Posted: Mar 23, 2023

Former Owl Named High School Coach of the Year

Jessica Samson celebrating with her Diamond Bar High School girls' varsity team.

Former Citrus College women's basketball player Jessica Samson was named the San Gabriel Valley Tribune Coach of the Year after leading Diamond Bar High School to its first league championship in 30 years.

"I was surprised, I didn't see it at first," said Samson. "I woke up to a lot of texts about it. It was a goal of mine but I was really surprised I was able to do it in one year."

Samson played at Citrus for the 2013-14 season before ending her playing career but wasn't ready to quite walk away from hoops yet.

"I've always been passionate about basketball so I knew I wasn't going to stay away from it long," said Samson. "My alma mater, West Covina High School, needed a freshman coach around the time I finished at Citrus so I applied and got the job and fell in love with it. It was still a way for me to be a part of basketball without playing."

At first, Samson didn't think it was something she would be doing long term, but as the season progressed, Samson felt it actually could turn into a career. Soon after, Samson started coaching club basketball and before she knew it, it was everything she was doing.

In the fall of 2022, Samson got her first head varsity coaching position with Diamond Bar High School.

"I did not know what I was going into," said Samson. "I was nervous but I was also motivated and excited. I knew I had a solid group and as we started playing, I realized we were pretty good."

Despite going into season with a rookie head coach, Diamond Bar set some lofty goals for itself. The Brahmas wanted to win league – which they did – and win CIF-SS – they lost in the first round on a heartbreaking buzzer-beater.

"We had a great year," said Samson. "It exceeded my expectations and I'm excited for next year."

While Samson loves coaching at the high school level, she also would like to see where her coaching career goes and wants to someday coach at the next level. Samson is going back to school to get her master's in sports administration, but for now, is happy where she is at.

"They keep me young," said Samson about her players. "You get to see them grow up a little bit and to be honest, they inspire me. They showed me that doing the work and playing the right way and dedicating your time and efforts to something is worth it. Wins and losses don't show your value. At the end of the day, working hard is always going to be worth it. Even if you fall short, it's always worth it."