DEL MAR — Nearly five months after his dismissal over alleged recruiting violations, Torrey Pines High School boys lacrosse coach Jono Zissi will resume his role with the program for the spring 2026 season following a recent formal agreement with the San Dieguito Union High School District.
Zissi, who led the Falcons for 15 seasons and guided the program to 12 CIF championships — including seven consecutive titles — was informed in September 2025 that his contract would not be renewed.
The district cited alleged violations of California Interscholastic Federation rules concerning improper pre-enrollment contact with student-athletes not yet enrolled at Torrey Pines. The allegations centered on text messages between a Torrey Pines assistant coach and a student moving to San Diego, who ultimately enrolled at La Costa Canyon High School.
On Jan. 22, SDUHSD board President Jane Lea Smith announced that the board, after meeting in closed session, had unanimously approved an offer to Zissi for the head coaching position for the upcoming spring season.
Under the terms of the agreement, Zissi accepted responsibility for prior violations, acknowledged repeated warnings about pre-enrollment contacts, and agreed to immediately resign if any future CIF violations occur.
The CIF, which governs high school athletics across California, prohibits coaches from directly recruiting student-athletes who are not enrolled at their school or using club affiliations to influence transfers. Violations can lead to program sanctions, including probation, canceled practices, and limits on games.
The district said the previous alleged contacts fell under these rules, prompting both prior sanctions and the conditions for Zissi’s return.
In a statement to The Coast News, Zissi expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for returning.
“I am incredibly excited to resume my role and be back with my players and families,” Zissi said. “I have lived in this community for 24 years and have dedicated my life to this program and growing the game of lacrosse here in the West. The outpouring of support from so many during these few months was truly humbling, and I am excited for the 2026 season, led by our great senior class.”
Zissi’s return follows a period of upheaval for the Falcons, with players, alumni, and families publicly advocating for his reinstatement. During an October 2025 SDUHSD board meeting, the lacrosse community packed the district office, urging officials to reconsider the decision.
Players praised Zissi’s mentorship on and off the field, noting his emphasis on leadership, accountability, and community service.
“I was in complete shock when I heard the news,” said senior Ross Jacobsen. “Coach Zissi inspires me to work hard to become the best leader, student, brother, son, and volunteer I can be. He always leads by example and with empathy.”
Another senior, Foster Huang, added, “Look at all the people who came here in support of Coach Zissi. This is a matter of right and wrong. Our coach and program were wronged, and as a community, we rely on you to make it right.”
The agreement outlines specific requirements for Zissi’s return. He must follow all CIF rules and district policies, complete mandatory annual CIF trainings, and maintain a strict separation between his role at Torrey Pines and his club team, Adrenaline Lacrosse, also known as West Coast Starz.
He also formally apologized for prior conduct, acknowledging that it could be perceived as a violation and pledging to avoid any appearance of impropriety going forward.
Under the agreement, Zissi has no guarantee of employment beyond the 2026 season. Any future violation of CIF bylaws or district policies would trigger immediate resignation, without appeal, and failure to comply could result in summary termination.
The district emphasized that the agreement is not precedent-setting and does not obligate it to offer similar arrangements in the future.
The Falcons’ lacrosse program remains under CIF probation stemming from the earlier investigation, including a 10% reduction in maximum games for the 2026 season, canceled practices, and a corrective action plan submitted to CIF.
The district said these measures are designed to protect student-athletes while ensuring compliance with CIF standards.