Raymond “Ray” Solari, Beloved Coach (1928-2023)

By Keith Spataro, Vice President for Enrollment and Athletics

Ray Solari, a legendary football coach, died this spring at age 95. As we mourn, we also celebrate the man who lives in the hearts of generations of athletes. Coach Ray embodied the passion and discipline that he instilled in his players.

He was a two-time letter winner at the University of California at Berkeley, where he played in three Rose Bowls. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns, he later played for the San Francisco 49ers. He became Head Coach of Menlo College’s Football program in 1972, mentoring student-athletes for 22 years.

It was an honor to have known Coach Ray. From the first time we met in the early 2000s, I realized what a cornerstone he was to the foundation of our athletics program. To that end, and through a generous donation by Robert Mack ’74, we named our athletics conference room in Coach Solari’s honor.

Coach Ray’s knowledge of football, his sense of humor, and his creative ways of keeping athletes motivated earned him respect from hundreds in his time at Menlo. He was a trailblazer for Menlo Athletics, with his leadership particularly valuable at the critical juncture when Menlo made the transition to a four-year program and membership in the NCAA Division III. He led the Oaks to a record 110 wins, becoming one of our most winning coaches in Menlo Athletics history. In 1985, after an undefeated season, he led the Oaks to a Coast Conference Championship and was named Northern California Coach of the Year. About his time playing for Ray, former player Tony Borba ’85 said, “Coach Solari was a father figure to those of us who played for him. As a coach and teacher, he had a significant sphere of influence, and a profound impact on his players’ lives. Not only was he a great coach, but he was also humble, had a great sense of humor, and was an excellent storyteller. He would make everyone on the team feel relaxed and respected. He had a collection of roadmaps for success in life, and many of us can remember them even after all these years. One that comes to mind is ‘Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.’ He lived an amazing life.”

Another one of Coach Ray’s slogans was “Dare to struggle, dare to win.” I carry that motto with me. Coach Ray made an enormous impact on all of us who crossed his path. He will be missed dearly on the Menlo campus.