Former Hawaii Hilo men’s soccer head coach Garrett Estrin, 48, passed away last Thursday in California after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer.
Estrin was named the program’s eighth different head coach in May 2022 and helped the Vulcans Soccer programs begin a new era by leading the men’s team to a season-opening 2-1 victory over Cal Poly Humboldt on the brand-new turf Vulcan Soccer Field.
The Palm Springs, Calif. native spent nearly 20 years coaching various levels of soccer with head coaching stops at College of the Desert and Bristol University, as well as Rancho Mirage High School, Palm Springs High School and Junipero Sierra High School.
Estrin spent his collegiate playing days at Cal State Dominguez Hills (1996-2000) where he was a three-time team captain as goalkeeper, helping the Toros claim the 2000 NCAA Division II National Championship with five saves in a four-overtime victory. He was also the recipient of the 2000-01 Dr. Richard Butwell Senior Award, given in recognition for dedication to CSUDH, community service and academic commitment.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Garrett, who I have known for more than 25 years,” Hawaiii Hilo director of athletics Patrick Guillen said. Guillen served as CSUDH director of sports information during the Toros’ National Championship run. “My heart goes out to his beautiful wife Helen and his two children. G was truly an amazing person, first and foremost, a great husband and a wonderful father. He lived and loved life and was admired by all those who came in contact with him. While only here at Hawai’i Hilo for one year, he made a tremendous impact on the lives of his players and is greatly missed. May he rest in love and aloha.”
Over the last two seasons, Estrin was on the sidelines for a handful of the Vulcans men’s soccer road games in Southern California along with other Vulcans golf and Vulcans basketball events in the area. Hawaii Hilo Men’s Soccer matched up twice against his alma mater: a one-goal defeat at Toro Stadium in 2023 and a 2-0 victory in Hilo last fall. The CSUDH 2000 National Championship team was recognized during halftime of the Sept. 2023 contest — with Estrin in full Vulcans gear.
“Coach Garrett loved the game, he loved coaching and he loved being part of our program no matter the role or title,” current Vulcans men’s soccer head coach Diego Marroquin said. “He was with us on recruiting trips, staff calls and emails, mentoring players one-on-one, scouting opponents and even stepping in to coach when we were on the road — all while undergoing aggressive rounds of treatment. His strength, determination and dedication to coaching and our program were unmatched.”
The final home game of the 2022 season was against Marroquin as then-head coach of Holy Names University before its closure the following spring.
After experiencing initial health effects in early 2023, Estrin returned to California and Marroquin later joined the Vulcans staff as acting head coach.
“I was at one of my lowest points professionally having lost my job and questioning if I should keep coaching,” Marroquin said. “Coach Garrett saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself at the time. He believed in me. He encouraged me to stay the course and trusted me with the responsibility of helping transition his program while he stepped away. That trust meant the world to me and reignited a passion I thought I had lost.
“But what meant even more was how he showed up for me not just professionally, but also personally. He always made time; whether it was a text after a Rams, Dodgers or Lakers win, a call just to check in and offer life advice or even lending me his beautiful prized Chevy Silverado. Coach Garrett never hesitated to give, to support or to uplift. He is the definition of courage, toughness and what it truly means to fight with grace and live with heart.
“To Helen (wife), Caitlin (daughter), Braydin (son) and the entire Estrin family, I offer my deepest condolences. Your dad left a lasting mark on my life and on the lives of countless others. I’ll be forever grateful for him and do my very best to carry his legacy on with me.”
Funeral services were held Thursday in Cathedral City, Calif.
The paper extends its condolences to the Estrin family.
