University of San Francisco Athletics

Juan Luis Zabala was born in San Francisco on February 14, 1923 and graduated from USF in 1949. The Zabala family is one of the oldest names in Northern California, dating back to settlers who arrived from Bilbao, Spain, in 1794. For several generations, the Zabala family has been deeply involved with the University of San Francisco, first by sending its children to be educated by the Jesuits, and later as benefactors. His father, Albert J. Zabala had established a trust fund for the University, and one of his sons, Father Albert Zabala, S.J., served as an Associate Professor of Theology at USF. Another son, Honore, was a soccer star at USF prior to joining the service in the Second World War. When Honore Zabala did not return from the war, J. Luis, arranged for a scholarship to be established in the his memory.

J. Luis was educated at Saint Bridget's Grammar School, at Saint Ignatius College Preparatory, and at the University of San Francisco. He graduated in 1949 with a degree in Business Administration. He worked as a salesman and Sales Manager for Wesix Heater Company, and in 1964, purchased Electric Supply of Salinas which he led into the expansion across Central and Northern California. By 1984 Luis had achieved the role of President of the National Association of Electrical Distributors that encompassed members both nationally and internationally, and co-founder of the Western Independent Electrical Distributers (WIED). He served as President and Chief Negotiator from its inception until the time he sold his business in 1994.

Luis managed the Zabala legacy of the Spanish Land Grant given to his family, overseeing row crops in Monterey County and in Santa Barbara. His love for this land led to the family's development of the Zabala Vineyards, in Soledad, CA, which is still managed by the Zabala family today. 


 

Photo courtesy of the Zabala family.