Longtime Western State Conference Commissioner Jerry White announces retirement

SANTA MARIA - After more than 15 years as the leader of the Western State Conference, commissioner Jerry White has announced his resignation as he sets to retire from the conference ranks. 

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my 16 years as the Commissioner of the largest conferences in the state. The administrators in our league have worked hard with me on a daily basis to make the WSC an outstanding conference. The mutual respect shown by our Athletic Directors and coaches has made my job easier and more enjoyable," said White. "3C2A Executive Director Jennifer Cardone and her staff have been great to work with and I appreciate her strong leadership. I would also be remiss if I didn't acknowledge and thank my Administrative Assistant, Diane Costabile. Diane has served as the backbone of our conference throughout my tenure and has become a lifelong friend."

White has served as the WSC Commissioner since 2009. During his tenure, the league has seen tremendous growth and success across the state. In 2016, the conference absorbed several schools from the Foothills Conference while growing to a total number of 18 institutions at one point. The WSC currently has more than 225 men's and women's programs that compete across 20 conference-sponsored sports.  

"Jerry has been synonymous with the Western State Conference and the 3C2A for many decades and his contributions can't be underestimated and, more importantly, over-appreciated," said Jennifer Cardone, 3C2A Executive Director. "Whether as a coach or an administrator at our member colleges, or as the WSC Commissioner, Jerry has left an indelible imprint on thousands of student-athletes who have benefited from his efforts."

Prior to becoming the commissioner of the conference, White spent 45 years as an educator in the community college system at both Moorpark College and Oxnard College. White joined the Raiders staff in 1976, securing a 52-20 record before being called home to Oxnard to help the Condors start their baseball program in 1979. He led the Condors to the Western State Conference title in its first season of competition and followed with four more conference championships over the next decade. White was a three-time WSC Coach of the Year and finished with an overall coaching record of 539-205 (.724).

Cardone added, "Many of his former student-athletes still call him 'Coach' which is a testament to how they still revere him as a teacher and mentor. That affection may be one his greatest legacies."

White also served as Director of Athletics at Oxnard from 1998-2007, helping to build the OC Athletic Sports Complex which serves as home to many of the Condors' programs. He was a longtime collegiate basketball referee at the NCAA Div. I level for 37 years and was most recently inducted into the 3C2A Hall of Fame. 

The Western State Conference will be seeking a new Commissioner with a projected start date in May 2025. For a complete job description, please click here.  

Interested applicants shall provide a (1) Letter of Interest; (2) Current Resume; (3) List of three professional references; and (4) A one-page statement about your vision for the Western State Conference and the 3C2A.

All application materials shall be submitted electronically via email to wsc.sportsinfo@gmail.com. Questions about the position can be directed to the hiring committee chair, Kim Ensing, at kensing@hancockcollege.edu

Applications will be received until February 28, 2025. 

(Shelby Scott, Western State Conference)