to engage in athletics, thus enriching their high school experience.

Facility Improvements on the Horizon

Beyond just expanding sports offerings, Costa is dedicated to enhancing the athletic facilities. Starting with improvements to the locker room, he aims to provide a better environment for student athletes. Keeping in mind that academics and athletics go hand in hand, he believes that creating a strong foundation for sports will support students in their educational journeys. Parents are eager for their children to thrive in both arenas, and Costa is here to make that happen.

A Shift in Career Focus

It’s noteworthy that Costa’s journey to becoming an athletic director involved a significant career shift. Originally, he aimed to become a firefighter and began his studies at Antelope Valley Junior College. However, his passion for sports led him to play football at Humboldt State University, an NCAA Division II school, where he graduated in 1992. After obtaining a teaching credential, he realized coaching was his true calling and dedicated years to making a difference in the lives of young athletes.

The Road Ahead

With Costa at the helm, the SLV athletic program is poised for exciting changes. He has already begun receiving support from fellow coaches, encouraging him to embrace new opportunities while reminding him that perfection is not the goal—growth and development are what truly matter. As he steps into this role, families and students alike can look forward to a promising future filled with enthusiasm and growth in the world of athletics at San Lorenzo Valley High School.

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