Janet Eleazar Steps Down as Southwestern College Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Chula Vista, CA – Janet Eleazar has resigned as Southwestern College's head women's basketball coach due to personal reasons, Director of Athletics Ron Valenzuela announced today.

"After much consideration and contemplation, I have come to this decision with a heavy heart," Eleazar said. "Serving as head coach over the past ten years has been an incredible honor and privilege. I am forever grateful to all of the players I had the opportunity to coach, and thankful for the coaching staff, administration, and entire Southwestern community for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your belief in our vision and dedication to the sport have been truly inspiring." The memories and experiences I have gained here will forever hold a special place in my heart."

Coach Eleazar further stated, "I'm proud of all that we have accomplished together and am excited to see what the future holds for this amazing program."

Under Eleazar's leadership, the program captured a conference championship and reached the CCCAA Southern California Regionals in back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023. The 2021-22 season was especially noteworthy when Eleazar led Southwestern to 22 wins, including an 11-3 conference record.

"Coach Eleazar has guided our women's basketball program to a consistent level of competitiveness within the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference and in our region over the last decade," Director of Athletics Ron Valenzuela said. "Janet Eleazar is a true Jaguar for Life, as she is a Hall of Fame former basketball player at Southwestern College who made a commendable investment in our program over the last decade as a teacher, mentor, and coach. Coach Eleazar has made an indelible mark on the lives of hundreds of student-athletes. She has led our program with great integrity and represented the College with class throughout her tenure.

"Eleazar will remain on faculty, and we wish nothing but the best for Coach and her family as she embarks on the next chapter of her career."