The start of new school year has brought many new faces to the world of sports at Northgate. There have been several additions to the varsity athletic staff this year, including Jennifer Leighty, Jim McClelland, Bob John, and Ron Pangilinan. These four coaches have brought creative ideas, tough trainings, and much more strength to the teams that they lead.

Jim McClelland has recently been appointed as the women’s varsity water polo coach, after recently taking a break to focus on his architectural business.

In high school, McClelland participated in water polo and swimming. “I really wanted to play football, but was much too small. A friend invited me to try water polo, and I’m glad he did!” McClelland stated.

Although he is new to this position, McClelland has previously worked at Northgate as the men’s jv and varsity coach for a total of eight years.

McClelland said that some of his goals for this season include, “demonstrating that I believe 100% in the girls, respect their history, and helping them believe in their individual and collective ability to play water polo better than they ever have.”

McClelland focuses on his team’s chemistry, believing that a team that trusts one another is unstoppable.

Bob John, the new women’s varsity basketball coach, has coached basketball for almost two decades after playing basketball in high school as well as baseball and golf.

John said that his coaching philosophy is respect for, “the game, the refs, and or opponents and each other all of the time. We play hard, smart, and together.”

John, who has previously coached the jv women for six years, is greatly looking forward to coaching some of his players again and the new players as well.

“I can’t wait for the season to start!” John added.

Ron Pangilinan, the new men’s varsity basketball coach, has 22 years of prior high school basketball coaching experience. He has coached all over the Bay Area, including high schools such as Bentley, Acalanes, College Park, and Las Lomas.

“I have seen it all and done it all when it comes to coaching at this level. I plan on this being my last stop in my coaching career, and when you find a place as special as this, you never want to leave,” Pangilinan said.

During the day, Pangilinan is a director at a preschool in Lafayette and is a father to four kids. At Northgate, Pangilinan is looking to build a family within the team. He hopes the bond within the program will be strong, with the players acting as one united group rather than individuals.

Pangilinan values respect from his players on and off of the court. “Be respectful to each other, your parents, your teachers, your coaches, the officials, and your opponents and the game,” says Pangilinan.

“I coach to make them better young men. Basketball has brought us together and our experiences will make us family,” Pangilinan continued.

Northgate is ready for a strong athletic year and cannot wait to see what the new coaches bring to the table.