Ben Soto is a treasure in the Cate School athletics program.
A coach for more than 30 years, Soto was honored as the Coach of the Month at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon.
“A great high school coach makes it all about the kids,” Cate athletic director Wade Ransom said in presenting Soto with the award. “Certainly this individual in the Cate community does a great job of making it all about the kids.”
Soto is the school’s longtime baseball coach and the all-time winningest baseball coach in Cate history.
“He’s done an amazing job with our program, going to the CIF finals twice, most recently in 2007,” said Ransom.
Soto also coaches the Rams’ football team.
“Every kid who plays for coach Soto will say it’s a life-changing experience,” Ransom said. “He gives completely of himself, asking nothing in return except a thank you at the end of the day. He demands the absolute very best from his kids at practice, in the classroom and in our dorms.”
Soto thanked his high school coach, SBART board member Mike Warren, for changing his life when he was attending Carpinteria High.
“When you’re young and you come to high school, you look for teachers that make a difference,” Soto said. “That man made a difference in my life when I was a small, little punk. I’m an old punk now.
“I’m thankful for everything God has blessed me with and I’m thankful to be at Cate School and the kids that I have.”
