Community School of Naples has appointed alumna Stephanie Paul as the new head coach for the girls basketball team, returning to rebuild a struggling program. Riverdale High School has brought in Jordan Olison, the former LaBelle coach, to lead its boys team. Meanwhile, Golden Gate High School promoted Anjelo Castro-Perez, a former player, to head its boys basketball program. These changes come as schools in Southwest Florida prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 season, indicating a proactive approach to coaching dynamics.

By the Numbers
  • Stephen Paul won five state titles in track and field during high school.
  • Jordan Olison led LaBelle to a 49-32 record over the last three years, winning the Class 4A-District 12 title.
State of Play
  • CSN girls basketball has struggled with a 12-40 record over the past three seasons.
  • Riverdale High鈥檚 boys team went winless last season (0-21) and has not had a winning record since 2024.
What's Next

Paul aims to turn around CSN's girls basketball program by instilling a winning mindset and fostering player autonomy. Olison and Castro-Perez will look to leverage their experience to improve their respective programs. As each coach implements their vision, the upcoming season will be critical in setting the foundation for future success.

Bottom Line

The coaching changes reflect a strategic effort to revitalize struggling programs in Southwest Florida. With experienced hires like Paul and Olison, there is potential for significant progress as they focus on rebuilding and instilling winning cultures within their teams.