Joe Vaughan accomplished two goals he established when he was a student.

He became a history teacher and basketball coach.

Vaughan offered some history and insight during the 15th annual Ventura Wildcat Basketball Clinic for girls last week at Anacapa Middle School.

Vaughan, who retired after 32 seasons as the Buena girls coach, said he had a dream to teach and coach.

"My passion is basketball," he said.

He has a CIF lifetime athletic pass and said he's looking forward to watching today's Wildcat players when they play high school basketball.

Vaughan has been a guest speaker at every Wildcat clinic and he passed on some thoughts to the players.

"You have to believe in yourself," he said.

"Don't give up and don't give in," said Vaughan.

"Keep trying no matter how hard it seems. Everything gets easier the more you work," he said.

Vaughan enjoyed plenty of success on the court, winning two state championships and leading his players to Channel League and postseason success. He's the winningest girls' basketball coach in California with more than 750 victories.

He always stressed to his players to do well in the classroom and his three daughters were all college graduates.

Vaughan said he stressed to his players to be smart and the results paid off with their schoolwork and athletic achievement.

"Work hard in whatever sport you do," he said.

Another successful coach, Mark French, was the guest on the clinic's opening day.

French, the UC Santa Barbara women's coach, showed the girls how to play the post position, how to pass the ball and prepare to shoot near the basket.

The girls were also introduced to Dave Guenther, the longtime JV Buena coach and now the varsity coach, filling Vaughan's legacy. Vaughan also served as the school's athletic director and said his commitment to coaching basketball was 11 months out of the year.

Another clinic highlight was the player draft for the summer league for girls in grades 5-7 starting June 2 and finishing with a championship game and awards ceremony on Aug. 18.

There's still another opportunity for boys and girls in grades 3-8 to learn basketball skills.

Mickey Perry, former Ventura High boys' coach, and Vaughan will direct their annual camp June 18-22 at Ventura College. Cost is $200 per camper. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Information: Vaughan at 289-1826, ext. 1030, or Perry at 642-5496.