Dallas Jensen was named the head coach of the Gavilan College men’s basketball team replacing David Kaplansky.
The announcement came from Dean of Kinesiology & Athletics, Ron Hannon.
Jensen, a graduate of Gilroy High School (1999) will begin working immediately to prepare for the 2017-18 season. Recruiting will be Jensen’s top priority as he takes over the head coaching position.
“I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to be here at Gavilan college. To be a resource for our student-athletes, to stress and prioritize academics and earning a degree, and to aid in their development on the floor – there is nothing better,” stated Jensen.
After graduating from high school, Jensen started his collegiate playing career at San Jose City College for legendary Hall of Fame head coach, Percy Carr. He earned a scholarship to attend Brigham Young University-Hawaii and played two seasons for the Seasiders. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2006. He has a Master’s Degree in in Recreation and Athletic Administration from Western Kentucky University (2014).
Jensen has served as an assistant coach at nationally ranked Lone Peak High School in Highland, UT the past two seasons. Prior to that, he served as Carr’s top assistant and recruiting coordinator at San Jose City College from 2011-2015. While serving as an assistant coach at San Jose City, Jensen was also the athletic director at Oakwood School in Morgan Hill.
“Our family has been around the community and the game of basketball for years. To have an opportunity to come home, be surrounded by family and friends, and have a unique support system already in place here just made our family’s decision that much easier. We feel like this a dream job and are already working towards developing a winning tradition and culture here at Gavilan,” Jensen added.
“We’re extremely excited about what Dallas has to offer our student-athletes, Gavilan College, and this community. He and his family are no strangers to the South Bay and California Community College basketball. He has a strong reputation amongst basketball coaches as being an extremely successful recruiter. He is also a man of very high character and will instill strong values within our program. Academics will continue to be a top priority for our student-athletes,” Hannon said. “I believe he will have an immediate impact on this program.”
Jensen replaces Kaplansky after he stepped following his third season as the Rams’ head coach.
“I can’t thank Dave enough for his hard work, passionate attitude, and endless work ethic in driving our program to this point. The Rams were better because of his leadership. I wish him all the best as he pursues other top priorities in his life,” Hannon said.
