SANTA CLARA, Calif.-- Mission College has named John Vlahos as its interim athletics director for the 2020-21 season. Vlahos has been the athletics director at sister college, West Valley College, since January 2014. He will serve as Athletics Director at both Colleges.
"I felt it important to bring in an AD who knows our District processes and who would be able to identify some creative solutions to these recent challenges," said Mission College President Daniel Peck. "I want this to be a productive year for Mission College Athletics, and not simply be a period of waiting until we bring in a permanent AD.
"John has been highly effective in the AD role at West Valley, and has already tackled some of the challenges we face here at Mission—and we have already begun discussing some different ways of providing support than we have done in the past.
"While John brings a wealth of experience and insight, he also recognizes that Mission is different from West Valley. We will always be distinct in our approaches—but there is much we can accomplish together as a district and some benefits we can gain from learning how West Valley has structured opportunities and support."
"I believe there is tremendous potential at Mission College and the future is bright," said Vlahos. "At West Valley, we have implemented a formula that has proven to be very successful. I am excited to bring these concepts and ideas to Mission College to help Saints Athletics reach the level of success it is capable of"
Mission's athletics facilities are in line for nearly $22 million in upgrades thanks to the passage of Bond Measure W in 2018. Currently, the baseball field is being refurbished with an artificial surface to be completed this summer.
Mission College currently has sports in baseball, women's basketball, men's and women's tennis, softball, women's volleyball, and badminton. Since its founding in 1979-80, the program has won two state titles and 15 Coast titles.
Vlahos takes over for Karen Yoder, who was named Athletics Director at NAIA and four-year university, Cal Maritime, in Vallejo.
"I am excited to join the Mission College athletic department and to continue building on the efforts of Karen Yoder. I am very thankful to Chancellor Brad Davis, President Daniel Peck, and President Stephanie Kashima for allowing me to take on this opportunity, and I look forward to working with the coaches and staff at Mission College," concluded Vlahos.
Since 2014 West Valley College has won 16 Coast Championships. In addition, the men's water polo team won three NorCal Championships and finished second at the State tournament in 2017.
Vlahos has hired six full-time coaches, a full-time embedded Athletics Counselor, two full-time athletics trainers, and a sports information director during his tenure.