A New Chapter for the Grizzlies
On June 9, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District announced the appointment of Ray Myers as the new head football coach, marking the start of a fresh era for the school’s program. Myers, a Watsonville native with nearly twenty years of coaching experience, steps into the role after serving as an assistant at both the high school and collegiate levels.
He replaces Casey Neligh, whose tenure produced the program’s first winning season with a 6‑4 record. Athletic Director Joe Manfre highlighted the weight of the Myers name in the community, noting that the hiring carries both expectation and pride.
A Coach With Deep Roots
Myers’ journey in football began on the fields of Monte Vista Christian, continued at Gilroy High and Cabrillo College, and later saw him serve as a defensive line coach under his father, Ron Myers, at Soquel High. After six years as a defensive coordinator, he took a brief hiatus during the pandemic before returning to Cabrillo College as a defensive line coach.
For the past eighteen years, Myers has also worked as a physical education teacher at Pajaro Middle School, where he now plans to teach PE and run a weight‑lifting class specifically for the football team, reinforcing his belief that academic success and athletic development go hand in hand.
Building a Pipeline to the Next Level
Beyond on‑field tactics, Myers aims to recruit more student‑athletes and create a clear pathway for them to advance to higher levels of competition. He stresses the importance of positivity throughout the school environment, hoping to spread that mindset both on the field and in the classroom.
His mentor, Ron Myers, will join the staff as an assistant coach, bringing additional experience and continuity to the program. Together, they hope to build on the foundation laid by Neligh and guide the Grizzlies toward sustained success.
Community and Academic Focus
Myers has repeatedly emphasized that the football program should serve as a vehicle for broader personal growth. By integrating academic support with athletic training, he intends to ensure that every player meets both scholastic and athletic standards before moving forward.
The appointment has been welcomed by families, students and local supporters who see in Myers a coach capable of marrying technical expertise with a genuine commitment to the welfare of his athletes.