Remembering Huskies Assistant Coach Gilberto Sandoval

by Cerwin D Haynes

The ELAC Athletics Department learned yesterday that men's soccer assistant coach Gilberto Sandoval passed away late Tuesday due to complications from COVID-19. Sandoval served as an assistant under head coach Eddie Flores since 2016, and was a local staple in his community of Bell Gardens. He was 54 years old.

Listen to Coach Flores and assistant coach Ramon Rivas talk about their longtime colleague and soccer collaborator below:

Coach Sandoval had also served the women's soccer program under former head coach Tessa Troglia, who now is at Cerritos College. Troglia issued a statement regarding Sandoval's passing:

"Gil was that Father figure for the girls. He had such a passion for the sport, but still, it did not match his passion as a father and family man. He was one of the first people to congratulate me on my new endeavor, and he always made it a point to keep in touch, and shared nothing but positive and encouraging words. He did so much for the sport, and to say he will be missed is an understatement. Our thoughts and prayers are with Emilia and her family."

East Los Angeles College Athletics sends their heartfelt condolences to the Sandoval family. He is, and will always be, a Husky.