MPC names Villagrana as new coach
His intentions from the moment he began coaching basketball as a teenager out of Marina High was to be a head coach.
While Michael Villagrana has been an assistant men's coach at Monterey Peninsula College for more than a decade, crossing over to the women's side had an appeal for the father of three daughters.
“My athletic director came with an opportunity,” Villagrana said. “I wanted to seize my moment. It was my time to take advantage of the opening and continue working for a college that feels like family.”
After 11 seasons as an assistant men's basketball coach at MPC, the 31-year-old Villagrana was named the school's women's coach, replacing Erin O'Hare.
“I know basketball,” Villagrana said. “I wanted to remain at MPC. I was born and raised in the area. It's time to put this master's degree in coaching administration to work.”
A part of Marina's second graduating class in 2011, where he averaged nearly 15 points a game, Villagrana began coaching at MPC as a volunteer as a 19-yearold under Blake Spiering while pursuing his degree.
“His people skills and temperament are phenomenal,” Spiering said. “Coach Mike is great at teaching and explaining the game. He has always had a passion for the game.”
The hiring was so sudden that Villagrana hasn't even had a chance to talk to the five returning players, although he was able to retain assistant women's coach Jason Hieb.
“I see it as an opportunity for growth,” said Villagrana, who is a cancer survivor. “At the end of the day, I'm coaching basketball, helping kids pursue athletics and academics.”
Recruiting will be critical in rebuilding the Lobos' program, which has gone just 16-39 since winning the Coast Conference title in 2022.
“Coach Blake always talks about the recruiting aspect of the job,” Villagrana said. “I am getting off to a late start. I want to bring in local players and get the ball rolling. I want to see our program continue to grow and move forward.”
Less than 72 hours on the job, Villagrana has compiled a list of seniors, while getting his name out to high school coaches in the area.
“I want to let them know this is an opportunity to continue playing and pursuing a college degree,” Villagrana said. “I want to get my name out into the community. I want to build these connections.”
In watching Villagrana grow as a person and coach for more than a decade, Spiering marveled at his passion for the game and willingness to make sacrifices.
“His organizational skills as far as scouting reports and game plans are detailed,” Spiering said. “I have watched his confidence grow as a coach. He is comfortable coaching.”
What Villagrana will run likely will depend on the personnel he's able to recruit. He hopes to play man and zone defenses.
“Offensively, it will be a work in progress,” Villagrana said. “If we get some size, we can get to the rim. Depending on the personnel, we want to be able to shoot the ball on the perimeter.”
Last fall the Lobos were second in the state in 3-point accuracy at 35.2 percent, but were one of the lowest-scoring teams in the state at 51.5 points a game.
“The program has had some winning seasons in the past,” Villagrana said. “It's a process. There are stepping stones to get back there. Skill development is the key. That will be our focus.”
Villagrana has worked with women in the past, helping conduct women's basketball camps at UCLA.
San Jose City College was unbeaten in winning the Coast Conference title last season, with defending champion Hartnell finishing second. The Lobos tied for fourth at 5-7.
“I know it is going to be a challenge, one that I'm embracing,” Villagrana said. “I want to put together a team that can win some games. There will be growing periods. Patience is a part of the process.”