Garden Grove Coach Quits to Be a Coach

Kevin Starnes, one of the most successful boys’ tennis coaches in Orange County, has resigned from Garden Grove High, ironically so he can spend more time with his players.

Starnes, selected The Times Orange County boys’ coach of the year in 1995, said the Southern Section’s 1995 rule that limits coaches’ access to players during the off-season prompted his resignation.

“I’ve been planning this since the CIF changed the rule in April of ‘95,” he said. “I’m hoping this will help the kids more.”

Starnes led the Argonauts to four consecutive Garden Grove League titles and six playoff berths in his eight years as head coach, but he was unable to take them past the round of 16.

“I’ve always felt I wanted to do the best I can for the program,” said Starnes, whose team has a streak of 64 consecutive league victories. “I’ve been there 10 years and we’ve never gone to the level on the court that I wanted to go to.”

Starnes feels this year’s team has a chance to reach that next level but not if he remains coach. As a tennis coach, Starnes is only able to work with his players during the boys’ tennis season, for five weeks over the summer and during a sixth-period physical education class.

Now that Starnes is no longer a coach, he will be able give private lessons to the Garden Grove boys’ players at any time of the year. Starnes said he will charge the nominal fee of $1 per lesson to his former players or to any other student who wants to improve their tennis. He will teach at Garden Grove High and other courts.

Starnes said he spoke with several section administrators about changing the rule back, but he had no luck.

Starnes said his decision to leave was difficult, but he knows he’s doing the right thing.

Garden Grove Athletic Director Ron Zajec said he would look to replace Starnes from within his teaching staff. “There will be no replacing Kevin,” he said. “There will just be another tennis coach.”