At the beginning of every high school sports season, players must reevaluate themselves and their team due to the departed seniors.

For Carlmont’s mens varsity basketball, they must cope with losing both seniors and their commander-in-chief. After 12 years, current Carlmont P.E. teacher David Low has decided to relinquish his position to current Athletic Director and P.E. teacher Patrick Smith.
“I have steadily been coaching for a lot of years,” explained Low. “A coach that wants to have a consistently competitive team has to be willing to put in a lot of hours…Physically I am tired”
Although Low has spent a large portion of his life coaching, his love for the game started many years before he arrived at Carlmont.
“I have always had a passion for basketball and after my playing days in high school, coaching was the next step to staying involved with the sport,” explained Low.
After coaching for 19 years at Lowell High School in San Francisco, Low made the switch over to Carlmont in 2001 and continued on until his 31st and final season last winter.
“It’s really sad that he is stepping down,” said basketball player Joseph Rodriguez. “Ever since playing under him for a few games after getting called up for CCS, I was excited to play under a coach with as much experience as him.”
Renowned by many for his dedicated coaching style and passion for the game, Low enjoyed developing strong relationships with his players.
“The best part of coaching has been being able to coach so many wonderful players and seeing them grow as both basketball players and student-athletes,” explained Low. “Out of everything, I probably will miss the most being able to develop player’s basketball skills, the strategy and competitiveness of the games, and the interaction between myself and the players on and off the court.”
Coach Low’s efforts have left a lasting impression on the players as large as the one they have left on him.
Star shooting guard Michael Costello expressed his feelings for Coach Low, “We looked up to him as a leader and a mentor. I’ll never forget his dedication to making every player better.”
Newly named coach Smith has very large shoes to fill, but the players feel confident with the switch as he is familiar with the team’s current playing style and systems.  “I am really disappointed that Coach Low is no longer in charge, but Smith is going to do a great job because he has been coaching under Low.”
After years of dedication to his teams over the years, Low and the men’s varsity team capped off a tumultuous and emotional season with a semifinal finish in the CCS playoffs.
Low’s impact on Carlmont basketball will never be forgotten and although he will no longer be a part of the team physically, he will still be a part of the team in spirit.
“My last words for the team are to keep the tradition going,” said Low. “Represent your team with class!”
Low will still be a presence of inspiration and spirit as he will continue to teach physical education as he did previously.