Longtime lax coach let go by Torrey Pines High has parents, players support

LA JOLLA – Torrey Pines High School stirred controversy in September when it informed longtime boys lacrosse coach Jono Zissi that his contract would not be renewed for the 2026 season.

Over 15 years, Zissi had guided the Falcons to 12 CIF championships, including seven consecutive titles.

The decision came to a head on Oct. 16, when players, parents, and alumni packed a San Dieguito Union High School District board meeting, urging officials to reverse course.

The school cited alleged recruiting rule violations as the reason for not renewing Zissi’s contract — allegations both he and his supporters strongly reject.

“My family loves Torrey Pines, the culture of lacrosse, the quality of the men it produces, and at the heart of that culture is Coach Zissi,” a supporter said during the meeting.

Senior lacrosse player Ross Jacobsen also voiced his support. “This man inspires students and helps students,” Jacobsen said. “SDUHSD claims they follow a student-first policy. We are removing a man who inspires us to help the whole community. That hat does not fit that agenda.”

District officials told Zissi that the CIF had determined he violated a recruiting bylaw specific to the San Diego region, which bars student-athletes from transferring directly onto a varsity team if the coach at their new school previously coached or directed a club team the student played for. Officials said the CIF had imposed sanctions on the Torrey Pines program.

Zissi’s representatives, however, said the CIF never conducted a formal investigation.

In a letter to his attorney, CIF’s San Diego Section said it had only completed a “preliminary review” after being notified of potential bylaw issues and referred the matter to the school for further investigation.

Supporters continue to call for Zissi’s reinstatement, emphasizing his leadership on and off the field and the program’s lasting effects on student character.

They hope the district will reconsider, though there has been no indication that it will reverse its decision.