West Valley head men's basketball coach Danny Yoshikawa announced that Mykel Morse has been elevated to associate head coach. Morse is currently in his 3rd year with the program for the 2023-2024 season and is a key component to the Vikings #1 ranking in the state of California.
"We are thrilled to announce that Mykel has been promoted to associate head coach. I have watched his passion and his work ethic and seen the relationships he has built with our players. He has made a huge impact in our program from his first day in Saratoga. From his expertise in player development, his recruiting of key players to his relentless energy in coaching, Mykel has helped us win many games and ultimately elevated our program" said Yoshikawa, who is searching for his 3rd Conference Championship in the upcoming Coast Conference South in 4 years.
In his first two seasons, Morse helped guide the Vikings to a 54-9 record, advancing to the California State Championship Game in his first year, and a return to the Final Eight in year 2. This year, he has propelled the Vikings to an undefeated record and current number one ranking in the state of California with key wins over San Diego City College (#4), Fullerton College (#5), City College of San Francisco (#7), Chabot (#13), and Las Positas (#19). As the director of scouting, Morse has played a pivotal role in game planning throughout his tenure. During the games, Morse oversaw rebounding where the Vikings finished 1st in the state. This year, he serves as the defensive coordinator where he currently has the Vikings #5 in the state in points allowed.
During his time at West Valley, Morse has asserted himself as one of the top recruiters in California. With his assistance, the Vikings have landed multiple All-Conference and All-State players including Santa Clara University commit, Elijah Mahi (Coast-South FOTY), University of Montana commit, Jeremiah Dargan (First Team All-Coast South), Baron Bracey (First Team All-Coast South, DPOY) and Ariya Briscoe (All-Coast South)
In addition, Morse oversees player development for the guards where the Vikings have shown significant improvement over the last two years. Other responsibilities include running the strength and conditioning program for the team and day to day operations.
Prior to his time at West Valley, Morse served as a graduate assistant at the University of the Southwest in New Mexico. Morse served as the head coach of the development team and as an assistant coach for the university's varsity. His responsibilities at USW included assisting with recruiting, academics, strength, and conditioning, and preparing scouting reports. In his first year with the program, the Mustangs qualified for the conference tournament as the No. 3 seed- their highest seed in program history.
A native of Parker, Colorado, Morse was a standout basketball and football player at Chaparral High School, earning all-conference honors in both sports. He went on to play football at Scottsdale Community College and then earned a division 1 Scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado in the Big Sky Conference, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Sports and Exercise Science. He then received his master's degree in Sports Management.
Morse currently lives in San Jose with his girlfriend Avinell and their two children, Quinten and Maple.