Trabuco Hills
Baseball
The Staff

Coaches

ONE PROGRAM.
ONE STANDARD.

9 coaches across three teams, united by one approach: develop fundamentally sound baseball players, demand great teammates, and prepare young men for what comes next—on and off the field.

Varsity

Brent Lavoie

Head Coach

Over 15 years of high school head coaching experience, previously at Long Beach Poly, Valley Christian, Whittier, La Mirada and Whittier Christian. Played collegiately at Missouri Valley College, North Arkansas College and Biola University, helping lead Biola to the 2003 NAIA College World Series. Known as “Coach Mindstrong” for his emphasis on mental toughness and character-based leadership; recipient of the Jerry Kindall Character in Coaching Award. Works as an educator and teacher/resource specialist.

Dean Schroeder

Assistant Coach

Over two decades of coaching across youth, Pony League, travel ball, high school and college programs. ABCA member with certifications from NFHS, Ripken Baseball, the National Pitching Association and Positive Coaching Alliance. Founder of the Trabuco Colts feeder program and the Get There Athletics nonprofit. Selected as Head Infield Instructor at the Stanford University All-Star Camp and author of multiple player development resources.

Alex Van Cleve

Assistant Coach

Coached at the youth and high school levels. Focuses on fundamentals, skill development and player evaluation, with an emphasis on discipline and teamwork.

Dane Nakatsuka

Assistant Coach

High school and youth level coaching experience. Teaches fundamentals and baseball IQ, and emphasizes mental toughness and character development.

Junior Varsity

Matt Shapiro

Head Coach

A THHS program member since 2015 and a former player and alumnus. Grew up in the Caribbean playing cricket before transitioning to baseball. A business owner in Orange County and father of two, he emphasizes creating a positive, growth-focused environment.

Dylan Kato

Assistant Coach

South Orange County native who attended Aliso Niguel High School and played outfield on the 1998 Pacific Coast League championship team. Competed at Golden West College and Irvine Valley College and earned a BA in English from UC Irvine. More than 20 years with the Nisei Athletic Union as player, coach and administrator with the LA Pirates, and a volunteer coach at the MLB Compton Youth Academy. Works as a freelance copywriter.

Mike Jacobs

Assistant Coach

Over 17 years of dedicated service to the THHS baseball program. Previously coached travel ball and youth baseball, including 15 years in leadership roles with Lake Forest Little League and Saddleback Pony League. Originally from Miami, Florida; graduated from Coral Gables High School and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in physics and mathematics from the University of Miami, where he played baseball for two years. An aerospace systems engineer with the Aerospace Corporation for over 45 years. Lives in Lake Forest with his wife Gloria; three grown children and six grandchildren.

Freshman

Matt Levin

Head Coach

A THHS alumnus (Class of 2012) and former first baseman from 2009–2011. Began coaching as a JV assistant in 2012–13 and was part of the 2013 JV Championship team that finished 25–3. Business Intelligence Manager at UC Irvine, handling financial, human resources and payroll reporting. Married to his wife Hailey, whom he met at THHS, with a young son, Jackson. Lifelong Los Angeles Angels fan.

Don Marcigliano

Assistant Coach

Extensive experience coaching at the youth and high school levels. Focuses on fundamentals, skill development, game preparation, discipline and teamwork, with an emphasis on a growth mindset and personal development mentorship.