Jeff Lamb’s 40-year volleyball-coaching career comes to an end

By Jeff Lamb

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 was my last scheduled volleyball match as the coach of the Milpitas High School Lady Trojans Varsity Volleyball Team. After 34 years as the varsity coach, two years as the JV coach, and four years as the JV volleyball coach at Saratoga High School, my 40-year volleyball-coaching career came to an end. It was truly a bittersweet experience, as I have loved almost every minute. Finishing my last practice the day before, in a moment of solitude, brought tears to me eyes. Tuesday night, however, was a very festive atmosphere. It was “Senior Night” for our seven seniors. I was thrilled to see so many faculty members attend the match, some for the first time. A great number of former players were also in attendance. I was presented a signed volleyball from the MHS staff. I almost lost it when I saw tears in the eyes of my daughter Jacqueline and son Stephen, who are MHS graduates and on the volleyball coaching staff. Assistant Coaches Marissa, Anastasia, and Paul also made it special. Of course my No. 1 supporter, my wife Leianne, was there to keep everything together.

I started working in MUSD as a substitute in October of 1977. There were no teaching positions available at this time due to Prop 13 and declining enrollment, especially in PE. Teachers were being laid off with up to 16 years experience in the area. Once I started, I have always worked in MUSD in some capacity; sub, long term sub (math and social studies), TAP Center Supervisor, Physical Science Teacher, Driver Education Teacher, Career Decision Making Instructor, PE Teacher, Athletic Director and coach. For a number of years I taught Algebra in summer school. I’ve also been an MTA negotiator for numerous contracts.

For all 42 years in education, I have been a coach. All but four years being at Milpitas High School. During my career I have been the head coach for 77 different high school teams in a variety of sports; volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, swimming, track, and water polo. I have never missed a single contest in over 2,300 contests. Fortunately I have received number coaching honors; CCS Honor Coach Volleyball and Basketball, CIF State Model Volleyball Coach, and CCA State Volleyball Coach of the Year are a few.

At the end of the year I will be winding up my 27th year as Athletic Director. I have been so honored to represent MHS as the CCS ADAC Chairperson (20+ years), CCS-ADA President, and CSADA California State President. Along the way I’ve received a lot of acknowledgement with the CSADA State Athletic Director of the Year being my highest honor.

Working at Milpitas High School and for MUSD must have been what I was meant to do. I am only retiring because it is now time to move on to the next phase of my life. Wow it went by so fast!