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5 Crucial Changes Driving The New Era Of University Of La Verne Football Under Coach Richard Sanchez

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The University of La Verne football program is at a pivotal moment, ushering in a new era of leadership and culture following recent challenging seasons. As of late 2025, the focus has entirely shifted to the transformative vision of new Head Coach Richard Sanchez, who officially joined the Leopards in March 2025. This change comes at a crucial time, following a difficult 2024 season that saw the team go 0-10 overall and 0-7 in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), and a 2025 season that wrapped up with a 1-8 overall record. The entire program is now dedicated to instilling a new foundation of discipline, teamwork, and respect to climb the Division III ranks and return to the historical success of the 1990s.

The urgency for a turnaround is palpable within the La Verne community, where fans and alumni remember the program's powerhouse days. While the 2025 season saw glimmers of hope, including a few All-SCIAC selections, the team is fully committed to Coach Sanchez’s long-term strategy for sustained competitive excellence. The recent struggles contrast sharply with a history that includes one of the most successful stretches in program history, a narrative that the new coaching staff is eager to revive. This deep dive explores the five crucial changes, the team's historical roots, and the key players set to define the future of La Verne Leopards football.

University of La Verne Football Program Profile and Historical Context

The University of La Verne Leopards compete in NCAA Division III athletics and are a proud member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The program has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1921, with its entry into the SCIAC in 1926. The Leopards’ home field is the storied Ortmayer Stadium, a venue that received a major renovation in 2012, featuring new field turf and a state-of-the-art scoreboard, providing a modern home for the football team and a vibrant atmosphere for fans.

Historical Highlights and SCIAC Dominance

  • SCIAC Championship History: The Leopards secured their first SCIAC championship in 1975.
  • Golden Era of the 1990s: The program enjoyed its most successful stretch from 1991 to 1996, posting an impressive 46-8-1 record. This run included three consecutive SCIAC championships from 1993 to 1995 and two consecutive unbeaten regular seasons, a benchmark that the current team aims to achieve once again.
  • Recent Success Spike: The program also experienced its "most successful football season in two decades" in a prior season, a clear sign that the potential for winning exists within the current structure.
  • Notable Early Players: Early program history saw the emergence of key players like Daryl Brandt, Jack Milhoun, and Warren Carter, who helped establish the foundation of La Verne football.

The team's recent performance, including the 0-10 record in 2024 and the 1-8 record in 2025, underscores the magnitude of the rebuilding task. However, the legacy of past SCIAC success serves as a powerful motivator for the players and the new coaching staff.

The Richard Sanchez Era: A New Culture of Discipline, Teamwork, and Respect

The most significant and crucial change for the University of La Verne football program is the hiring of Head Coach Richard Sanchez in March 2025. Sanchez is a veteran coach with over 30 years of experience, including time at the NCAA Division I level, and his appointment signals a serious commitment from the university to revitalize the program.

Sanchez is not just focused on X's and O's; his primary goal is to establish a winning culture. His philosophy centers on three core tenets: discipline, teamwork, and respect. This approach aims to build a strong foundation that extends beyond the field, preparing student-athletes for success in all aspects of their lives. The shift in focus is from quick fixes to sustainable cultural change, a long-term investment in the program's identity.

The new coaching staff is tasked with turning around a program that has struggled to find consistent success in recent years. This involves intensive recruiting, developing current players, and fostering an environment where accountability is paramount. Fans are optimistic that Sanchez’s proven track record and strong leadership will be the catalyst for the Leopards to become a perennial contender in the competitive SCIAC.

Key Players and Emerging Stars Driving the Leopards' Turnaround

Despite the team's overall record in the 2025 season, several players demonstrated exceptional talent and potential, providing a solid nucleus for the new coaching staff to build upon. These emerging stars are the core of the team's immediate future and are crucial to executing Coach Sanchez's vision.

Jomar Brown: The Defensive Anchor

Junior defensive back Jomar Brown emerged as the program's most decorated player in 2025. Brown's outstanding performance earned him a spot on the prestigious 2025 D3football.com All-Region Third Team. He was also named to the All-SCIAC team, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive backs in the conference. Brown's leadership and playmaking ability on the back end of the defense will be indispensable as the Leopards look to improve their defensive metrics and compete with high-powered SCIAC offenses.

All-SCIAC Talent and Roster Depth

Jomar Brown was not alone in earning conference recognition. Other key players, including Rumsey and Martin, were also named to the All-SCIAC team for their performances in 2025. The 2025 roster, which includes players like defensive back Chase Yanez, suggests a mix of experienced seniors and developing talent ready to embrace the new culture. The success of the next few seasons will depend heavily on the veteran leadership stepping up and the younger players quickly adapting to the demanding standards set by Coach Sanchez.

The Leopards' schedule for the upcoming season, which includes challenging matchups against SCIAC rivals like the Redlands Bulldogs and the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen, will be the proving ground for the new regime. The team's ability to compete in close games, like the double-overtime thriller they played at Ortmayer Stadium in a prior season, will be a key indicator of their progress.

The Road Ahead: Rebuilding a Division III Contender

The path to becoming a consistent winner in the SCIAC is challenging, but the University of La Verne football program has the necessary components for a successful rebuild. The combination of a strong coaching foundation under Richard Sanchez, a commitment to cultural excellence, and the presence of high-caliber players like Jomar Brown creates a compelling narrative for the coming seasons.

The focus moving forward will be on recruiting players who fit the "discipline, teamwork, and respect" mold, while simultaneously developing the current roster to maximize their potential within the Division III landscape. The goal is clear: to not only win games but to restore the program's reputation as a top-tier SCIAC competitor, echoing the success of the 1990s. The La Verne Leopards are officially on the clock, and the future of the program is now in the hands of a new era of leadership and dedicated student-athletes.

5 Crucial Changes Driving the New Era of University of La Verne Football Under Coach Richard Sanchez
university la verne football
university la verne football

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