John Paye is stepping down as Menlo School’s girls basketball coach

Paye, a former Stanford quarterback, led the program to four state championships. He now coaches the school’s girls flag football team. Serra names its new baseball coach.

John Paye, who coached Menlo School’s girls basketball team to four state championships in 22 seasons over two stints, announced his retirement on Friday.

Paye, who won a state basketball title at Menlo in 1983, was a quarterback on the football team and a baseball standout, finishing with a 417-194 record.

He is now the coach of the school’s girls flag football team, which is in its inaugural season under the California Interscholastic Federation.

“I’m sad to leave the program,” Paye, 58, said in a statement released by the school. “I’ll always be a Menlo Knight, and Menlo will always have a special place in my heart.” I’ll continue to be a huge fan and attend games.”

Paye went on to start at quarterback for Stanford after a successful high school career at Menlo. On the basketball team, he also played point guard.

His teams won consecutive state titles as Menlo’s girls basketball coach from 1989 to 1991, with his sister, Kate, playing for the school. He also led the Knights to a state championship in 2019.

“John has done so much for Menlo School,” said Menlo School athletic director Earl Koberlein. “First, as a student, he was an outstanding football, basketball, and baseball player, and then for 22 seasons, he was an esteemed coach of our girls’ basketball teams.” Over the years, he has also coached a slew of middle school teams.

“John has had a positive impact on thousands of Menlo College students.” He has always been an outspoken supporter and advocate for women’s sports and athletes. For as long as John has been coaching our students, Menlo has been fortunate.”

The search for the next Menlo girls basketball coach will begin immediately, according to the school.

Serra baseball

Mat Keplinger has been named as Serra’s new baseball coach. The Stockton native pitched at the University of Nevada before going pro in Germany.

In a news release, Keplinger said of Serra, “This program has such a rich history with so many great alumni, and I am looking forward to connecting with everyone who wants to be a part of what we’re building.” This is a very passionate baseball community, and I am very excited to meet and connect with the players.”