Russell departing from Acalanes

Below is a note from soon-to-be Acalanes ex-Coach Chris Russell:

This weekend will be my last coaching experience as the Head Varsity Coach of the Acalanes Lady Dons Basketball Program. I went into a meeting with the Principal and was told by her and an Assistant Superintendent they were opening my position up to new applicants. I was given the opportunity to resign, but that’s not what I wanted to do.  I was told I would be given more facts at a later date and the position will be opening up next week. The Administration was comfortable with the fact that I could still be around to coach this last summer tournament this weekend, so feel confident in that.

I would like to thank my wife for allowing me to sacrifice so much at home in order to try to make our program the best it can be. I’d like to thank the Hirashima family for their support over the years. I’d also like to thank Steve Pezzola(Salesian), Coach Woolridge (Oak Tech), and Clay Kallam (Bentley) for all the help they have given me.  Kelly Sopak, thanks for making me want to keep improving and working on my skills to get better.

To all the parents, coaches, and players who gave so much to me and the program; Thank you! It was a pleasure and overall good experience coaching at Acalanes. A NCS semi-final game against Bishop O’Dowd and qualifying for the NorCal state tournament my first year there was a tremendous experience for me. Last year we missed the playoffs by one victory, and had a lot of injury issues, etc to deal wit , but we still battled. I see the program heading in a winning direction again in the immediate future. I poured my heart and soul into this, and I truly love you guys!

Thanks for everything and GO DONS! 

Chris Russell