Miami High School’s Coach Crystal Pietila has reached an incredible milestone, achieving her 300th career victory as a head coach. This remarkable accomplishment was secured during a home game on January 8, 2025, when her Vandals dominated Arizona Lutheran, defeating the Coyotes 74-24. What makes this achievement even more special is that it comes at a time when both of Coach Pietila’s daughters, Savannah and Tamia, are key members of the Vandals’ Varsity Girls Team. Savannah, in particular, is having an outstanding season, recently surpassing 1,000 career points—an impressive feat that underscores her talent and dedication.
As someone who has known the Pietila family for over a decade, I am a huge admirer of their contributions to athletics and their character. Crystal’s husband, Shawn Pietila, formerly served as the head football coach at San Carlos High School, while Crystal was the head girls basketball coach at the same school. During that time, I was an assistant boys basketball coach at Santa Cruz Valley Union High School, and I witnessed firsthand their unwavering kindness and support. My respect and admiration for the Pietila family have only grown over the years.
In recent seasons, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Savannah and Tamia as student-athletes. It has been truly inspiring to watch their growth and success, both on and off the court. Both young women are not only immensely talented but also exceptional individuals.
This year, the Vandals are off to a phenomenal start, boasting a 16-1 record with notable victories over Saguaro, Deer Valley, Red Mountain, Williams Field, and Casteel. Could this be the Vandals’ year to claim the state championship? The road ahead will be challenging, with a critical matchup against their crosstown rivals, San Carlos, and the pressure to maintain their momentum deep into the postseason. Time will tell, but the team’s determination and talent suggest they have the potential to accomplish something truly special and take care of unfinished business.
