Coach Eli Thornton earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication from Southern Oregon University followed by a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. He has worked 10 years in Education, 4 years at San Joaquin Valley College and 6 years at the high school level. Coach Thornton is entering his sixth year as a School Counselor, his fourth at Woodside High School.
Coach Thornton was a standout high school player at Victor Valley High School where he was a 3-year varsity starter, won 1st team All-Area, and 2nd team All-CIF honors. He continued his basketball career at Victor Valley Community College for two seasons. His success earned him an athletic scholarship to Southern Oregon University where he was a starting guard for the final two seasons of his collegiate career.
After graduating, he later joined his alma mater, Victor Valley High School, where he worked his way up from the Freshmen Assistant Coach to eventually earning the Head Varsity Coaching position for two seasons. He has also coached one season as an Assistant Coach for the Victor Valley College Women’s Team.
In addition, Coach Thornton has coached at the AAU level, and served as a skills trainer where he has trained youth in the community and several college athletes. Coach Thornton is married to Rosyli Reveron-Thornton and they have two dogs named Cassie and Lady.