Football

Justin-Siena High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Jimmy Cerf as the school’s new Head Football Coach, who will also serve as Director of Service and Outreach, strengthening both the school’s athletic program and its community partnerships.

Cerf brings more than 14 years of experience in secondary and higher education, with a proven record of fostering student engagement, mentorship, and meaningful community connections. Most recently, he served at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, where he held the roles of Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach. During his tenure, Whitworth earned Pacific Northwest Conference Champion honors and secured an NCAA playoff berth.

“Through this process, it became clear that Jimmy Cerf was a perfect fit for our school and football program. He brings experience, energy, and presence that will help get our football program back to a championship culture,” says Justin-Siena Athletic Director Andrew Bettencourt. “We know there is hard work in front of us, and Coach Cerf is the right person to take that on. We also want to thank our hiring committee, Vice President for Human Resources Kate Bock, and the students and parents of the football program for their incredible support and guidance during this process.”

Beyond his success on the field, Cerf is recognized as a student-centered educator and collaborative leader. His background includes extensive experience in recruiting, outreach, and relationship-building with prospective students, families, alumni, and community stakeholders. He has led program development initiatives, worked across departments to advance institutional goals, and consistently aligned his leadership with mission-driven values.

In his dual role at Justin-Siena, Cerf will guide the football program while also advancing the school’s outreach efforts—deepening connections with the Napa community and supporting service-oriented initiatives that reflect Justin-Siena’s mission.

“I’m excited to be named the Director of Service and Outreach and the Head Varsity Football Coach at Justin-Siena High School,” says Cerf. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on developing high-performing programs, empowering student-athletes, and building cultures rooted in accountability, growth, and service. I’m excited to bring that vision to Justin-Siena and help elevate both the football program and the school’s commitment to community engagement. I’m grateful to the administration, Andy Bettencourt, Joe Welling, and Matthew Powell for their leadership, trust, and support throughout this process. It’s a great day to be a Brave.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy Cerf to Justin-Siena,” says President Matt Powell. “His passion for student growth, leadership, and community engagement—both on and off the field—makes him an outstanding fit for our mission. We are excited for the positive impact he will have on our students, our athletic program, and our broader Napa community.”