Coach: Jim Engels
High school: Ponderosa
Sport: boys and girls soccer
What sports did you play when you were younger?
Soccer, football, basketball, baseball and track.
What got you started in a coaching career?
My dad was a high school basketball coach for over 40 years in
Southern California. I saw the enjoyment and the rewarding
experience that he had.
What was your most rewarding moment(s) as a coach?
When former players come to visit me or send a note to me and
show me their appreciation for the time they spent playing and
having me coach them. Making a positive difference in their lives
is very rewarding.
What was your most deflating moment(s)?
I cannot think of a deflating moment. Each moment is toward the
goal of having the players play hard, enjoy themselves on the field
and learn respect, teamwork and sportsmanship.
What is most important about having sports a part of the high
school experience?
It gives the kids an overall experience that includes what I had
just mentioned, especially the sportsmanship. That only comes from
the life lessons that you learn being part of a team.
What do you feel is the biggest struggle for high school
sports?
The negative talk from some club coaches when they tell their
players that high school sports are worthless and colleges don’t
look at high schools for their players. Total garbage.
If you could coach one professional sports team, which would it
be, and what changes would you make?
The Lakers! And why change a good thing!
If the team you’re coaching presently were to win the state
championship, what would you say would be the No. 1 reason for
it?
Teamwork and dedication.
What do you do for fun that isn’t related to the sport you
presently coach?
Working out and spending time with my fiancee, Rena, and all of
our kids, Karissa, Bobby, Margaret and Rachael.
Walt Disney pictures decides to make a motion picture about your
team and its achievements. What celebrity actor/actress would play
you in the movie?
Haha! Never thought about it but maybe Ryan Reynolds. That way
it will sell more movie tickets! Then I can take Rena to the
Oscars!