Miramonte Girls Basketball

The miramonte girls team lost a wonderful coach, mentor and friend on December 19, 2008.  They will play this season with Darrell in their hearts.  Darrell will never be forgotten by the people who were blessed enough have know him.

Miramonte Girls & Boys teams opened the 2008-09 season with a moment of silence in memory of long time Miramonte girls Coach Darrell Hirashima.  Players, parents & fans will wear black in his honor.
 
"He will never be gone as long as there are those of us who are here that remain faithfull to him"
 
We love you Darrell, we are forever grateful to you and your family for all you have given to us.

Coach Darrell in our Hearts Forever

Gracious and gentle. Responsible and respectful.

Former Miramonte High School girls basketball coach Darrell Hirashima was remembered in glowing terms.

The veteran coach suffered a massive heart attack Dec. 7 and, after spending nearly two weeks on life support, died Friday afternoon at Alta Bates Medical Center in Oakland. He was 56.  Players remembered how Hirashima taught them about the game and advised them about life. Parents and fellow coaches recalled how he cared for their daughters and helped give girls throughout the East Bay an outlet to pursue a sport he loved so much.

During Hirashima’s 11 years with the Matadors, he compiled a 238-85 record. His team made the playoffs the past ten seasons and won four North Coast Section Division III titles.  While Hirashima will be remembered for the success his teams had on the court, his biggest impact was on the players who played for him. Hirashima is remembered as a kind, understanding coach who motivated his players to always do their best on and off the court.

By Jennifer Starks
Staff Writer for the Contra Costa Times
Updated: 12/24/2008 11:47:54 AM PST