2025 AAU WES COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS

Abraham “Abe” Gaytan serves as the President and Executive Director of Southern Pacific Athletics (SOPAC), a nonprofit youth basketball organization serving athletes throughout Southern California.

Abe became involved with SOPAC during its early years as a director and played a key role in its growth and development. What began as a small program with only a few teams grew to more than 12 teams at its peak, with Abe becoming one of the organization’s key leaders in shaping SOPAC into the program it is today.

With more than 16 years of coaching experience, Abe has coached at multiple levels, including middle school, club, and high school. His high school coaching experience includes Heritage High School, and he currently coaches at West Valley High School. Within SOPAC, he also serves as head coach of the 11U Select and 12U teams.

Abe is also a co-founder of BlackTop 24/7 Events & Promotions, a youth basketball tournament organization that hosts competitive events throughout Southern California.

Outside of basketball, Abe is a husband and father and has worked in mortgage banking for approximately 26 years. Balancing his professional career, family, coaching, and leadership responsibilities, Abe remains committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to compete, develop, and grow through the game of basketball.

Program Director of Southern Pacific Athletics (SOPAC) and head coach of the Heritage High School boys basketball program with a strong track record of success.  Coaching experience includes Orange Vista High School and Murrieta High School.  As a standout player at Orange Vista, Adrian set scoring records and showcased his talent on the court.  He grew up in the AAU circuit and began his journey with SOPAC, where his passion for the game first developed.  

 Director of Girls Program and San Jacinto Chapter,  Coach Ricardo brings over 20 years of coaching experience, a proven track record of success, and a passion for player development. He is the founder of Wolves Academy and the Head Coach of the Varsity Basketball Program at San Jacinto High School.

As Director, Coach Ricardo will lead the SOPAC San Jacinto Chapter and Girls Program, focused on developing players, building competitive teams, and creating opportunities for young athletes to grow both on and off the court.

Director of Training for Southern Pacific Athletics and Head coach of the West Valley High School boys basketball program.  Kris has been a key part of the SOPAC program for the past six years and will lead SOPAC's high school teams during the off-season.  Kris is a behavioral counselor at Diamond Valley Middle School in Hemet.  A West Valley alumnus, Kris was standout varsity player and helped capture the 2008 CIF Championship.  He continued his career at Clark University, later playing professionally overseas before returning home to coach and mentor the next generation.