Jim Ranta, longtime aquatics coach at Dos Pueblos High School, influenced thousands of students during a coaching and teaching career that spanned more than 30 years. During that time, Ranta mentored numerous coaches, promoted girls’ water polo, and helped create one of the most powerful water polo clubs in the United States.
Born in New Hampshire, Ranta moved to California in 1964, where he swam for Riverside Junior College before transferring to UC Santa Barbara. Swimming for Coach Rick Rowland, Ranta helped lead the Gauchos to the 1967 NCAA Division II Swimming Championship. Specializing in butterfly, Ranta was twice named All-American before graduating in 1968. He also played water polo at UCSB.
Beginning in 1971, he served as the head coach for boys’ water polo and swimming and taught mathematics at DP. Jim coached with a quiet authority that commanded respect — always “Mr. Ranta.” His mantra as a coach was “fundamentals — the foundation for all success in sports and life.” Jim trained numerous outstanding water polo players, including Channel League Players of the Year, All-League players, high school All-Americans, collegiate All-Americans, and a 2004 Olympian — Chris Segesman.
