Donald Volpi

Donald Volpi, Hall of Fame Inductee
There are not enough Don Volpis in our world of athletics. This man whose presence we so genuinely enjoyed was not with us long enough. Don Volpi, Dos Pueblos High School Basketball Coach and teacher of 25 years died at the age of 49.

Tonight we are honoring his tremendous contributions to the athletic community and to all of the young Chargers fortunate enough to have been blessed with his tutelage.

After an Air Force stint where he was named AllEurope, and a short stay at BYU, he enrolled at UCSB where he became team captain and Most Valuable Player in the Gaucho basketball program. Don began a teaching career that would include becoming the head basketball coach at Dos Pueblos after attaining his BA and MA in Physical Education.

In the 1970-71 season, Volpi reached the pinnacle of his career, a CIF AAA Division championship. While the CIF championship remains one of the great achievements in the spirited history of the Chargers, his own career was a continuing series of pinnacles. Extremely popular, the quiet but intense Volpi was highly respected by players, opposing coaches and officials. His even temperament, consideration and sensitivity were always evident. He was one of the good guys and someone you were always happy to see.

While he continued to play and scout basketball, what he really cherished was fishing at Lake Cachuma with his father -in-law, Van Christy. His wife, Gerry, and daughters, janahn Foster and Robin McCourt, join us in welcoming Don Volpi into “the Hall.”