SANTA ANA, Calif. - Santa Ana College Head Football Coach Anthony White passed away on Friday, November 25th after battling a very rare, aggressive form of cancer since April of this year.
A statement from SAC Athletics Director Mary Hegarty: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Head Football Coach Anthony White after a courageous battle with cancer. Anthony has left an indelible mark on SAC Athletics and everyone who was blessed to know him.”
“Our hearts and prayers are with the White family and all of the student athletes and colleagues he so positively impacted over the years,” said Hegarty. “Anthony was an outstanding coach and an even better person.”
White was hired as the 18th head coach in Santa Ana College Football history during the Summer 2021.
In three seasons at the helm, he posted a record of 21-11 including a 2021 American Metro League Championship while earning coach of the year honors in his first season.
The Dons also won their first bowl game since 2012 with a 56-48 victory over College of the Desert in the 2023 Southern California Bowl on November 19th.
Before coming to Santa Ana College, Coach White turned the unsuccessful Buena Park High School Coyotes into a Top-10 Orange County team, defeating La Habra High to complete an undefeated Freeway League Championship in 2016.
During his seven year tenure, White finished with a 59-22 record as the Coyotes never fell below a .500 record and missed the playoffs just once.
Prior to Buena Park, White made stops at Temple City High School (Head Coach), Pasadena City College, Rosemead High School and Wilson High School.
White starred at Rosemead High School before earning a scholarship to play at University of Utah where he served as a Resident Advisor and Student-Body Vice President while being a Senior Captain for the Utes.
Anthony is survived by his beloved wife San and his children Anthony White II and Olivia Grace.
Services are pending.
