Steve Miller, former head coach of Cal Poly’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams, died on June 15, 2025, at his home in Portland, Oregon. He was surrounded by family. Miller is remembered for his leadership and significant contributions to Cal Poly Athletics over several decades.
Miller joined Cal Poly in 1976 after coaching at Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois. During his tenure with the Mustangs, he led the teams to five NCAA Division II national championships—three in track and field and two in cross country—and secured eight California Collegiate Athletic Association titles. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Cal Poly Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.
John Capriotti, who both ran for and coached alongside Miller, said: “There are constants in this world and there are variables, but Coach Miller was a constant, always there for us both on and off the track. What I wouldn’t give for one more conversation with him. He was like a second father to me as well as many others I’m sure.”
Miller coached several All-Americans and NCAA champions at Cal Poly, including Jim Schankel—an eight-time national champion—and Joe Siai Siai, who holds school records in the 200 meters and 110-meter hurdles. Over his career, Miller received five NCAA National Coach of the Year awards before moving on to Kansas State University as head coach for five years and later serving three years as Athletic Director.
“As great of a coach that he was, getting the most out of his athletes, his greatest gift was making us all better people,” said Manny Bautista, another former athlete and coach under Miller.
After leaving collegiate athletics administration roles behind him, Miller retired from Nike as Director of Global Sports Marketing in 2000. He then became President and CEO of the Professional Bowlers Association. His service also included positions on boards such as the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation and involvement with sports marketing education at the University of Oregon.
Ashley Offermann, Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development and Capital Projects at Cal Poly stated: “Steve Miller was one of the first people I met when I joined Cal Poly in 2012, and from that moment, I saw his boundless love for this university. He poured his heart into supporting our student-athletes and shaping the spirit of Cal Poly Athletics.”
From 2011 onward, Miller served as Chief Executive Officer for Agassi Graf Holdings overseeing business ventures connected to Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf along with their charitable foundation.
Miller remained closely involved with Cal Poly throughout his life. In 2018 he contributed significantly to developing what became known as the Miller & Capriotti Athletics Complex—a facility considered among the best nationally for track & field programs.
Offermann added: “Over the past decade, his vision transformed our program leading the renovation of the Miller–Capriotti Athletics Complex—the creation of Doerr Family Field—and establishing scholarships that will support generations of Mustangs. He also played a pivotal role in bringing in Ryan Vanhoy as Director of Track & Field / Cross Country. More than a colleague Steve was a mentor and guiding light—for nearly fifty years he bled green and gold—and his impact will live on in every athlete coach—and fan who calls Cal Poly home. Thank you Steve—you will be deeply missed.”
He is survived by his wife two children—and many former athletes colleagues—and friends who mourn him while celebrating his legacy.
