By Pete Borello

The most successful coach in the history of St. Francis High athletics is putting down his clipboard to become a stockbroker.

Dave Gambelin, who has guided the Lancers to six state championships in his 13 years as girls volleyball coach, resigned last week to pursue his new career.

“It’s been a real dream of mine to be a stockbroker, though that may sound weird,” Gambelin said. “I’ve always had a passion for it.”

If Gambelin is half as successful swapping stocks as he was coaching volleyball, he will do quite well.

Gambelin compiled a 439-40 record at St. Francis and was twice named California State Coach of the Year by Cal-Hi Sports. He took the Lancers to the state final nine times, winning in 1993, ‘94, ‘97, ‘98, 2000 and ‘01. Gambelin also has 11 Northern California championships, 11 Central Coast Section crowns and 12 SCVAL De Anza Division titles to his credit.

“Dave Gambelin has done a tremendous job building the program at St. Francis High School,” St. Francis athletic director Tim Houlihan said. “He is an outstanding coach and teacher, and we’re going to miss his contributions in both areas.”

And what will Gambelin miss most about coaching the Lancers?

“Working with the kids, definitely,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to work with so many great athletes and with so many great kids.”

Which explains why Gambelin said the hardest part about leaving was telling his players.

“That was tough,” the 1982 graduate of St. Francis said. “But they’re so darn talented, they’ll do just fine without me.”

St. Francis is expected to return all six starters from last year’s squad, which should be favored to win another state crown and contend for the No. 1 ranking in the nation.

Gambelin, who intends to teach at St. Francis until the end of the school year, said he will be involved in selecting the team’s next coach. He expects the new coach to come from outside the school, noting that his assistants are not interested in taking over his position.

While Gambelin’s days as St. Francis coach may be over, he hasn’t retired from coaching altogether.

“I hope to continue to coach club,” said Gambelin, who directs Santa Clara-based Kaepa City Beach. “Both firms I’ve interviewed with encouraged me to coach, so hopefully I’ll be able to do that.”