Don Snyder was born in Honolulu on July 1, 1943. His mother, Bridget Castro, taught swimming at the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and worked at a pineapple cannery. His father, Willard Snyder, moved to the mainland after their divorce.
Snyder's three older siblings lived on the mainland with his father. He and two younger brothers were raised by their mother at Pilama's Mayor Wright Homes. He swam, played basketball, took drawing lessons, and learned to play the clarinet at Pilama Settlement.
Snyder attended Likelike and Palolo schools, Central Intermediate School, and McKinley High School in the class of 1961. He joined the U.S. Navy and subsequently attended the University of San Francisco on a four-year scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Teaching Certificate in 1968.
He returned to the islands after playing professional basketball in Europe. In 1970 he started teaching and coaching at Lahainaluna School on Maui. He has been a teacher and coach at Maui High School since 1981. In 1988, he became the Athletic Director (ScholarSpace).Â
One of the flashiest forwards around, has many times brought the crowd to its feet by his dribbling and unbelievable shots that seem to come at crucial times. Don is a rugged rebounder and his passing ability will be valuable when shifted to guard. Snyder at 6' 4", was second team All League last year and will probably move to a first team spot this year (USFFoghorn).Â
