WESTWOOD— After seven years leading Geffen Academy at UCLA’s Cross Country and Track & Field programs, longtime Program Director Nelson Aviles is stepping away from coaching to focus on his health.

“Working with student athletes as both a coach and mentor over the years has been incredibly rewarding,” Aviles said. “Leaving is extremely difficult. But at this time I’m no longer able to coach with the same energy and dedication as I’d like to and need to step away.”

Geffen Academy announced the change in a letter to families, naming longtime varsity assistant coach Darryl de La Vega as the program’s new Cross Country  head coach.

“While we are saddened to see him leave the sidelines, we fully support Coach Nelson’s decision and are grateful that he is prioritizing what matters most at this time,” Athletic Director David Collicutt said.

Aviles joined Geffen Academy in 2018 after coaching stops at Brentwood School and Marlborough School. During his seven years with the Bruins, he led the Cross Country and Track & Field programs to multiple league titles, trained dozens of athletes who advanced to CIF-level competitions and also coaching the with the school’s soccer program.

Collicutt praised Aviles’ impact on Geffen Academy, describing him as much more than a coach, calling him “a mentor, teacher, and role model whose passion for distance running and unwavering commitment to our student-athletes helped shape the culture of our teams. He inspired student-athletes to work hard, compete with integrity, support one another, and find joy in the pursuit of excellence.”

“On behalf of Geffen Academy Athletics, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to Coach Aviles for everything he has given to our program,” Collicutt added. “We know our entire community joins us in wishing him strength, peace, and continued healing in the months ahead.”

In addition to raising six league championship banners, Aviles also coached three CIF Scholar Athletes during his tenure, in Morgan Sinnock (CIF-SS Scholar Athlete), Issa Afifi (CIF State Scholar Athlete) and Renata Reskala (CIF-SS Scholar Athlete). Under his tutelage, harrier Lila N. also became the Bruins’ first athlete to qualify for, compete at, and make the podium at the CIF Southern Section’s Track and Field Championship Finals.

Coach de La Vega will assume all leadership duties for the Cross Country program moving forward.

“Coach De La Vega has served as Nelson’s assistant coach and has been an invaluable member of our coaching staff for many years,” Collicutt wrote. “He has built strong relationships with our student-athletes, understands the values and traditions that have defined our program, and shares Coach Aviles’ commitment to developing young people both as competitors and as individuals.”

Coach Aviles’ Bruin Accomplishments