Established Coaches Take on New Roles

It’s not unusual, at any level of sports, for a changing of the guards to be implemented in order to keep players and teams fresh, engaged and competitive. So when athletes return to school in the fall, they will see some familiar faces taking on new roles. Coaches and alumni Steve Scifres and Natasha Capretta were chosen to take new positions within the school’s athletic program.

Steve Scifres brings a plethora of knowledge and accolades to his new job as the Boys Varsity basketball head coach. Scifres previously coached the Girls Varsity basketball team and accumulated an impressive overall record of 87-29. He helped Agoura High School win its first ever Marmonte League title in 2010  and then repeated that in 2011. He coached his 2010 team to a CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) title with an undefeated 26-0 season. Scifres was also named Marmonte League Coach of the year, Ventura County Coach of the year, CIF coach of the year and L.A. Times Coach of the year for 2010.

The sky is the limit for the Boys Basketball program and Scifres has big plans for the future.

"My short term goals are simply to create a winning culture within the program,” he said. “I want to play the game of basketball the right way, always honoring our opponents and always playing as hard as we possibly can. I want the team to simply improve each time they step out onto the court."

Scifres said he wants to establish the team at a level that’s consistently at the top every year, despite the tough competition.

Natasha Capretta leaves her role as Girls Junior Varsity soccer coach and moves up to the Varsity level with high expectations and a new standard of work ethic that she plans to instill. As Junior Varsity soccer coach, Capretta placed in the top three on a consistent basis. Agoura's Junior Varisty level has been considered a competitive squad and a talented "feeder" system to the Varisty level since Capretta has been at the helm.

As an alumnus, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Varisty level. She played four years for the high school and had plans to play on the east coast before tearing her ACL (Anterior Crucial Ligament). She has four years experience coaching at the high school level and is known for demanding respect and a positive mindset.

Capretta said she has plans to implement a strength and conditioning program through Proactive Sports Performance and intends to give her athletes an avenue to become stronger, faster and more agile.

"I was fortunate to inherit a very talented group of female athletes,” said Capretta. “My goal is to build a cohesive team and strong work ethic that will lead us to a winning season which carries us into the playoffs.”

Being a part of the Agoura Girls Soccer Program will impact theses girls far beyond their play on the field, said Capretta. “Through this commitment I want them to learn the value of working together, dedication, responsibility and the pure joy of athletic competition,” she said. “I want to help them develop as leaders and be proud to wear the name Agoura on their jersey."

Through Scifres and Capretta, Agoura High School looks to improve its athletic program in the winter while establishing a positive environment for its student athletes.