Greg Zuffelato has been promoted to head coach of the boys basketball team at Santa Barbara High, the school announced Tuesday.
Zuffelato, who previously coached boys basketball at Santa Ynez and Caruthers High, served as an assistant at Santa Barbara under former Dons coach Corey Adam.
Adam stepped down after four years at the helm.
“We are thrilled to be able to have someone with Coach Zuffelato’s coaching experience as the next head coach of our boys basketball program,” said Santa Barbara Athletic Director Todd Heil. “His prior experience will be invaluable as we enter the upcoming season. Mr. Zuffelato truly cares about the development and growth of his players, not just as athletes, but as people as well.”
Zuffelato said, “It is an honor to be a part of this storied program. A tradition exists here at Santa Barbara High School — a tradition that is second to none. It is with gratitude that I thank all of the outstanding coaches and athletes as part of this tradition for building something so special here. It is truly a privilege to be included in this tremendous legacy.”
Zuffelato’s son, Luke, is a standout player for the Dons. This past season, he received All-CIF honors as a sophomore.
Luke Zuffelato will lead a solid group of returning players next season.
“Our current group of players is exceptional, with unlimited potential and passion for the game,” said coach Zuffelato. “This is an incredible opportunity to lead them and help them reach new heights on the court and in the classroom.”
Zuffelato is a teacher on campus as a Career Tech Ed Sports Medicine Pathway member.
In basketball, he has more than 25 years of coaching experience. From 1997 to 2000, he was the head coach at Santa Ynez High and guided the team to its first CIF playoff game in more than 10 years.
In 2000 and 2001, he served as an assistant with the Cal Poly men’s basketball team.
He returned to high school coaching at Caruthers High in the Central Valley, where was the boys basketball coach from 2004 to 2008. In his first season, the team went 14-0 in league and advanced to the CIF Central Section semifinals.
Zuffelato played collegiately at Fresno Pacific University, where he was coached by the legendary John Moore, who later became the head coach at Westmont College.
Zuffelato finished his college career at Fresno State, where he played for Ron Adams, who currently serves as an assistant for the Golden State Warriors.
Basketball is a family affair for Coach Zuffelato. His father, Bob, coached for more than 50 years, including three decades in the NBA. He previously coached at Boston College and Marshall University. Greg’s brother, Scott, has been the Vice President of Philanthropy for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for the past 24 years.
Zuffelato’s wife, Kim, is also a coach at Santa Barbara High, serving as an assistant with the girls’ indoor and beach volleyball teams. Their daughter, Emma, led the Dons indoor team to a CIF title in 2021. She now plays beach volleyball at Cal Poly.
“I am confident that we have selected a highly qualified head coach for our boys basketball program,” said Santa Barbara Principal Elise Simmons. “Not only does Coach Zuffelato have extensive experience as a head varsity coach, but he has also served as our assistant varsity coach for some years now. He is also an instrumental teacher on our campus as a Career Tech Ed Sports Medicine Pathway member.
“Coach Zuffelato is an educator and coach who cares deeply about his students, both off and on the court.”