Out of the many coaches across Greater Los Angeles, boys’ basketball coach Dave Galley was crowned the Los Angeles Times’ 2022 Boys’ Basketball Coach of the Year. 

Galley led the 21-10 Gondoliers all the way to the state Division III championship game in Sacramento. 

“It’s an honor and I never thought I’d be able to get it,” Galley said. “To have the season these players put together is special and will always remind me of strong fond memories.” 

According to Galley, he fell in love with the game of basketball and its competitiveness in third grade. 

“My father used to coach youth rec teams and I would tag along with my sister and practice with them,” Galley said. 

Galley has been a basketball head coach for 18 years, first serving at Elizabeth Center for six years before transferring to Venice High.

“Venice is a great, special community,” Galley said. “The parent support has been fantastic since I started and it’s got a rich tradition of athletics. I’m proud to coach at Venice.” 

But no matter where he coaches, his philosophy remains constant: dedication and hard work on the court translates to success off the court. 

“Not many people will make money from playing ball but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn valuable life lessons and make lifelong friends and memories,” he said. 

Galley gives a shout out to assistant coaches Matt Waller and Aundre Cummings for making his award selection possible. 

“Aundre has to drive one hour to get to school every practice,” Galley said. “This wouldn’t be possible without his dedication.” 

Senior Devyn Johnson, a captain who has had ample experience of three years playing under Galley, thinks Galley is a “marvelous coach” and 100% deserved the honor. 

“He dedicates his time and effort to get us stronger every year,” Johnson said. “He gets game tape and scouts other teams so we can counter. Always executes the right plays and puts the right players in at the right time.”