Matt Schwab
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Professional sports copy editor; freelance writer. Written hundreds of stories, hope to write hundreds more.
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Articles by Matt Schwab
Giacomazzi Sisters Dominate USA Gymnastics Championships
LIVERMORE — Through every twist and turn and feat of strength, the Giacomazzi sisters, Addison and Devyn, achieved big things in acrobatics at the USA Gymnastics Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma last month. How big? Try a national championship and a prestigious honor for Devyn and a berth on the USA National Team for Addison. Devyn is an incoming freshman at Livermore High, and Addison is a senior-to-be at Granada. Mom and dad have enjoyed the ride. “It’s been an incredible season for our family.
Amazing Mina! Chabot Tennis Star honored By State
Chabot College sophomore Mina Koloski, a former Las Lomas High star, was selected as 2026 ITA California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) Women’s Tennis Sophomore Player of the Year. Koloski became the seventh player in Chabot history to earn this achievement, along with Zoe Olmos, 2022; Yuki Asari, 2008; Tiffany Villanueva, 2008; Nick Jakosjin, 2007; Justine Liberato, 2004; and Dmitry Dzyuba, 2003. In two years at Chabot, Koloski won almost 100 matches.
Las Positas College Makes History with Two State Titles
LIVERMORE — Las Positas College competitors made history at the drama-filled California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving State Championships in Costa Mesa. Two Hawks earned state championships in the same season for the first time at the big meet, April 30-May 2 at Orange Coast College.
Patrick Coffey Tapped to Lead Las Positas Women’s Basketball
LIVERMORE — It’s Coffey time at “The Nest.” Las Positas College has a new women’s basketball head coach in Patrick Coffey, a former College of San Mateo lead assistant known for his detailed scouting, dedication and player development. The former NCAA Division III Colby-Sawyer College (NH) star player knows his stuff but has to hit the ground running. “Right now the big work is getting a head start in recruiting,” said Coffey, whose hiring was announced on April 13.
Great Gladiators! Chabot stars named Athletes of the Month
In partnership with This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Riley Winchell Gracie Barco Chabot College women’s tennis player Gracie Barco and baseball slugger Riley Winchell were selected as Gladiators of the Month for March. Barco is unbeaten in singles at 12-0 and has a sparkling 15-1 record in doubles. Winchell, a catcher/designated hitter, leads the Coast Conference-North Division in home runs with 10 and RBIs with 38.
Former Granada High Slugger Is a Big Hit at Chabot
LIVERMORE — It’s safe to say that Chabot College baseball slugger Riley Winchell made a mark at Granada High School before heading to the Hayward campus. A bunch of marks, in fact, crushing baseballs and opposing quarterbacks. As a senior in 2023-24, he amassed a team-high 11 sacks as a Matadors defensive end.
Yahya Steals Softball Show At Chabot
Sports Former Rancho Cotate High star setting records for stolen bases with Gladiators Posted Tue, Mar 17, 2026 at 3:31 pm PT|Updated Tue, Mar 17, 2026 at 3:38 pm PT Kailey Yahya Chabot College sophomore Kailey Yahya is fast and relentless on the base paths. Factor in her ability to hit and excel in centerfield, and Yahya is a softball sensation. She entered the week leading the 3C2A in stolen bases with 34 in 18 games and is fifth in the state in batting average at .548.
Super Gladiators
In partnership with This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Kailey Yahya Savannah Montini Amani Johnson Three Chabot athletes were selected as Gladiators of the Month for February. Softball star Kailey Yahya leads the state in stolen bases with 24. Women’s basketball standout Savannah Montini averaged 18 points a game and made first-team all conference. Men’s basketball stalwart Amani Johnson averaged 20 points per 40 minutes on the court.
Chabot Track Has A Lot Of Harte
In partnership with This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Levi Harte The Chabot men’s and women’s track and field teams had outstanding efforts at the recent DVC Hall of Fame Invite at Diablo Valley College. The Glads set a few meet records and had numerous personal bests. In men’s action, Levi Harte sizzled. He was second in the 100 meters and 200 with personal records of 10.81 seconds and 21.65.
State Champ Koloski Glad To Be A Gladiator
Sports Story by Camille LeDuc: Former Las Lomas High star comfortable with fit at the college Posted Tue, Feb 24, 2026 at 8:37 am PT State No. 1 Mina Koloski stands with Chabot coaches after taking the title. (Courtesy of chabot tennis) Mina Koloski knows these courts like the back of her hand. So many backhands and forehands executed here. She's grown up on these courts. Retracing each step over and over for almost a decade. It wasn’t until 2024 she officially became a Gladiator.
Earthquakes prepare for Year 2 under Arena with lessons learned, but without starry trio Original
The Earthquakes will open season No. 2 under head coach Bruce Arena with a hungry cast and some depth concerns on the attack. Buoyed by the signing of heralded German forward Timo Werner and a 3-0 preseason run, the Quakes will face Sporting Kansas City Saturday night at PayPal Park (7 p.m., Apple TV+). Gone from the squad, however, are three key attackers — Cristian Espinoza, Josef Martinez and Chicho Arango — along with mainstay center back Rodrigues.
Earthquakes prepare for Year 2 under Arena with lessons learned, but without starry trio
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Earthquakes will open season No. 2 under head coach Bruce Arena with a hungry cast and some depth concerns on the attack. Buoyed by the signing of heralded German forward Timo Werner and a 3-0 preseason run, the Quakes will face Sporting Kansas City Saturday night at PayPal Park (7 p.m., Apple TV+). Gone from the squad, however, are three key attackers — Cristian Espinoza, Josef Martinez and Chicho Arango — along with mainstay center back Rodrigues.
Las Positas Star Jaden Woodard Shines On the Court and in the Classroom
Jaden Woodard is a picture of academic and athletic success at Las Positas College. Not only does he average over 18 points a game on one of the state’s top community college basketball teams, but he’s also carrying a 3.8 grade point average. “I’ve always taken academics super serious,” said Woodard, a 6-foot-3 sophomore guard from Sheldon High in Sacramento. “When I came to Las Po’, my goal was to maximize my success.
Calcagno Rallies For Chabot Softball
Sports California High football coach saves the Chabot softball season by offering to coach the Gladiators Posted Sun, Feb 8, 2026 at 7:45 am PT Not surprisingly, Danny Calcagno stepped to the plate and saved the softball season for Chabot College. The Glads’ football legend is the new head coach of the softball team, and athletic director Jeff Drouin couldn’t be happier.
District Dominance - Las Positas and Chabot Men’s Basketball Programs Thrive
LIVERMORE — The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District has a hop in its step again during basketball season. That’s because the district’s Chabot and Las Positas men’s basketball teams have dynamic players, rugged styles, and are racking up the wins. Las Positas and Chabot met for the first time this season on Jan. 14 at the Las Positas gymnasium, also known as “The Nest,” when the host Hawks took a hard-fought 83-68 victory in the Coast Conference-North Division. The rematch is Feb.
LPC Coach Wins Basketball Games While Touching Lives
LIVERMORE — Las Positas College (LPC) men’s basketball coach James Giacomazzi keeps doing what he does best — winning games and shaping lives. The charismatic head coach is fueled by the positive impact he’s had on players spanning decades. They appreciate his support. “He makes me want to be better as a player, keeps me levelheaded, and holds me to a higher expectation,” Las Positas sophomore guard Richard Banks said.
Las Positas Men’s Hoops Coach Giacomazzi Gains Milestone Victory in Weekend Tourney
SACRAMENTO — The convincing wins and landmarks keep coming for Las Positas College men’s basketball coach James Giacomazzi. He earned career victory No. 400 on Dec. 5 with a 90-75 triumph over Shasta in the Cosumnes River College tournament. A 102-56 blowout of Lassen the next day marked win No. 401, wrapping up the three-day event. Las Positas players Ted Bigg-Wither and Richard Banks were all-tournament selections.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie lineman Esa Pole had never played football until he got to Chabot College
Former Chabot offensive lineman Esa Pole, a promising rookie, has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in advance of Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. Pole, who did not play football in high school, opting for basketball at Mt. Eden High, took a crash course in the sport with the Gladiators and then at Washington State. He thrived at both places, including earning Region I All-State First Team as a Chabot sophomore.
Wade, a Splashy Two-Sport Standout, is a Big Hit at LPC
LIVERMORE — When Ainsley Wade moves on from Las Positas College athletics, she will have made a mark. A big one. The sophomore out of Granada High School has helped the Hawks women’s volleyball team rise to new heights over the past two seasons as a dominant outside hitter, fierce competitor and natural leader. In the pool, meanwhile, Wade is one of the top divers in the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A).
Las Positas Men’s Soccer Standout Arteen Arianmanesh Building on Family Tradition
LIVERMORE — Las Positas College men’s soccer coach Andy Cumbo could see it right away. The kid had something special. Back when he was 10 years old, Arteen Arianmanesh seemed poised beyond his years. Now flash forward to 2025, and Arianmanesh is a sophomore forward/captain on Cumbo’s successful Hawks team. Arianmanesh entered this week with five goals and five assists for 15 total points over 11 games to rank tied for 13th in the state in the category.
Tip A Star
Tip A Star is an annual fundraiser for Working Wonders, a Brentwood nonprofit for adults with developmental disabilities. Donations via special tips go to the nonprofit. Through its active Day Program, Working Wonders is finding employment in East County for an amazing group of people who are often overlooked in society. All they need is a chance to shine! The engaging program has numerous work accounts in downtown Brentwood and Oakley.
Gladiators shine at state meet
Chabot College sophomore Robert Stitts won state championships in the men’s 100 meters and 200 on Saturday, May 17, in the 3C2A Track and Field State Championships. He was selected as Men’s Track Athlete of the Meet. His blockbuster effort highlighted Chabot’s five state titles overall in the two-day meet, including four on Saturday, at College of San Mateo. First-year Chabot head coach Dooney Jones was thrilled with how his men’s and women’s teams finished the season.
Chabot Blazes To Glory In State Track
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. In a dazzling display, Chabot College sophomore Robert Stitts won state championships in the men’s 100 meters and 200 on Saturday in the 3C2A Track and Field Championships. Chabot competitors earned a five titles overall in the two-day meet, including four on Saturday at College of San Mateo. The Chabot women placed sixth as a team with 46 points, and the Chabot men were eighth with 41.
Chabot Pole Vaulter Wins State Title
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Chabot’s Shae Wright won the state championship in the women’s pole vault on Friday at College of San Mateo. In a tight competition, Wright was among four who cleared 11-7.5, the winning mark, but she prevailed based on fewer misses. Wright was also runner-up in the NorCal Championships at Butte College two weeks ago, also with a mark of 11-7.75.
Stitts, Chabot Ready To Fly At State Meet
The sophomore sprinter who is being recruited by the likes of UCLA, South Florida, Cal State Northridge, Northern Colorado, and Cal State Fullerton will enter this week’s 3C2A State Track and Field Championships at College of San Mateo fresh off a sensational effort at the NorCal meet. The El Cerrito High graduate blazed to three titles at Butte College, in the 100 meters, 200, and 400 relay. He holds Chabot records in the three races, and has five NorCal titles overall.
Big Conference Haul For Chabot Baseball
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. The Chabot baseball team was rewarded for earning a third consecutive conference championship with six first-team All-Coast-North selections. Interim head coach Bryce Mendonca received Coach of the Year honors. The Glads first-team picks are starting pitchers Eli Gennis and Daniel Hernandez; infielders Daniel Behrmann and TJ Costello; outfielder Terrel Romain; and utility Juan Pablo Manzo.
'Epitome Of A Gladiator For Life'
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. There might not be an athletic trainer at Chabot College if not for Dan Miller, who is retiring this June after 34 years at the school. “I was the first athletic trainer they ever hired,” said Miller, 61. “I had an appointment with Dr. Raul Cardoza, the president of Chabot at that time. I tried to convince him to have an athletic trainer. About a week after the meeting, he agreed.
Chabot Sprinters Sizzle At NorCal meet
Chabot track and field teams had strong showings at the NorCal Championships at Butte College this past weekend. Starting things off, the Chabot women’s school-record-holding 4x100-meter relay team placed second with a time 46.74 seconds. The Gladiator men followed by winning the 4x100 relay and matching the school record with a time of 40.84.
Ex-Chabot Tackle Esa Pole Enjoys Storybook Rise
When former Chabot College offensive lineman Esa Pole signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent last week, the news made Eric Fanene smile. Fanene was Pole’s first-ever football coach at Chabot after the former Mt. Eden High basketball player gave the sport a try, in 2021-2022. Talk about a storybook rise. If he makes the Chiefs roster, Pole, a 6-foot-7, 320-pound left tackle, could soon be protecting superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.
Las Positas Women Win Conference Swim Title
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. For the first time since 2019, the Las Positas College women’s swim & dive team is the Coast Conference champion. In a tightly contested Coast Championship meet, three teams battled to the last relay to determine the top places. Las Positas outscored their opponents each day, by the narrowest of margins to maintain a start-to-finish lead.
Las Positas Basketball Star Wins Major Honor
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Las Positas sophomore guard Jorren Edmonds was selected to the National Association of Basketball Coaches 3C2A All-America Team. A First-Team All-State and All-Coast North selection, Edmonds (Washington HS) averaged 12 points per game, shooting 50.2 percent from the field, 52.0 percent on 3 pointers, 80.3 percent on free throws, as well as averaging 6.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists a game.
It's Playoff Time Again For Chabot Baseball
The Chabot baseball team (27-12) has landed the eighth seed and will host No. 17 San Joaquin Delta (20-20) in the 3C2A NorCal Regionals, May 2-3. The teams will play a best-of-three series at Steve Friend Stadium, beginning at 2 p.m. Friday. Game 2 is 11 a.m. Saturday. Game 3 would be at 2 p.m. Saturday, if necessary. The winner will advance to the Super Regionals.
Chabot's Koloski An Unbeaten State Tennis Champ
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Chabot College freshman Mina Koloski earned the 2025 CA State Tennis Singles Championship at Ventura College on Sunday, April 27. Koloski entered the state championships unbeaten during the season, including capturing the Coast Conference Singles Championship. In the state semifinals and finals, Koloski had to come back from a set down to win.
Chabot Welcomes New Football Coach
Chabot head football coach Brett McMurray basically has football in his DNA. He played linebacker and tight end at Pleasant Valley High in Chico, Butte College, where he won a national championship in 2008, and Humboldt State. “I started playing football when I was 7 years old,” the 34-year-old McMurray said this week. “My grandfather and my uncle were the coaches and kind of always told me they figured I would coach at some point because I always had an affinity for the X’s and O’s.
Chabot Powers To Three-Peat
The Chabot College baseball team clinched a tri-Coast Conference-North title with a powerful 12-8 victory over visiting Skyline on Thursday. The Glads have won or shared three consecutive Coast-North championships. “They were aggressive early,” said Chabot interim head coach Bryce Mendonca, whose team scored nine runs in the first three innings.
Giacomazzi Coach Of Year: 'Role Model, Mentor, Friend'
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. The season didn't end the way they wanted, but the Las Positas men's basketball team gave its fans quite a ride in the 2024-25 campaign. A highly successful run ended with a tough loss to Citrus on Thursday in the 3C2A Championship Tournament, but the trip south came with a huge honor for Las Positas head coach James Giacomazzi.
Still Dancing: Las Positas Roars Into State 'Elite 8'
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. The Las Positas men’s basketball team is back in the State Championship Quarterfinals! The indomitable Hawks took down host Modesto Junior College 78-69 Saturday night in the 3C2A NorCal Regional finals, overcoming a five-point halftime deficit against a talented team unbeaten at home.
‘A wealth of experience and a generous spirit’
Lynn Tei, new board president of the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, describes seeing all the happy families at Brentwood parades, celebrations, and cornhole tournaments as being like a Hallmark movie. “I think it just made me love Brentwood more,” she says of the experiences. Tei recently discussed her vision for the Downtown Brentwood Coalition (DBC), which is partly responsible for those community events. The DBC’s mission is to enhance economic growth downtown.
Las Positas Star Montini Rewarded For Hard Work
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Las Positas basketball star Savannah Montini was selected to the first-team All-Coast North-Conference. The sophomore out of Foothill High led the conference in scoring at 19.2 points a game, also averaging 6.0 rebounds. She is ranked 18th in the state in scoring. “Definitely proud of myself. I think I worked hard. It’s an honor being named first-team all-conference,” Montini said.
Hawks Feel Like Dancing
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. The Las Positas men's basketball team had a big regular season by the numbers: 24 wins 10 Coast-North conference victories. 20-0 start to the season. 4 all-conference picks. No. 1 state ranking over a stretch. Now the Hawks are looking for another great ride with the number 5. They are the No. 5 seed in the 3C2A NorCal Regional playoffs.
Gallant Glads Fall To No. 1 CCSF
The Chabot College men’s basketball team gave the No. 1 team in the state all it could handle before falling to visiting City College of San Francisco 83-80 on Wednesday night. Chabot, ranked 15th in the state, went on a 26-12 run in the last nine minutes of the game to nearly beat the visiting Rams. A three-pointer at the buzzer by the Gladiators’ Amani Johnson were the final points of the game.
Las Positas Back In The Groove
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Healthy again. Rolling again. The Las Positas men’s basketball team looked like its old self this past week. The Hawks crushed Canada 106-92 and Ohlone 98-72, both at home in the Coast-North Conference. The spark had returned. “It was just nice to have everybody back,” Hawks head coach James Giacomazzi said.
Hunter, Edwards Gladiators of the Month
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Congratulations to Nia Hunter and Marcellus Edwards, Gladiators of the Month for January. Both have played key roles in the men’s and women’s basketball teams’ successful seasons. Edwards, a sophomore point guard, helped No. 19-ranked Chabot open the Coast-North season with a 5-3 record. A highly dedicated player and strong student, he makes everyone around him better on the court.
Unbeaten Hawks shake off sickness, keep rolling
The unbeaten Las Positas men’s basketball team had to overcome more than just its opponents last week. The high-flying Hawks, ranked No. 1 in the state, overcame a number of illnesses in two convincing victories in the tough Coast North Conference, beating Ohlone 85-63 on the road and De Anza 109-68 at The Nest. Las Positas improved to 20-0 overall and 6-0 in conference. They’re 11-0 at home. But the big tests will keep coming — the Hawks host No. 17 Skyline (16-4, 4-2) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan.
Las Positas Women's Basketball Star Shines In Classroom
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Las Positas women’s basketball coach Tracey Walker considers freshman guard/forward Savannah Montini an “invaluable asset” to the team. The facts bear that out. Montini, a 5-foot-9 Foothill High graduate, has excelled as a student-athlete, team leader, and highly productive player.
One To Remember: No. 3 Las Positas Stuns No. 1 CCSF
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. Oh, what a night!! The Las Positas men’s basketball team is the talk of the state after a stunning victory over No. 1-ranked City College of Francisco, 81-69, in a battle of unbeatens on Friday night. The Hawks were jubilant after earning the program’s first win over the Rams since January 2017.
Chabot Women Expect To Contend In Coast-North
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. After a tough preseason schedule, the Chabot women’s basketball team enters Coast-North Conference play ranked No. 11 in the North region and No. 25 in the state. The Glads (8-8) will host Ohlone (3-10) in their Coast-North opener at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, preceding the Chabot-Ohlone men’s conference opener at 7 p.m. “We have played a very challenging preseason.
Chabot Men Primed For More Success In Coast-North
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. The Chabot men’s basketball team, ranked No. 13 in the state, completed an outstanding preseason with a win over host No. 17 San Jose City, 78-71, on Jan. 3. The Glads (11-3) will host No. 19 Ohlone at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 in their Coast-North opener. The powerful conference boasts an impressive six teams ranked in the state’s top 20.
Glads Roll In Gladiator Stadium Finale
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own. The Chabot College football team gave its home stadium a sendoff fit for a Gladiator on Saturday afternoon. The Glads crushed visiting Los Medanos 35-7 in the historic finale of Gladiator Stadium that is being torn down. A new stadium will be built in its place. And what a close-out touchdown in Chabot’s first Pacific 7 Conference win.
Working Wonders’ Holiday Fundraiser
Working Wonders, a nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities, will have a fun-filled event with the Liberty Singers, gift baskets, a silent auction for a Beach Cruiser bike and wine tasting for 6, and much more. To purchase $50 tickets or donate, VENMO @workingwondersbrentwood. Put “tickets” and your name in the note, and you’ll be handed tickets when you arrive on Dec. 4.
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