By Hanna McGuire
Sports Editor
After nine years of coaching below the varsity level, Jeff Amaral is preparing to bring his knowledge and love of the game to the court as the new coach of the Mira Costa boys basketball team.
Amaral was offered the position about three weeks ago when former coach Henry Myar resigned. Amaral was an assistant coach for the team at the time and feels that taking over next year will be a natural transition for him.
“I’ve been coaching different basketball teams since I was 19,” Amaral said. “I loved the competitive nature of the sport as a player, and I still enjoy it as a coach.”
As the assistant coach this past season, Amaral has seen the players grow and believes he knows what they need to improve upon, both as individuals and as a team.
“We have many different types of players to tailor to our strengths,” Amaral said. “We need to utilize our speed by playing quicker and more fast-paced.”
In addition to assistant coaching, Amaral is also an advisor for students at Manhattan Beach Middle School.
“Mr. Amaral is really nice and has always been responsive and helpful,” MBMS eighth grader Jamie Kelleher said. “He is very well-liked at my school.”
Chase Crandall, the only freshman on the varsity lineup last season, has high hopes for next year’s team led by Amaral.
“Jeff is doing a great job bringing us together,” Crandall said. “He always reminds me to stay positive, and he helps me achieve my personal basketball goals.”
Although the team will be losing seven seniors, three of whom were starters, Amaral is confident that the team’s depth will lead to success next season.
“We have good underclassmen who will hopefully mature into better players and improve the team,” Amaral said. “I will also focus on rededicating ourselves to getting stronger and faster.”
Amaral, who played basketball for Costa when he was a student, knows competing as a Mustang first-hand. Players on the team say they appreciate Amaral’s coaching style and connection with them.
“Jeff is a great leader on the floor,” junior Darren Draper said. “He creates great chemistry between players on and off the court. I respect him because he relates.”
Amaral says that he loves to see his players improve and go on to college.
“My players mature and learn, becoming better basketball players and students,” Amaral said. “Seeing where their future is going to take them is very exciting.”
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