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The legacy of beloved coach Steve Medina lives on through a cherished tradition in Southern California—the Steve Medina Classic Golf Tournament.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The legacy of beloved coach Steve Medina lives on through a cherished tradition in Southern California—the Steve Medina Classic Golf Tournament.
Now in its third year, the event brought together around 30 participants for a day of camaraderie, remembrance, and fundraising. The tournament is the brainchild of Medina and longtime friend Eric Caro.
“We want to honor our friend Steve,” said Caro. “It’s a way to build camaraderie and support our team.”
A Coach Who Shaped Lives
If I had a son, I would’ve wanted Coach Medina to mentor him. He was a tough but caring disciplinarian who prepared his players for life beyond sports. With a sharp sense of humor and an unshakable work ethic, he connected with his players as long as they gave their all.
Medina graduated from the University of La Verne, where he met his wife, Sara. After college, he carried his coaching philosophy across Southern California.
Dedicated On and Off the Field
Sara was often seen on the sidelines as the team photographer—not just for football, but for other sports like women’s basketball, soccer, and softball. She continues that work today, capturing moments at USC and UCLA football games at the Rose Bowl and LA Memorial Coliseum.
Coach Medina’s passion for mentoring young people was evident throughout his career. He taught and coached at several high schools, including:
- Gahr HS, Cerritos (1999–2000)
- Huntington Park HS (2001–2006)
- Millikan HS, Long Beach (2016)
- Garfield HS (2016–2017)
- Marquez HS (2018–2021)
- Legacy High, where he also coached girls JV soccer
At Legacy, he found his true niche. His leadership earned him recognition as LA City Coach of the Year by the Los Angeles Rams.
Before one game at Legacy, he told the head referee, “If any of my players talk back, send them over to me.” He insisted on discipline and respect. His teams rarely committed avoidable penalties like offsides or false starts.
A Lasting Tribute
Medina battled kidney disease and was awaiting a transplant when he passed suddenly in November 2023. He is survived by his wife Sara and son Samuel.
“He missed the first tournament, but his memory lives on through every one since,” said Caro, a physical education teacher and head girls flag football coach at Legacy. “It’s a fundraiser for the girls’ team—and a tribute to Steve.”
Caro encourages the community to support the squad. “Everyone is welcome to come see our team play this season,” he said. “We start August 20 at Narbonne High, and we’d love to see everyone out there.”