Stan Switala
,
Saint Vincent de Paul Director of Athletics, has been appointed Head Varsity Baseball Coach. Stan will replace long-time coach Gary Galloway, who will step down from his role in baseball after serving for 32 seasons.
Stan played Division I college baseball as a starting pitcher. After two stints in professional baseball, Stan’s coaching career began at the collegiate level and continued at two Marin County high schools. After four years as a professional baseball scout for the New York Mets, Stan established the “Top Speed Baseball” organization. Coach Switala is the head coach of this collegiate summer team for Div. I, Div.II, NAIA and junior college players. The team and program have been nationally ranked every year since 2013. Over 60 players who have come through his program, moved on to play professional baseball.
“To reach the goals of the St. Vincent’s athletics program, we will complement our exceptional athletic facilities with intensified coaching and mentoring for our motivated student-athletes,” Coach Switala stated. “Aspiring local athletes are already investigating how to get involved at St. Vincent’s. With regards to baseball, we will elevate our goals and implement changes across our training, practice and game schedule to increase our performance on the field.”
Principal Patrick W. Daly emphasizes that a “common characteristic among successful Catholic high schools is the pairing of exceptional college preparatory academics with a strong sports program. The new school leadership will invest the necessary resources in men’s and women’s athletic programs to compete with larger schools, while retaining the essential attributes of a small-school student experience.Our students will be well-prepared for college in the classroom and in intercollegiate sports programs.”
Coach Switala will lead all levels of the baseball program and bring an entirely new coaching staff to the school’s baseball program. He added, “We will enjoy success on the field. But more importantly, we want to deliver a great high school experience to each one of our student-athletes. We also recognize that there are students who aspire to play at the college or professional levels. My 300+ relationships with college coaches across the country is a unique benefit to help them realize that dream.”
Consistent with these objectives, Steven Knudson is joining the program as its primary Assistant Coach. An alum of El Camino High School in South San Francisco, he was named a two-time Peninsula Athletic League Player of the Year while also being selected to the All-State team. His decorated collegiate career includes being named an All-American for three different schools: Cañada College, Oklahoma Baptist University, and The University of Montevallo. He has coached high school athletes for Westmoor HS in Daly City, Oceana HS in Pacifica, and for the Top Speed Baseball organization.
“I am passionate about baseball. I truly appreciate this opportunity to share that enthusiasm with the students,” Knudson commented. “Playing college baseball had such a positive impact on my life. As a player, I was known for my hitting ability and level of intensity. At St. Vincent de Paul High School, I will bring that same focus to mentor our student athletes, preparing them to play at the next level.”
