Stephen Dias and Katie Thiele have been named the Courier’s co-Head Coaches of the Year for the 2018 fall sports season.

Dias (varsity girls water polo) and Thiele (varsity girls cross country) led their respective teams to runner-up finishes in the Western Athletic Conference.

“The kids deserve the credit,” Katie said. “They made it easy for me to coach. They were self-motivated. They’re the most dedicated and talented group I’ve had.”

“The girls are a reflection of what the coach does,” Stephen said. “And the coach is a reflection of what the girls do.”

Ceres High’s girls cross country team placed second in the Western Athletic Conference overall standings.

The Bulldogs also took second at the league championships (64 points) and during the WAC dual-meet season (6-1).

“I love coaching,” Thiele said. “It’s something I look forward to doing every single day. I enjoy seeing how the kids get excited when they achieve something they don’t think they can do.” 

“If we didn’t have her, I’m not sure where we’d be,” Ceres High senior standout Destiny Suarez said. “She’s done a lot for the team. She’s put all of her heart into coaching. She’s only missed one meet the four years she’s been here.”

“It’s more than just running,” Suarez added. “She’s an amazing person. She’s very accepting. That’s why a lot of people connect with her.”

Ceres High’s girls water polo team (10-2) took second in the WAC for the third year in a row.

The Bulldogs also secured their third consecutive playoff berth.

“It’s very enjoyable coaching this group of kids,” Dias said. “There was very little drama. They did their job. I’m proud of what they accomplished.”

Ceres High managed to continue its tradition of excellence despite competing with a lineup as seven players from a year ago were lost to graduation.

“You play to win,” Dias said. “You accept defeat as long as you know you played your best.”

“Without Dias, we wouldn’t have a water polo program,” Ceres High senior standout Camryn Silva said. “He’s passionate about the sport. He’s really good at making sure there’s no drama and the team works together.”