Former Mira Costa soccer standout Dan Tobias feels he has come full circle and he couldn’t be happier.
The South Bay Force FC, one of the elite soccer programs in Southern California, recently named Tobias as its new Director of Coaching for its girls program.
Tobias replaces Jim Millinder, who accepted the job as women’s head coach at the University of San Francisco.
“I’m honored to be joining the South Bay Force and grateful to the board, (Boys Director) Todd Saldana and Jim Millinder.” Tobias said. “Being a native of Hermosa Beach, a Costa alum and having played for the club when it began as The Hurricanes, it’s exciting to have this opportunity.”
After graduating from Mira Costa in 1982, Tobias left his childhood home in Hermosa Beach to play at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He then coached the Central Coast Roadrunners in the USISL, winning national championships in 1996 and 1997. Tobias was named Coach of the Year in 1996.
Tobias advanced to coach at Washington State before becoming the head women’s coach at the University of Arizona where he was named PAC 10 Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2004. He stepped down from his position in 2009 to take some time off and returned to Hermosa Beach in 2010.
“The position just sort of fell into my lap,” Tobias said. “It came at a perfect time. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get people interested in soccer. So far I have met a lot of great people and families.
In addition to directing the program, Tobias will also coach the Girls Under 17 and Girls Under 15 teams as did Millinder.
Tobias realizes the importance of coaching at the youth level, crediting his youth coaches for teaching the fundamentals while providing the inspiration that made him fall in love with the sport.
“I was real lucky at a young age to have great coaches like Lou Gonzalez and later (current El Camino College men’s coach) John Britton at Mira Costa,” he explained. “That was when soccer really got into my heart. I had great experiences as a player and I want to give back to the sport and give players that passion for improving individual skills. There’s a lot of talent here in the South Bay and we’re here to help them not only improve but have fun.”
“South Bay Force has some of the best girls teams in the region, and that’s due to a talented coaching staff,” said Club President Greg Yorke. “We’re excited about Dan taking a leadership role and making our girls program even better. Dan has a demonstrated ability to build programs, and we look forward to Dan elevating what we’ve already achieved as well as expanding the girls program.”
The South Bay Force has a partnership with the MLS Champion L.A. Galaxy, and Tobias hopes the winning ways of the professional team trickles down while he attempts to expand on the success of the South Bay Force. Its teams have won two national titles in two years. Numerous current players have been selected for ODP (U.S. Soccer’s Olympic Development Program) and alumni include current and former college players, national team players, and MLS and WPS players.
Redondo Beach resident Shannon Boxx is arguably the most famous alumnus from the South Bay Force program. Boxx won an Olympic gold medal as a member of the U.S. National Team in 2004.
South Bay Force will be holding tryouts for boys and girls beginning Friday. For tryouts scheduled or more information regarding the club, visit www.southbayforce.net.
