With a new force joining as a Cavalier himself this year, the Coral Gables Senior High basketball team welcomes alumnus Daniel Gonzalez as the new assistant coach. During his time at Gables, he played basketball all four years and soon became the varsity captain in his junior and senior years. From when he served as team captain to today, his leadership qualities are evident and currently in play as the team’s moral and technical leader. Such experience, leadership and academic commitment place him in a position to inspire a new generation of athletes.

“My goal this season is to improve my skills, work hard for my team and make a positive impact on and off the court. I have a feeling that with the help of my mentors and my teammates, this [Gables] team will reach its peak. Coach [Gonzalez] is a big part of my journey and I appreciate everything he has done for me,” freshman Javier Weatherwax said.

At Gables, Gonzalez was challenged in every way, shape and form, and with the new qualities and skills gained as a result, he improved personally and professionally. Besides his achievements in basketball, Gonzalez showed academic excellence as he graduated from Gables with his International Baccalaureate diploma in 2022. Having a difficult curriculum on his left hand and a sport that takes up most of his day on his right hand, Gonzalez was still able to persevere. Basketball opened up many opportunities to travel and experience various environments across the country. The possibilities presented through basketball made it not just a sport for him, but an enriching part of his life.

“The main reason why I decided to pursue coaching as a hobby is because of my younger brother Kevin Gonzalez and his friend who I see as another younger brother, [Weatherwax.] They are both freshman this year at Gables and coaching them throughout their middle school careers made me realize that I would like to be able to witness their high school journey as well. Also being able to help out Coach Shoon, Matt and Chris as much as possible is another reason because of how great of a job they did to make my last year of basketball my best,” Coach Gonzalez said.

Although Gonzalez is focused on pursuing a career in criminal justice at Florida International University, his passion for basketball, which had been marginal during his studies, drew him back to the sport. The thrill of the game and the camaraderie built with teammates bring a sense of joy, reminding him of the valuable lessons learned on the court. While he remains dedicated to his studies and future in law enforcement, returning to basketball allows him to stay connected to his love for teamwork and leadership.

“Going into this season we are going one game at a time, we are not jumping to anything without winning each game we have ahead of our main goal. With the help of the assistant coaches and the amazing skills that our team players have, I can see this team going nowhere but up. One step at a time, we will make history,” Coach Shoon said.

Having a duty to fulfill, Gonzalez aspires to propel the team by instilling accountability among the players. By actively promoting the importance of details, he encourages the players to sharpen their skills and understand their roles on the team. The approach of aligning the team’s efforts with Coach Shoon’s strategies and developing team chemistry will not only improve each Cavalier individually, but also pave the way for a successful season in the hopes of leading them to the district championship.

“As for the team moving forward, seniors need to set an example, lead the way this season and make big-time plays when it matters. Underclassmen need to find their role in the team that will best benefit the team’s success. Most importantly, the team must execute whatever Coach Shoon calls; I have a very good feeling this Gables team will end up in the district championship game,” Coach Gonzalez said.

With the guidance of a new coach on the team, the Gables basketball team looks towards a promising future. Having a structured approach to training, Gonzalez plans on seeding a sense of resilience in the players to allow them to flourish. With determination and Coach Gonzalez’s unwavering support, the team is ready to achieve great success in the seasons to come.