Age: 33
Job: Football coach, Buena Park High School
Bio: White just completed his fifth season as the Coyotes head coach. Previously, he was the head football coach at Temple City High School and an assistant coach at Pasadena City College and at Rosemead High School, his alma mater. He played college ball under Coach Urban Meyer at the University of Utah. He lives in Buena Park and is married with a 2-year old son.
Why he’s an influencer: White’s Coyotes finished 11-2 in 2014 and won two playoff games to reach the semifinal round of the CIF Southwest Division. Before White took the reins in 2010, the Coyotes were a combined 5-34 over the previous four years and had not reached the playoffs since 2001. In the classroom, the Coyotes had a team GPA of 3.1, up from 2.1 before White took over.
The Coyotes this past season put in a combined 500 hours of community service. Every Wednesday during the season, there is a team meal in which families are invited. In July, the Coyotes held a free youth football camp for more than 300 children. Players with low grades must complete an academic boot camp started by White before they can play again. The Coyotes must also adhere to a dress code and address adults as “sir” and “ma’am.”
“We are kind of setting them up for the rest of their lives,” White said.
Biggest challenge: White said his biggest challenge, but one that he enjoys, is taking on the various roles needed to guide his players, such as being a coach, parental figure, teacher and mentor.
Inspirations: They are his mother, Lupe Amaya, his freshman football coaches Louie Madrigal and Jim Zeon, and Buena Park High Principal Jim Coombs.
What he can’t do without: His cellphone. White said he sends and receives thousands of texts a month.
What’s next: “Improve the program in all facets,” White said. “I think we can be one of the most productive, professional and efficient programs in the county.”
— Lou Ponsi
