Sienna van Alphen in Line to Take Over as Dos Pueblos Athletic Director | Sports

Dos Pueblos High School is proud to announce that Sienna van Alphen has been appointed as the school’s next Athletic Director, effective July 1, 2025, pending board approval on Tuesday.

She will succeed longtime AD Dan Feldhaus, who will return to teaching and coaching at DPHS after 17 years of distinguished service in the role.

“After Dan announced his decision to step down, we created a committee made up of Charger coaches, administrators, parents, and students and began the process to find our next athletic director,” said Dos Pueblos Principal Bill Woodard.

“After a thorough process, we realized our top candidate was already on our staff, and we are thrilled that Sienna will lead us into the next era of Charger athletics.”

Woodard praised van Alphen’s deep ties to the school and her impact on the community:

“Sienna bleeds blue and gold, and having worked in our athletic department the last few years, she has already established strong, trusting relationships with our school community. She has the energy, enthusiasm, work ethic, and leadership potential required for this extremely important position along with a vision and plan to help lead us to even greater heights,” he said. “I am excited to see her lead us into the future as the first female athletic director in our school’s illustrious history.”

Feldhaus expressed confidence in the transition. “I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished during my tenure as Athletic Director and I am confident that the future of DP Athletics is in great hands under Sienna Van Alphen,” he said.

“She knows our school and is deeply committed to our student-athletes and coaches. Sienna brings a passion to elevate all of our teams and programs and I know DP Charger Athletics will continue to grow and thrive under her leadership.”

A 2009 graduate of Dos Pueblos and former water polo standout, van Alphen helped lead the Chargers to two CIF championships before continuing her athletic career at UCSB and playing internationally.

She has since served as a longtime coach for local water polo club SB 805, as well as coaching both boys and girls water polo at DPHS.

Reflecting on the opportunity, van Alphen said: “As a 2009 graduate of Dos Pueblos High School and a proud former water polo athlete, I am honored to continue giving back to the place I will always call home.

“Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to have incredible female mentors like Cathy Neushul, Danelle Muhr, and Debbie Dulawan Boe (to name just a few), whose guidance and support have gotten me to where I am today. Inspired by them, I strive to be that same kind of mentor—not just for our female students, but for all students on campus.”

“For the past four years, I have had the privilege of working with DP Athletics. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside Bill Woodard and the administration and staff at DP to create a space where students feel confident, supported, and empowered to reach their goals both on and off the field.

“I am also thankful for the trust and guidance Dan Feldhaus has shown me over the past three years; his support and care for our programs is something I am proud to continue.”