At Calabasas High School, the athletics program has recently faced difficulties in finding and keeping coaches. Currently, there are three sports at CHS that do not have head coaches: boys’ volleyball, girls’ softball, and boys’ soccer. At the same time, many new coaches have joined the school this year, including leaders for the girls’ basketball and girls’ volleyball teams.

This raises an important question: why do so many sports go without coaches, and why do coaches keep leaving? As the school works to strengthen its athletic department, this question is slowly being answered. 

According to Athletic Director Thomas Cassidy, the process of hiring a new coach starts with a job posting on Edjoin, the district’s hiring website. Applicants go through two rounds of interviews before a final decision is made. 

“It’s important that coaches not only know the game but can also manage a program, fundraise, and create a positive team culture,” Cassidy said.

There are many qualities the school looks for when selecting a coach. These traits include knowledge of the sport, the ability to manage the whole program, and a positive, supportive presence for student-athletes.

Assistant Principal David Pickard added that empathy is just as valuable as sports knowledge. 

“We want kind and supportive humans who will give athletes a positive experience, on and off the field,” Pickard said.

Currently, boys’ volleyball, girls’ softball, and boys’ soccer remain without head coaches. These sports are not in season yet, which gives the school more time to fill the openings.

The school is handling the gap in students’ schedules in an organized manner. Student athletes are placed in an “athletic hold,” which is a system where students are put in a temporary class for credit. Students have been given a space in the Multi-Purpose Room with a certified teacher. Eventually, when a sport receives a coach, the empty spot in players’ schedules will be replaced with their sport, depending on whether or not the students make the team after tryouts.

Mr. Cassidy shared that two of the three open positions are close to being filled, while boys’ volleyball may take longer, with an announcement expected in the next few weeks.

Once a coach is officially hired, the school will release an announcement, hold an informational meeting, and schedule tryouts. From there, the teams will move into practices and prepare for their seasons.

Girls’ volleyball has already started its season with three brand-new coaches, with their current head coach being Rachel Gam. The team has had several strong practices and games, and players are adjusting well. The coach emphasized the importance of teamwork and preparing JV athletes to eventually move up to varsity. 

“We’ve really competed against our league. It’s been a very difficult league to play in, but we’re competing and taking a lot of points off of them. I’m excited to play them again and maybe make some adjustments,” said Gam.

The boys’ JV lacrosse program also has a new coach, Albert Lee. Although players are still getting to know him, practices have focused on preparing for the upcoming season thanks to their new coach’s guidance.

Girls’ basketball, under Coach Jasen Hughes, is focusing on team chemistry and developing younger athletes. Players say they are excited about upcoming tournaments and believe their biggest strength is supporting one another. 

Girls’ softball, while still waiting for a coach, has several returning players ready to step into leadership roles once practices begin.

Students across different sports are feeling both challenges and excitement. Boys volleyball players admitted it has been hard starting without a coach, and teammates have not been practicing for the upcoming season. 

Zachary Flores, a sophomore boys volleyball player, said, “It’s been kind of difficult as we haven’t even had tryouts yet since we haven’t had a coach, so we don’t know what we’re doing.”

Meanwhile, girls’ basketball players stressed how important it is to build chemistry and welcome younger athletes into the program. 

Shakira Ramzan, a girls’ basketball player, stated, “I think our communication is getting a lot better, and we have gotten very close to each other, so it could help a lot when playing. ”

Even with the uncertainty, there is optimism. Coaches are being hired, teams are adjusting, and athletes are finding ways to stay prepared. 

As Mr. Pickard put it, “The skills learned in sports go beyond the game. It’s about teamwork, time management, and building a positive experience for students.”

The answer to whether CHS can continue to thrive as a sports powerhouse despite coach turnover may depend on how quickly and effectively these positions are filled, but for now, players and coaches alike are pushing forward with resilience.