Ep. 12: John Diatte '84

When you think of who might be perhaps the most impactful Valley Christian Warrior of all time, today’s guest certainly has to be listed towards the top.    Coach John Diatte graduated from Valley Christian in 1984.  He was a 4 year letterman on the Varsity baseball team, and was also a starter on the football team during the first 3 years of the program’s existence.  After he graduated, Coach Diatte’s first coaching gig was actually as an assistant football coach for the Warriors, including stints as the JV head coach and as a varsity assistant.    

Eventually Coach Diatte would have the opportunity to take over the Valley Christian baseball program in 1990.  In total, he inherited only 10 jerseys and 5 pairs of baseball pants -- a far cry from the locker full of uniforms that today’s players have become accustomed to.  Over the next 30 years, Coach Diatte would transform the program into what is today recognized as a national powerhouse.  

During his tenure, the Warriors have won 15 league championships across 5 different conferences, including 5 in the most competitive West Catholic Athletic League.  His baseball teams have raised Central Coast Section championship trophies on 9 different occasions, including the most recent CCS Open division 3-peat in 2017, 18, and 19.    

Several successful baseball players have played under Coach Diatte’s guidance, including former big leaguer Mike Rouse, current Minor League Baseball players Bryson Brigman and Kyle Marinconz, and two high school draftees in Shawon Dunston, Jr. and Cam Stewart, to name just a few.  In total, Coach Diatte has developed 4 WCAL Players of the Year, 3 CCS Players of the Year, and 6 All-Americans.  Coach Diatte himself has received Coach of the Year honors on numerous occasions by organizations like Cal-Hi Sports, the CCS, and the American Baseball Coaches Association.    

The Warriors Baseball program has received national recognition several times under Coach Diatte’s leadership, perhaps most notably in 2018 when Valley Christian was listed by Maxpreps as the #1 team in the United States.  

Thanks for tuning in to the Warrior Rewind, where we take time to visit with members of the Valley Christian Athletics community---past and present.  Once a Warrior, always a Warrior.  

Warrior Rewind is hosted by Rob Fair '09, who also serves VC as a football coach, lacrosse coach, and Assistant Athletic Director.  Connect with Rob on Twitter (@robfair3) to nominate a new guest for the show!   

Music: https://www.bensound.com