Booker iffy on CdM job

Marissa Booker, the Vanguard University women’s volleyball coach, said Thursday that Corona del Mar High has offered her the girls’ volleyball head coaching job.

Booker, who has been in charge of the Lions for the past three seasons, said she is split on whether she plans to accept the walk-on position. Booker said she is a credentialed special education teacher, but that CdM does not currently have any teaching openings in that department.

Booker said it would be difficult to coach without having a paid teaching position. Booker said she is a full-time employee at Vanguard, but she does not teach at her alma mater.

Booker, who went by Marissa Cothran when she graduated from Newport Harbor High, said she would inform CdM of her decision on Friday.

If Booker takes over the storied program at CdM, she will replace Darryl Gan.

Gan stepped down after three successful seasons at the helm because he and his wife were expecting their first child in April. Gan led the Sea Kings to two CIF Southern Section Division II-AA title appearances, two CIF State Division II Regional playoff appearances and three Pacific Coast League titles, and a 73-23 overall record.

Last season, Booker led Vanguard to a 14-15 overall record and 6-14 in the Golden State Athletic Conference. Booker has a 49-42 overall record as the coach of the Lions.

Booker has also been assistant coach under Newport Harbor boys’ and girls’ coach Dan Glenn.

Curt Hanson, an assistant with the Sea Kings the past two seasons under Gan, has been in the running for the job. He said he interviewed for the job Monday for a second time.