Trabuco Hills High School Baseball Coaching Staff
Varsity Head Coach - Brent Lavoie
Brent Lavoie is a respected baseball coach, educator, and mentor known for his impact on student-athletes both on and off the field. With over 15 years of experience as a high school head coach, he has led programs including Long Beach Poly, Valley Christian, Whittier, La Mirada, and Whittier Christian, building a reputation for developing competitive teams grounded in character and discipline.
A Southern California native, Lavoie played collegiate baseball at Missouri Valley College, North Arkansas College, and Biola University, where he was a two-year starter and helped lead his team to the 2003 NAIA College World Series.
Beyond the field, Lavoie is deeply involved in mentorship and leadership development. He has been a key contributor to FCA Baseball (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), serving as a coach, clinician, and leader in camps that have impacted thousands of young athletes across Southern California. Known to many players as “Coach Mindstrong,” he emphasizes mental toughness, personal growth, and purpose-driven leadership.
In recognition of his influence and commitment to character-based coaching, Lavoie received the prestigious Jerry Kindall Character in Coaching Award, honoring his dedication to integrity, teamwork, and service.
In addition to coaching, Lavoie is an educator, serving as a teacher and resource specialist, where he continues to invest in the academic and personal success of his students. His coaching philosophy centers on developing the whole person—instilling values that extend far beyond the game and into lifelong success.
Varsity Asst Coach - Dean Schroeder
Dean Schroeder brings a lifetime of baseball experience and over two decades of coaching expertise to the development of athletes at all levels of the game. His playing background spans from youth leagues through adult competition, including Little League, Pony League, Babe Ruth League, American Legion baseball, U.S. Army baseball, competitive adult men’s leagues, and tournament softball. This broad experience gives Dean a deep understanding of the game from its foundational stages to advanced levels of competition.
Since 2003, Dean has coached across a wide spectrum of programs, including youth baseball, Pony League, tournament travel ball, high school, college, and high school feeder systems. He has also served extensively as a camp and clinic instructor, working with athletes to refine their skills, improve performance, and build confidence in competitive environments. His coaching approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, mental development, and preparing players to perform under game conditions.
Dean is committed to ongoing professional development and holds multiple certifications and memberships within the baseball community. He is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and holds certifications from the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), Ripken Baseball, the National Pitching Association, and the Positive Coaching Alliance as a Double-Goal Coach. He has also completed advanced coursework through the University of Baseball and maintains CPR and First Aid certification.
A leader in program development, Dean is the founder of the Trabuco Colts High School feeder program and the founder of Get There Athletics, a nonprofit youth sports development organization (501(c)(3)) focused on developing athletes both on and off the field. He has served as a clinician and player development trainer with respected organizations and events, including Trosky Baseball, Cressey Sports Performance, Ripken Baseball camps, and community coaching clinics. He has also been selected as Head Infield Instructor and evaluator at the Stanford University All-Star Camp.
In addition to his work on the field, Dean is an author of several player development resources, including Performance Essential Task List for High School Baseball Excellence, 3 Day Mental Skills Challenge for Better Baseball, Infield Development to Game Day Defense, Hitting Camp – A Working Approach to Developing Hitters, and The Scoring Sequence – The Tactical Bat in Youth Baseball.
Dean’s philosophy centers on developing complete athletes—physically, mentally, and fundamentally—while instilling discipline, confidence, and a lifelong passion for the game.
Varsity Asst Coach - James Barton
James Barton brings a strong playing background and a passion for mentoring young athletes to his role as a coach. A graduate of Costa Mesa High School, Barton was a four-year varsity baseball player, contributing as a shortstop, catcher, and right-handed pitcher. His versatility on the field and deep understanding of multiple positions continue to shape his approach to player development.
Following high school, Barton earned a scholarship to play collegiate baseball at Providence Christian College. His freshman season was cut short due to a significant shoulder injury, including a torn labrum and rotator cuff. Although his surgery was successful, the recovery process ultimately limited his ability to return to full competitive play. He later transferred to Golden West College, where he continued to train with the program before making the difficult decision to step away from playing.
These experiences have given Barton a unique perspective on perseverance, adversity, and the importance of mental toughness—values he now instills in the athletes he coaches. His approach emphasizes fundamentals, resilience, and helping players grow both on and off the field.
Off the field, Barton is deeply committed to his community and faith. He serves full-time as a youth pastor at a church in Mission Viejo, where he mentors and leads young people in their personal development. He is married to his wife, Kaitlyn, and is a proud father to their son, Jude.
In his free time, Barton enjoys golfing, playing softball and flag football, following college football, and cheering on his favorite team, the Los Angeles Angels. His passion for sports and mentorship drives his mission to positively impact every athlete he works with.
Varsity Asst Coach - Alex Van Cleve
Alex Vancleve is a dedicated coach with Trabuco Hills High School, bringing a strong passion for baseball and player development to the program. Known for his hands-on approach and commitment to fundamentals, Alex works closely with athletes to improve skills, build confidence, and prepare them for competitive play.
Alex has been involved in coaching at multiple levels, including youth and high school programs, and has contributed to team strategy, player evaluation, and skill development. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and fostering a love for the game that extends beyond the field.
Outside of baseball, Alex is committed to mentoring young athletes both on and off the diamond, encouraging growth in character, leadership, and personal accountability. His dedication to the sport and to Trabuco Hills makes him an integral part of the coaching staff.
Varsity Asst Coach - Dane Nakatsuka
Dane Nakatsuka is a dedicated member of the Trabuco Hills High School baseball coaching staff, bringing a strong passion for the game and a commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. Known for his hands-on approach, Dane focuses on teaching fundamentals, building baseball IQ, and helping players reach their full potential.
With experience coaching at the high school and youth levels, Dane emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness, ensuring that athletes not only improve their skills but also grow in character and leadership.
Off the field, Dane is actively involved in mentoring and supporting young athletes in the community. His dedication to the program and to each player makes him a valued part of the Trabuco Hills baseball staff.
JV Head Coach - Matt Shapiro
Matt Shapiro has been a dedicated member of the Trabuco Hills High School baseball program since 2015, bringing both passion and a strong personal connection to the program as a former player and alumnus. His experience as a THHS athlete gives him a unique perspective and a deep commitment to continuing the tradition and culture of the program.
Matt’s athletic journey began in an uncommon way—growing up in the Caribbean, his first sport was cricket. That early experience helped shape his hand-eye coordination, timing, and love for competition, ultimately leading him to transition into baseball and continue playing through his high school years.
As a coach, Matt is driven by his passion for developing young athletes, not just in their skills on the field, but in their growth as individuals. He takes pride in building relationships with players and finds the greatest reward in watching them improve, gain confidence, and achieve their personal and team goals.
Outside of baseball, Matt is a successful business owner in the Orange County area and a dedicated family man. He is married and the proud father of two children. His commitment to leadership, both in business and in coaching, reflects his belief in hard work, accountability, and long-term development.
Matt’s approach to coaching centers on creating a positive, growth-focused environment where athletes are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
JV Asst Coach - Dylan Kato
Coach Kato A South Orange County native, Kato brings a diverse baseball background and a lifelong passion for the game.
He attended Aliso Niguel High School, where he played as a speedy outfielder under Coach Mike Chapman. During his time there, he was a member of the 1998 Pacific Coast League championship team, which included future Major League player and manager Skip Schumaker. Kato went on to continue his playing career at the junior college level, competing in the highly regarded Orange Empire Conference at Golden West College under Bert Villarreal, and later at Irvine Valley College under Kent Madole.
After concluding his playing career, Kato completed his education at the University of California, Irvine, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English. While his professional path led him into creative fields, including time as a drummer in the indie rock band Regrets & Brunettes, his connection to baseball has remained constant.
Kato has been an active member of the baseball community for over 20 years through his involvement with the Nisei Athletic Union, where he has contributed as a player, coach, and administrator with his team, the LA Pirates. He has also given back to the game as a volunteer coach at the MLB Compton Youth Academy, helping develop young athletes in the local community.
Professionally, Kato works as a freelance copywriter, combining creativity with communication. Outside of baseball, he enjoys music, collecting records, attending live shows, reading, writing, and exploring Southern California’s food and culture scene. He currently resides in Laguna Niguel.
Coach Kato brings a well-rounded perspective to the program, combining playing experience, community involvement, and a genuine love for the game to positively impact the athletes he coaches.
JV Asst Coach - Mike Jacobs
Coach Michael Jacobs brings over 17 years of dedicated service to the Trabuco Hills High School baseball program, where he has primarily coached at the junior varsity level. Known for his passion for the game and commitment to player development, Coach Jacobs takes great pride in mentoring student-athletes and helping them grow both on and off the field.
Prior to joining THHS, Coach Jacobs spent العديد of years coaching travel ball and youth baseball, while also serving in leadership roles on the boards of Lake Forest Little League and Saddleback Pony League for a combined 15 years. His long-standing involvement in youth baseball reflects his deep commitment to the development of the game at all levels.
Originally from Miami, Florida, Coach Jacobs graduated from Coral Gables High School before attending the University of Miami, where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in physics and mathematics. During his academic career, he also played baseball at both the high school level and for two years at the University of Miami.
Beyond baseball, Coach Jacobs has had an accomplished professional career as an aerospace systems engineer with Aerospace Corporation, where he has worked for over 45 years contributing to satellite systems supporting the U.S. Space Force. His discipline, analytical mindset, and leadership in his professional career translate seamlessly into his coaching approach.
Coach Jacobs remains active in his church and community and resides in Lake Forest with his wife, Gloria. Together, they have three grown children and six grandchildren, who bring them great joy.
With decades of experience in coaching, education, and professional leadership, Coach Jacobs continues to make a lasting impact on the Trabuco Hills baseball program and the athletes he serves.
Freshman Head Coach - Matt Levin
Matt Levin is a proud Trabuco Hills High School alumnus (Class of 2012) and former player who brings both experience and a strong connection to the program. During his playing career, Levin was a first baseman from 2009 to 2011, contributing to the program’s competitive tradition and team culture.
Shortly after graduating, Levin began his coaching career at Trabuco Hills, serving as a junior varsity assistant coach from 2012 to 2013. During that time, he was part of the 2013 JV Championship team that posted an impressive 25–3 record. His early transition from player to coach reflects his deep understanding of the program and passion for developing student-athletes.
Outside of baseball, Levin is a Business Intelligence Manager at the University of California, Irvine, where he oversees financial, human resources, and payroll reporting. His professional background highlights his analytical approach, attention to detail, and leadership skills—qualities that carry over into his coaching style.
Levin is married to his wife, Hailey, whom he met while attending Trabuco Hills, and together they have a young son, Jackson. A dedicated family man, he enjoys spending time with his family, often visiting Disneyland, as well as following his favorite team, the Los Angeles Angels.
Matt’s connection to Trabuco Hills, combined with his enthusiasm for the game and commitment to player development, make him a valuable part of the coaching staff and a positive influence on the athletes he works with.
Freshman Asst Coach - Don Marcigliano
Don Marcigliano is a committed member of the Trabuco Hills High School baseball coaching staff, bringing years of experience and a passion for developing young athletes. Known for his focus on fundamentals, skill development, and game preparation, Don works closely with players to help them excel both on and off the field.
With extensive experience coaching at youth and high school levels, Don emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and a growth mindset, fostering both athletic and personal development in his players. His approachable style and dedication to mentorship make him a valued presence on the Trabuco Hills coaching team.
Off the diamond, Don is actively involved in his community and strives to positively impact the lives of his athletes through guidance, encouragement, and support.