Harbor fills 4 coaching vacancies
SANTA CRUZ » James Gaynor Jr., the newly named athletics director at Harbor High, announced that the Pirates have filled four coaching vacancies.
The new head coaches include Gustavo Ramirez (football), Craig Wooden (boys basketball), Don Taylor (girls basketball) and Susan O’Leary (girls tennis).
“It’s always a good feeling to fill each position with coaches we believe fit our culture, can connect with our student athletes and have the capability to improve their respected programs,” Gaynor said. “With the transition happening so fast, June was vital to finalizing athletic hires. I’m very appreciative of (principal) Tracey Runeare for her support and the parents/guardians for their patience.”
Ramirez takes over the football program after Gaynor stepped down to focus on his new role as AD.
Ramirez, a Morgan Hill native, was a lineman for Sobrato High (2011-12) West Valley College, (201215) Valley City State University. He served as an assistant offensive line coach at Valley City in ’16, and has coached the offensive and defensive line since ’18.
“Gustavo is someone who’s been committed to the Harbor football program,” Gaynor said. “He’s a “gym rat,” everyone likes being good but he loves the process of it. He’s always been our leader in the weight room, he understands the game; especially in the trenches and is well respected in the locker room by the coaches and players. He’s helped play a vital role in building our program since 2018 and he’ll now have the opportunity to continue that as
for the
Pirates the head coach.”
Wooden, a Palm Beach, Florida native, replaces Joseph Mentillo. Wooden has coached basketball at Branciforte Middle School since 2011 and served as an assistant at Harbor. He also coached an AAU team named “Hand Down, Man Down.”
“Besides Craig’s knowledge and experience as a basketball coach, I was impressed with his extensive commitment to basketball within our community,” Gaynor said. “Along with his AAU team, his time between B-40 and Harbor has been crucial to the relationships he’s built with past, current and future Harbor parents and athletes.”
Taylor, a San Jose native who played basketball at NCAA Division III UC Santa Cruz (1990-92), replaces Somnang Ngeth as coach. He has coached boys and girls basketball, as well as volleyball, at Sylvandale Middle in San Jose since ’16, as well as an AAU team for middle school and high school aged athletes in the S.J. area.
“Don’s approach, demeanor and coaching philosophy is what’s necessary to re-build our girls basketball program,” Gaynor said. “The challenge doesn’t scare him and he’s excited to put his own stamp on it. I’ve been in familiar territory, so it fires me up to support his vision for our girls basketball program.”
O’Leary, the former Graphix is downtown Santa Cruz, was the last hire by since retired Hollis O’Brien. She also coached the boys tennis team.
“I’m excited to work with her on the continued growth of our girls/boys tennis program, with her attention to detail and passion for skill development, she’s going to do a great job,” Gaynor said.