Walk in the Poway High gymnasium and there, right alongside the basketball court home coaching box are the initials — JT.
It’s a salute to Jay Trousdale, who retired going on three years ago as the most successful girls’ basketball coach in San Diego Section history with a 726-286 record.
When the floor was redone in May, the initials were added.
“They probably had to do something because I’m sure I wore a path walking back and forth,” said the ex-coach who followed his instincts by walking away, concerned only that by now he’d feel he left a year too soon or a year too late.
“I made the right decision, I have no regrets except, of course, I miss the interaction with the players, their parents and the assistant coaches. I went to two games the first year and three last year, but I didn’t want to be seen as someone who was looking over (new head coach Carissa Jones-Fletcher’s) shoulder.
“I retired at the right time.”
Titans athletic director Damian Gonzalez said the school istration was unanimous in the decision to honor Trousdale, who walked courtside for 35 years.
“We had to do something to honor his legacy,” said Gonzalez. “We’re not finished because at some point during the girls’ basketball season, which is still to be determined, we will invite all of his ex-players and coaches to have a big celebration.
“When Jay retired from teaching (2017) a few years before retiring from coaching (in 2022), we knew it was inevitable that he’d retire from coaching.
“What made it even more difficult when he finally did retire was that he really cared. He cared about the players, the program and the school. His legacy is that all of the kids who played for him still his impact.
“Jay has been to so many of his players’ weddings and that should tell you something. We wanted to keep him around a few more years, but he knew it was time and it really worked out well for him.”
Trousdale said the successes — and there were many — weren’t the highlight of his coaching career, during which time the Titans never had a losing season.
He won section titles in 1991, 1992, 1995 and 2008. His 12 league championships are on display in the gym as well.
“Of course, the four CIF titles and six runners up finishes are memorable, but now, three years later, it’s the association with the players that stand out to me,” said Trousdale who can recall the name every one of his players.
“As a coach you do the scouting, you have game-planning and I always looked at six videos of every opponent. You not only have the long season, you have summer and fall ball. I really don’t miss the game planning.”
Mind you, all retiring did was give Trousdale, one of Kearny High’s best all-time players, an opportunity to watch sports along with his wife, Linda.
“I’m at the Padres game right now — my wife and I have a half-season ticket plan, so we attend games Wednesday, Friday and Sunday,” said Trousdale recently by phone from Petco Park. “We attend some Clipper games, Aztec and USD basketball.
He certainly has no trouble finding other ex-coaches to him as he reels off an all-star cast of names like Wade Vickery (Santana), Randy Robinson (El Cajon Valley), Pat Moramarco (Vista), Peggy Brose (Rancho Bernardo) and John Labeta (former assistant section commissioner) of those in whom he still keeps in close .
“I’m sure I’ve left someone off,” said Trousdale. “It’s fun being able to sit back and cheer for a team or just go and enjoy the game.”
Trousdale was well-known for his laid-back manner—except when he was coaching. Then, he was very focused.
“You know it’s funny but while it was the championships everyone re most, for me I recall a section semi-final game against Escondido in 2008,” said Trousdale. “That game went back and forth but we ended up winning by four points en route to the section title. It was the most intense, fun game.
“My initials in the coaching box are a real honor —I wouldn’t trade those 35 years for anything.”
