USA Team Handball Mourns the Passing of Javier Garcia Cuesta

Javier Garcia Cuesta, former head coach of the United States Men’s and Women’s National Handball Team, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the age of 78.

An Olympian for his native Spain at the 1972 Summer Games in Munich, Garcia Cuesta created an impressive resume coaching at the international level. 

He was named as the United States’ Women’s National Team head coach in 1978, on account of a referral from a University of California-Irvine professor, and established the Women’s Resident Program in Colorado Springs the following year. 

In 1980, he transitioned to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team and constructed the residency program in New Jersey. At the 1984 Olympics, the American men’s squad was led by Garcia Cuesta and finished 9th in the Games held on home soil in Los Angeles. In the following years, Garcia Cuesta guided the Men’s National Team to stellar performances at the 1986 Goodwill Games (Moscow) and 1987 Pan American Games (Indianapolis), where the U.S. won a silver medal and a gold medal, respectively. The triumph at the 1987 Pan American Games remains as one of the biggest performances in U.S. handball history.

Garcia Cuesta continued to coach at the international level for several teams, including the Spanish team at the 1988 Olympics in Barcelona. He had a successful stint with the Egyptian Men’s National Team, finishing 6th at the 1996 Olympics and 7th at the 1999 World Championship. 

Following stretches coaching the national team of Brazil and Portugal, he returned to lead the United States from 2014-2018, including participation in the Pan American Men’s Handball Championships in 2014 and 2016.

Garcia Cuesta had an immeasurable impact on the global handball community and USA Team Handball extends its deepest condolences to Javier’s family, friends, colleagues, and athletes during this difficult time.

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"Javier was a highly sought after and respected coach as evidenced by his wide range of nations securing his services as both a Technical Director and National Team coach. He was what is termed a player’s coach - meaning he related to his players so well on and off the court, especially in motivating them to performance levels that exceeded their own expectations. His professionalism, personality and devotion to world handball will be dearly missed!" - Mike Cavanaugh

"After working side by side with Javier for five years, we found one word that defined our relationship: Trust. That simple, yet constantly tested word became the foundation of a bond I will carry with me forever. I had the privilege of witnessing how deeply Javier valued, protected, and cared for his wife, Linda—whether it was through the daily phone calls he made to her after practice on his way home, or the way he opened his home to host both the men’s and women’s teams for his famous birthday paella parties. His honesty, humor, and passion made him unique, and his impact on those around him was profound. Javier and Linda, please know that we are praying for your family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Thank you, Javier, for the countless people you helped and the immeasurable contributions you made to the sport of handball. And on a personal note, thank you for helping me grow as both a man and a coach." - Mark Ortega

"Javier was an absolute legend in our sport. His expertise and experience were second to none, but his greatest quality was his care for people. Javier was extremely dedicated to the program and our development as players and people. I feel extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play for Coach Javier and to know him." - Drew Donlin

"It was an honor to be coached by someone who embodied professionalism and compassion. His dedication to his athletes and the people around him was inspiring, and I was grateful for the opportunity to experience it firsthand. He even drove me to rehab each morning after my knee surgery, demonstrating his commitment to his athletes' well-being." - Darrick Heath, OLY

“From 2013 to 2018, I had the privilege of training and competing under Coach Javier García Cuesta. He introduced me to the sport of team handball and shaped me not only as an athlete but also as a person. His wisdom, patience, and passion for the game left a lasting imprint on my career and life. Some of my fondest memories include traveling with him in Spain, learning about his remarkable journey in sport, and carrying forward the lessons he instilled in me as I now coach athletes of my own. Coach Cuesta will always be remembered as one of the greats and as a true mentor.” - Ford Dyke