From Court to Community: A Model of Dedication

Manteca high varsity girls’ basketball coach Oscar Calix is seen cutting down the last string of the basketball net during the VOL championship basketball game in 2024.

By KRYSTAL RAMIREZ 
The Tower 

MANTECA- Varsity girls’ basketball coach Oscar Calix is not only on the court competing but off the court at Manteca showing support to the high school community events. 

Calix, an all-in coach at Manteca high, excites the community with music and supports the events that begin to roll on for the buffs at sport events. As the season is almost here, he’s ready to work hard and stay focused on the varsity girls’ basketball team. 

Calix has been involved in the Manteca high district for 5 years, contributing to long practices for the varsity girls’ basketball team. He sees the girls' basketball team as family and builds a strong bond with every girl without singling anyone out. He pushes them to be their best and expects them to fight harder and participate in every practice/game. 

Manteca high varsity head Coach Oscar Calix communicates to his team during a timeout in the season of 2024. 

“Him coming to practice and taking time away from his family, it’s a really big dedication,” said Manteca high varsity basketball player Jaesha Dunn. 

He is a coach that tries to do everything he can to make time for the basketball girls, and make sure they not only evolve but build character that will stay with them beyond high school. 

“My expectations for this season are the same as they usually are — a competitive team, compete for a VOL title, and be a playoff contender,” Calix responded. 

But for Calix, success isn’t measured solely in wins; he plans to build up the young core and avoid another losing season.  

“Oscar has a positive impact towards the basketball team,” Dunn said. “He brings us up even we’re not doing good, so he has a really good positive impact on us.” 

During winter it’s the time he steps up and shows the county what dedication and perseverance really shows the community. 

“I hope they have good memories of basketball and stay humble. That’s a motive,” Calix said. “A quote I’ve always gone by is: ‘always keep working and stay humble to make sure you don’t get too ahead of yourself.’” 

Calix's dedication towards the Manteca high campus reveals he can always be accountable for school events and his team.  

Whether energizing crowds with music at sporting events or volunteering at school functions, Calix presence is constant. Many will see him at “Pack the Plaza” putting out music from his DJ set at almost every sport event.  

Off the court, his role stretches deeper: the same dedication he brings to the court is reflected in his involvement within the high school community.  

“I help out any way I can, to make Manteca better,” Calix said.  

By investing in both the athletic growth and personal development of his players, while uplifting the extensive school spirit, Calix continues to shape a legacy built on dedication, unity, and pride.  

One beat, one game, and one student at a time.