Victor Gamboa brings positive and infectious energy to the football realm, according to DJ Mims, who greatly values the new Mercer Island High School (MIHS) head coach’s belief in every player on the squad.

Gamboa stepped into that leading role in May after serving as the MIHS defensive backs coach and defensive analyst the last three seasons on Mims’ staff. Gamboa takes the Islander reins from Mims, who has moved into the head coaching spot at Puyallup High School.

As he prepared for spring practice on a recent afternoon, Gamboa noted that he’s excited to become the head coach and is ready to get things rolling.

“(I’ve) kind of moved my way up, got to know these kids, got to know the community, just enjoyed being a part of this entire program and even the school,” said Gamboa, who played ball at Eastern Washington University and for the British Columbia Lions and Ottawa Redblacks in the Canadian Football League.

A major part of Gamboa’s game plan will be getting the players to work and fall in love with competition and the grind. Teaching them how to win and learn from their losses will also be crucial lessons on the gridiron.

Over the last three years with Mims at the helm and Gamboa on staff, the Islanders rebounded from a winless first season to notching a 6-4 mark the following year and then unleashing a 10-1 record last season.

“That progress was a direct reflection of the players’ hard work and the unwavering support of our community,” said Mims, who played against Gamboa in high school.

Added Gamboa about what he learned from Mims at MIHS: “When DJ was in charge, he expected you to come prepared to practice, as well as the players. Giving you 100% of what you got and making sure that you understand the plays and know where you’re supposed to be.”

Also on the percentage front, Gamboa will strive to make sure the Islanders play 100% in all facets of the game.

Starting at the age of 10, Gamboa has been competing and coaching on the gridiron and has soaked up tons of information from his coaches to share with the players who are now under his wing.

Gamboa touched upon his family while discussing his football journey. As the first member of his family to play professional ball and then moving into the coaching sphere, Gamboa said that, “At the end of the day, for my children, as well as my siblings’ children, my cousins’ children, I knew that (I’m) almost being a vessel for my family in the sports world.”

MIHS athletic director Lindsey Blaine praised Gamboa’s leadership, passion and commitment during his time at the school, adding that, “He understands the heart of this community and the values of our program. We are confident in his ability to lead with integrity and inspire our student athletes on and off the field.”

While reflecting on his special time at MIHS, Mims tied Gamboa into his thoughts about football and fellowship: “I’ll never forget the relationships with the players, the staff, and the MI community. Watching someone from our own staff now take the lead fills me with pride. I know Coach Vic will build on what we started and continue pushing the program forward in his own way.”

The Reporter asked Gamboa a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his life:

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

“Scarface” and “The Grinch.” “Scarface” for sure, but “The Grinch” is my funny one. I love that movie.

What superpower would you like to have?

Telepathy.

What’s your dream vacation spot?

Italy. I’d love to go there. That’s my next trip that I take. I don’t know how many years out it is, but I want to head out to Italy, eat some good pasta, and just experience the culture, really. I don’t want to plan like the regular, ‘Oh, let’s go sightseeing.’ No, I want to like be in the city and see the people and just hang out.

What’s a binge-worthy TV series that you’d recommend?

“Peaky Blinders.” I actually restarted that about a month ago. It’s one of my favorites.

What’s a special skill that you’d like to learn?

I want to learn how to play the saxophone. That’s one thing for sure. I used to play the clarinet in sixth grade, and I gave it up to play football, trying to be the cool guy. But when you grow up, you understand that skills like that are very valuable, and they’re very peaceful.