Update on Coaches from Athletic Director Treseler
As we anticipate a return to the things we love, Cougar athletes can look forward to their sports being led by dedicated, passionate coaches- including three new leaders who have the experience and determination to provide great opportunities for our community.
Dave Beza was recently hired as Girls’ volleyball coach for 2020. Coach Beza comes to the Cougars with extensive experience on the high school, college, and club levels. He is currently the director of the Berkeley Albany Volleyball Club. Coach Beza enjoyed success coaching at Mission Bay, Montgomery and Summit high schools, and previously led the club team at UC San Diego.
“I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Cougar community,” Coach Dave said upon taking the reins. “Everyone has been very gracious so far, and I am anxious to give as much as I can to our players.”
“Coach Dave has excellent credentials and we’re excited to welcome him to Albany High,” said athletic director Bill Treseler. “He was impressive during the interview process and is the right person to help us maintain the quality volleyball program Albany has always enjoyed.”
In football, Albany did not have to look far to find an ideal man to continue building the program. Alberto Johnson, the Cougars’ offensive co-ordinator the past two seasons, steps up to assume head coaching responsibilities heading into 2020. Coach Berto, a Pinole Valley HS grad, played both football and baseball at Shaw University, helping his team to a conference championship in 2010. Prior to coming to Albany High, he coached wide receivers at Contra Costa College.
“I am honored and very humble to be the new head coach at Albany High,” said Coach Berto recently. “Our program will be one built on competitive excellence and self-discipline, we will work hard to develop and sustain a winning culture on and off the field. My main goal is not to go undefeated, although my competitive DNA would say otherwise, but to give all the students who play for us the best high school football experience you could ask for.”
“Coach Berto has all the qualities you hope for in a leader,” says Treseler. “He has a great grasp of the skills and strategies of football, a strong personal presence with the boys, and a determination to be a positive force in their lives. He is staying in communication with them and is already hard at work making the program solid and first-rate.”
The Girls’ basketball team will be led by an experienced and passionate coach for 2020-21. Missy Smith, who assisted with the Cougars last season, moves over a seat to take head-coaching responsibilities. Coach Missy has college experience as an assistant at Yale and head JV coach at Harvard, and more recently developed the successful East Bay Triple Threat program. She recently coached a successful boys club team including several of last season’s Cougar standouts.
“With it’s committed community, and a K-12 school system, Albany is the perfect place to build a great basketball program,” enthuses Coach Missy. “It will take time, but together we can build a hoops program that will be both fun AND, more importantly, fulfilling.
“The basketball court is one of the greatest classrooms on earth. We hope to use it to its fullest to help each of the girls become the best player and the best person she can be. Go Cougars!”
“It’s a game-changer for our girls’ program,” says Treseler. “I’ve watched Missy coach for several years, she is the total package of a knowledgeable, passionate leader who really cares about kids. The girls enjoyed working with her last season and I know our program is in great hands moving forward.”
The Albany athletic program continues to await direction from school officials regarding resumption of our activities.