Diane Costabile Administrative Assistant (805) 378-1457
Diane Costabile has been a mainstay of Moorpark College Athletics since 1993, when she began in her role as Administrative Assistant. In her time, she has served under two Athletic Directors (John Keever and Howard Davis).
“She, without doubt, is the most critical single employee in Raider Athletics,” said long-time AD Keever. “Her work ethic and professionalism made me and our coaches look better than we were on countless occasions.”
Costabile is responsible for virtually every administrative aspect dealing with the athletic programs: scheduling, travel checks, paying officials, processing all athletic purchases to list a few. She was named the 2004 California Community College Athletic Administrative Assistant of the Year.
“Every person that comes into contact with Diane can instantly see what a genuine and caring person she is,” said AD Howard Davis. “Our coaches and student athletes universally love Diane and respect her immense contributions to our operations.”
In fact, the Moorpark College Department Character Champion Award for female student athletes was named in her honor in 2006.
Diane is married to John and lives in Simi Valley. They are parents of adult children Christina and Chuck. Chuck was a member of the Moorpark College Football team and the 2005 State Championship Men’s Volleyball Team.
Traci Allen, Academic Counselor for Student Athletes (805) 378-1560
Traci Allen has served as the Academic Counselor for Student Athletes since 2007. “Traci’s knowledge of NCAA rules, four-year transfer requirements combined with her tireless work ethic and love of athletics, makes her an invaluable asset for our student athletes.” said AD Howard Davis. “Her academic service to student athletes is unmatched at the community college level.”
Allen’s athletic background is unique. She is a former collegiate student athlete, playing soccer at California Lutheran University. Her father, Mel, has been an long-time Associate Athletic Director at Cal State Fullerton. Therefore, Traci’s experience growing up in the midst of collegiate athletics, enables her to serve and counsel student athletes with directness and empathy. Her athletic passion has led to a birthday tradition to attend a game at a different major league baseball stadium with a group of friends each year.
Traci graduated from California Lutheran University with a BA in Liberal Studies and a MS in Counseling and Guidance. Prior to her present position, Allen was a Counselor at Cal State University, Channel Islands. Traci serves as Secretary to the 3C4A.
Allen (formerly Franks) married her high school sweetheart, Santiago, in summer of 2010 . They live in Camarillo with son James Paul (JP). Carly, their pet pit bull, is no longer the baby.
Tommy Arellano, Equipment Manager, (805) 378-1479
Tommy Arellano has served as Moorpark College Equipment Manger since 1982, when he was hired by Paul Dunham. His responsibilities include ordering, inventorying, issuing, collecting and repairing all athletic equipment.
Arellano was named Athletic Equipment Mangers Association District 9 Equipment Manager of the Year in 2004. He is a member of AEMA.
“Tommy is a mainstay in Raider Athletics,” said AD Howard Davis. “He has a tremendous variety of expertise and skills. There doesn’t seem to be anything that Tommy cannot do.”
Arellano has been married to Edna for more than 20 years. They live in Carpinteria. Daughter Christina is a student at California State University Channel Islands. Tommy Jr. is a student at UCSB.
Vance Manakas Head Athletic Trainer (805) 378-1480
Vance Manakas has served as Moorpark College Athletic Trainer since 1981. In that time he has distinguished himself as a expert and leader among California Community College athletic trainers.
“Our student athletes don’t know how fortunate they are to have access to the medical experience and expertise that Vance possesses,” said AD Howard Davis. “We have several student athletes that have transferred to four-year colleges but return to MC to consult with Vance on medical issues.”
Manakas is a long-time member of the National Trainers Association. He received his BS from Cal State Fullerton and MS from the University of Arizona. Both degrees are in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training.
Manakas is a member of National Athletic Trainers Association, Far West Athletic Trainers Association, California Athletic Trainers Association and California Community College Athletic Training Association.
He is married to Moorpark College Student Health Center Coordinator, Sharon. They live in Moorpark and have two adult daughters–Kaitlyn and Julie. Manakas is also a long-time adjunct faculty member, teaching Health, First Aid and CPR courses.
Cherisse Sherman Assistant Athletic Trainer (805) 378-1493
Cherisse Sherman was hired as full-time Assistant Athletic Trainer in 2006. It was a boon for Raider Athletics to welcome back one of the best combinations of academic and athletic excellence in the college’s history.
Sherman (formerly Meichtry) starred on two Raider volleyball teams. Beyond that, she was named to California Pepsi Scholar Athlete of Year in 2000. This award is the most prestigious award bestowed on the 25,000 student athletes in California Community Colleges.
Sherman graduated from University of South Carolina with a degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training. She received her Master’s Degree in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania.
Sherman is certified as a Performance Enhancement Specialist by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is a member of National Athletic Trainers Association, Far West Athletic Trainers Association, California Athletic Trainers Association and California Community College Athletic Training Association.
She is an adjunct faculty member, teaching Health, First Aid and CPR classes. In the summer of 2010, she was married to Chris. The couple live in Northridge.
Lori Bennett Dean of Applied Social Science
Lori Bennett