By Leslie Sundal
The 2023 Fall Games Championship kicked off with a burst of excitement as the 2023 Fall Coaches of the Season were unveiled and celebrated during a spectacular Opening Ceremony on November 11 at the Fountain Valley Sports Park. We shine the spotlight on the coaches who claimed their well-deserved awards!
Softball
Elizabeth Bansberg & Isabella Terronez
LA County South
Elizabeth hit the ground running since her commencement in 2016. She has fostered growth within the City of Downey with softball being their biggest fall sport. They currently have 3 full teams and 1 team in the development stages. In 2019, Isabella joined the City of Downey volunteer team and has become Elizabeth’s right hand. This has enabled the program to flourish. Each sports season, they continue to expand the program with athletes, coaches, team volunteers, and sport offerings.
Soccer
Tyson Scott
San Diego County
Tyson always puts his team first, his assistant coaches included. This is Tyson’s second season coaching soccer with SOSC. He brings knowledge from coaching Special Olympics throughout the country and his personal experience playing soccer competitively. In just his second season as a soccer coach, Tyson has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to his athletes and the sport itself. His attention to detail ensures that every athlete receives equal opportunities for growth and development. His passion for SOSC combined with his ability to foster growth in his athletes makes him an invaluable asset to our program.
Volleyball
Dianna Gagliano
Orange County
Coach Dianna has given freely of her time for the last 10+ years to Special Olympics and her athletes. She is currently coaching the Garden Grove Rebels Basketball and Volleyball teams. She understands what each athlete is capable of doing and works to bring out the best in each and every athlete. We admire how she can balance the warm/fun loving side of the competition with also setting a high standard of conduct from each athlete.
Dianna is always making connections with athletes on other teams, you can hear her saying “hi friend” to all athletes across the board to all Special Olympic athletes. She has become a great mentor to our other coaches and she shows us all how to leading by her example. She is a true gift to Special Olympics, especially her Garden Grove Rebels family!
Tennis
Jacque Martin
San Diego County
Jacque spearheaded the organization for this year’s tennis competition. Her meticulous planning left no room for confusion or inefficiency. Her enthusiasm for the sport is infectious, something evident in her daughter, Heidi’s, dedication to the game. Jacque’s participation in our organization benefits athletes, coaches, volunteers, and staff, encouraging a smooth workflow across all levels. Jacque’s dedication to SOSC is admirable and we are lucky to have her on our team
Golf
Ron Redholtz
LA County North
After 25 years of volunteering and serving our athletes, Ron will be retiring this season. He has coached multiple sports throughout the years, and this season assisted with Golf and Soccer. He is always ready to help in a sport if they need coaches and has poured so many hours of his time into making sure athletes get proper training and have a wonderful experience with SOSC!
Congratulations to the 2023 Fall Coaches of the Season
Thank you for all you do for Special Olympics Southern California athletes!
