Mike Girardi appointed head coach of men’s and women’s basketball at MJC

(Modesto, CA) – Mike Girardi will be the new head coach of men's and women's basketball for Modesto Junior College (MJC) during the upcoming 2016-17 basketball season.

Girardi offered to coach both the men and women as a result of Paul Brogan's recent decision to step down as men's head coach.  Girardi has been employed at MJC since 2004 as a tenured instructor of physical education and the head coach for women's basketball.  Prior to coming to MJC, Girardi coached at Rice University as assistant men's coach, at Gavilan College as head women's coach and at Napa Valley College as head men's coach, leading the last NVC team to qualify into the playoffs.

"I am grateful for this opportunity," said MJC Coach Mike Girardi.  "Our depth of commitment to each team will be equitable.  Each coaching staff will be represented with former MJC student-athletes who are wonderful role models and will be key facilitators to our students' success.  We look forward to beginning the process immediately."

Girardi was a Division I full scholar athlete at Rice University in Houston, Texas where he was the Owl's team captain.  He also is a product of the San Joaquin Valley.  As a member of Merced High School's CCC Championship team, Girardi was men's basketball team's first High School All-American.  After high school Girardi received a full-ride scholarship to play basketball at the University of Oregon.  After his freshman year at Oregon, Mike decided to return home to play at Merced College because his father, Chuck was named head coach of the Blue Devils.  While playing for his father, Merced College won the CVC Co-Championship and Mike was named 1st Team All-Conference and Academic All-American.

Due to his father's efforts and connections, Mike learned from many nationally respected coaches, one of them being Coach John Wooden who they visited at his Los Angeles home and Westwood office throughout the 1970's which included the era of his final UCLA NCAA Championship in 1975.

"Coach Wooden was generous to countless people in this regard, but nonetheless we were very appreciative to learn so much about basketball and life in these individual meetings," said Girardi.

Another close family friend and mentor to Girardi has been Golden State Warriors defensive assistant coach Ron Adams from Fresno. 

"Mike has earned the right to lead MJC's men's team through his dedication to the college and the program," according to MJC Athletic Director Nick Stavrianoudakis.  "The MJC men and women play their conference games on similar dates at back to back times.  If it weren't for that, this opportunity may not have been available. Given Mike's dedication to the college and the athletics program, it is an opportunity for him to fulfill one of his dreams which is coaching men's basketball again. The student athletes at MJC are in good hands."

Girardi earned a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Rice University. He also earned a Master's degree in Education with an emphasis in Physical Education from The University of Kansas.

For more information contact Nick Stavrianoudakis, MJC director of athletics, at (209) 575-6835.