At Shadow Ridge High School, football isn’t just a game, it’s a brotherhood, and for the defensive line, that brotherhood is led by someone who’s been in their shoes: Coach Giovanni “Gio” Chanes.
Coach Gio is a familiar face around the halls of Shadow Ridge too. As a campus monitor, Coach Gio is always around, whether it’s keeping an eye on things, cracking jokes, or checking in on students, but once practice starts, it’s all business.
Chanes, who is Polynesian and originally from Hawaii, knows what it takes to play at a high level. He started his football career at Kealakehe High School before moving on to Cerritos College in California, where he was named a 2nd Team All-National Division Northern Conference player in 2013. His hard work eventually led him to play Division 1 football, something many high school athletes dream of.
Now instead of chasing his own football dreams, he’s helping the next generation chase theirs.
“This isn’t just about football,” Coach Gio says. It’s about teaching these guys how to work hard, stay disciplined and become better men.”
His players know that when he pushes them, it’s because he cares. Whether it’s perfecting their technique, pushing through a tough workout, or making sure they’re keeping their grades up, he’s always there.
“Coach Gio is like a big brother to us, ” said Jayden Unger, sophomore defensive linemen. “He knows what we’re going through because he’s been there. He pushes us, but he’s also someone you can talk to.”
And it’s not just football players who look up to him. As a campus monitor, he’s a familiar face to students throughout the school. Whether he’s having a conversation with a student in the hallway or cracking a joke at lunch, his presence makes an impact.
“He actually cares about people,” said David Zelasko, sophmore. “You can tell he wants us to succeed, whether we play football or not.”
Under his leadership, the Mustangs defensive line has grown stronger not just physically but mentally. The team plays with more discipline, confidence, and intensity, knowing they have a coach who believes in them.
At the end of the day, wins and losses aren’t the only thing Coach Gio cares about. What matters most to him is making sure his players leave Shadow Ridge with the mindset and work ethic to succeed in whatever they choose to do next.
“If they can give their all here, they can give their all in life,” he says. And that’s what being a Mustang is all about.
