Our Staff is the “Heart of our Programs” and are personally handpicked for their knowledge,
enthusiasm and passion for teaching. They all have a strong background in sports and more
importantly a love for kids! We look for an ability to connect with kids in an encouraging
and inspiring way. All camp coaches and staff must complete and pass our training programs
and background check prior to working with your kids. Our directors and your children
evaluate and grade our coaches every week!
Nick joined our team back in 2001 as a seasonal camp coach. Moving up the ranks he was able to learn enough about our company to take the reins in 2010. While his passion lies in developing youth and sports both of those are out paced by his enthusiasm for personal growth in our campers, team and himself. He comes to us as a college basketball player at University of California at Santa Cruz who went on to earn his Masters in Sport Management at University of San Francisco.
Nick Owen
President
Nick joined our team back in 2001 as a seasonal camp coach....
Marissa started with Legarza back in the summer of 2009 with a strong teaching, coaching and playing background. As a Division I basketball player at New Mexico State she studied child development. After graduating she spent some time teaching in the classroom before finding her home at Legarza. She is passionate about running high quality programs for youth that includes a quality education both on and off the field of play.
Marissa Maffei
Director of Operations
Marissa started with Legarza back in the summer of 2009...
David joined the Legarza team in 2002, bringing a diverse business and sports background to the team. Mr. Warner was a Regional Manager for Ritz Camera during the company's golden years. Prior to that David was a competitive collegiate hockey player at Boston University winning a National Championship while there.
David Warner
CFO
David joined the Legarza team in 2002, bringing a diverse...
Michelle joined our team in April 2022. She comes from a corporate background, working for 20+ years in Property Management. She has deep knowledge and experience in managing people and business operations. When not at work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and following her favorite sports teams.
Michelle Coler
Director of Personnel and Business Operations
Michelle joined our team in April 2022. She comes from a...
Ashley is our resident Texan of the team. She is an experienced customer service leader with years of experience marketing and sales from her time at George P. Johnson. Driven by the fact she wants everyone to feel the Legarza WoW, she takes great pride in leading a team to providing the best customer/camper experience from end to end. With her work knowledge and collegiate basketball experience, her goal is to grow and share Legarza programs in California, Texas and beyond!
Ashley Obando
Communications Manager
Ashley is our resident Texan of the team. She is an...
Joshua has an amazingly results-oriented background when it comes to technological innovation and building Brands for scale / M&A. Josh loves designing and building innovative product offerings and brings a track-record of success, results and experience to Legarza Sports. <br/><br/>Joshua also carries with him time-tested ability and passion to scale businesses, mentor technologists and beyond, breathing life into new ideas with second-to-none architectural approaches. Joshua is no stranger to high-traffic, demanding initiatives as well as ever-changing products and technologies.<br/><br/>Look out for upcoming initiatives and updates!
Joshua Feldman
Director of Technology
Joshua has an amazingly results-oriented background when it...
Charlie joined Legarza in 2019. A graduate of Santa Clara University, Charlie was a four year player for their D1A rugby team. Charlie loves all sports and has worked in fan experience and marketing for multiple Bay Area teams including the Oakland Athletics, San Jose Sharks, and San Jose Earthquakes. Charlie loves living in San Francisco and running our basketball camps there in the summer and enjoying all the city has to offer on the weekends.
Charlie Haley
Business Development Manager
Charlie joined Legarza in 2019. A graduate of Santa Clara...
A graduate from Cal State Fullerton, Justin has 10 years of experience working with various after school programs, summer camps, and collegiate departments. His passion to develop youth through sport, led him to pursue a graduate degree in sports administration at Fresno State. Justin brings an ability to creatively connect life lessons to physical education. On his free time Justin enjoys watching his favorite sports teams; Oakland Athletics, Notre Dame Football, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Dolphins.
Justin Lourenco
Regional Director
A graduate from Cal State Fullerton, Justin has 10 years of...
Kristina is a San Carlos native and a graduate of the Art Institute in San Francisco. She spent over 10 years with Williams Sonoma Inc learning the ins and outs of the creative world. An avid soccer player she combines her love of sports and art to oversee all things creative within the Legarza brand.
Kristina Owen
Creative Director
Kristina is a San Carlos native and a graduate of the Art...
Missy started at Legarza Basketball Camp when she was 9 years old as a camper! She returned to volunteer at 14 years old, going on to become a seasonal coach once she turned 16. After getting her MS Credential and teaching in San Mateo Foster City School District, she decided to return to her favorite company to help develop students all across the Bay Area!
Missy Morinishi
Program Director
Missy started at Legarza Basketball Camp when she was 9...
India joined us in June 2021 to introduce S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) Camps and Toyology: Science Through Toys After School Enrichment Classes to our Legarza families. India’s lifelong love of learning and teaching, along with her educational background in Wildlife Science and Natural Resources Recreation, has reached children for over a decade both inside and outside the classroom. Her goal is to make science education not only accessible to children, but unforgettable! India lives in San Francisco where she enjoys caring for a growing collection of house plants and working outside in her building’s flower garden.
India Akers
Program Director, STEAM
India joined us in June 2021 to introduce S.T.E.A.M....
Marquis grew up in Millbrae, California where he was a three sport athlete at Mills High School before continuing his education at San Diego State University. During his time there, he was a practice assistant for the women’s basketball team. With his degree in Marketing and International business, Marquis returned to Mills High School to continue his passion for sports as an Assistant Coach for the varsity basketball team. Joining us in 2021, Marquis continues to learn and grow daily as a part of the Legarza team!
Marquis Adkins
Regional Manager
Marquis grew up in Millbrae, California where he was a...
Matthew joins us from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is a Wisconsin sports superfan. He loves everything surrounding the Brewers, Bucks, Packers, and Badgers. Matthew is passionate about developing youth through sport along with continuous learning throughout life.
Matthew Bach
Regional Manager
Matthew joins us from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is a...
Tessa graduated from California State University, Chico with a major in Child Development and minor in Special Education. With 7 years of experience working/running summer camps she also used to coach Special Olympics of Butte County’s Track and Field Team. During the school year, Tessa was to be a Preschool Teacher, working at an inclusive Preschool that integrated general education students with special education students. Tessa love running and finding new restaurants and hiking trails to try!
Tessa Nicklas
Regional Manager
Tessa graduated from California State University, Chico...
Ashley has been part of the Legarza team since 2018. She grew up in the bay area where she attended Aragon High School in San Mateo. Ashley has played soccer since she was 5 years old and was lucky enough to play Division II soccer at Dominican University of California. Ashley has continued her love of soccer by coaching a variety of levels starting with youth players at San Carlos United Soccer Club. She has also coached at Borel Middle School and varsity soccer at Aragon High School. When Ashley is not coaching she enjoys spending time with her family and finding new hikes with her dog, Finn.
Ashley Lentz
Program Manager
Ashley has been part of the Legarza team since 2018. She...
Luke started with Legarza in 2014 as a summer coach and quickly grew into a fan favorite! Luke’s outgoing nature and ability to relate to all kids allowed him to quickly make a home on our full time staff. Coach Luke excelled at Northland International University as a Collegiate Athlete Regional Champion in basketball. Luke personifies Legarza’s philosophy of developing winners for life. His positive attitude and love for teaching is truly contagious.
Luke Valenzuela
Program Manager
Luke started with Legarza in 2014 as a summer coach and...
Patrick has been a part of the Legarza team since 2019. Prior to working at Legarza, Patrick was an assistant men’s basketball coach at the College of Marin for two seasons. While coaching college basketball, Patrick helped his players earn scholarships to play at four year colleges, some even earning Division 1 scholarships. Patrick finds his joy in his passion, coaching basketball. His educational background is a bachelor degree in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University. When he’s not coaching basketball Patrick enjoys playing guitar, exercising, eating good food, and playing video games
Patrick Schmitz
Program Manager
Patrick has been a part of the Legarza team since 2019....
Aidan joined the Legarza team in the summer of 2021. He earned a scholarship to San Jose State University for Track and Field in 2018 where he was recognized at the Mountain West All-Conference Honors in 2018 and 2020. With Aidan’s experience and passion for every sport, he brings a great attitude to help us continue to develop the lives of youth every day!
Aidan Jardon
Regional Coordinator
Aidan joined the Legarza team in the summer of 2021. He...
A Bay Area native, Eli began as a seasonal coach in 2014. He joins Legarza with over eight years of experience in teaching and coaching children which led him to an Early Childhood Development and Education major. He enjoys music, dancing, and teaching the fundamentals of all sports to a wide range of ages. Eli is determined to create fun environments where kids are free to be themselves and have the best sports experience. <br/>
Eli Paz
Regional Coordinator
A Bay Area native, Eli began as a seasonal coach in 2014....
Josh, a Sonoma State University graduate, came back to the Bay Area after living in New York City for the past three years. He received his degree in Criminal Justice, but during his time with the 49er EDU Program he realized that his true passion is working with children. Josh is looking forward to growing with Legarza and continuing to develop youth through sport.
Josh Montoya
Regional Coordinator
Josh, a Sonoma State University graduate, came back to the...
Justin is a San Carlos native and has been around the game of basketball his whole life. Justin won the basketball State Championship in 2016 with Serra High School, and went on to be a part of the Oregon State Women’s Practice Squad where he practiced against some of the top women players in the country and future WNBA players. Justin has been coaching basketball since 2014 and is currently the Associate Head Coach for Mills Girls Varsity Basketball. He loves getting to impact kids lives in a positive way by teaching something new or seeing the growth in them through sports.
Justin Matsu
Regional Coordinator
Justin is a San Carlos native and has been around the game...
Will has been a member of the Legarza team since 2015. As a lifelong fan of basketball, Will earned a Division 1 scholarship to San Jose State University. It is the love of the sport that brought Will to Legarza but the connections he gets to make with both his colleagues and students that have lead to his longevity with our organization. We are lucky to have such a caring, knowledgeable, and fun coach on our team!
Will Scales
Regional Coordinator
Will has been a member of the Legarza team since 2015. As a...
Jawuan, a Chicago native, joins Legarza with experience working with the Chicago Sky and Southern Illinois University Men’s Basketball Team. This December, he will receive his Masters degree in Sports Leadership from Concordia University - Chicago. Jawuan strives daily to leave a positive impact on every child’s life as he believes that children will always remember even the smallest actions that help make their day. <br/>
Jawuan Monroe
Site Coordinator
Jawuan, a Chicago native, joins Legarza with experience...
After graduating from San Jose State University, Justin joined the Legarza team in the Summer of 2021. He brings experience in a plethora of sports including basketball, tennis, and water polo. Justin enjoys working with children and is very excited about inspiring and influencing future generations of athletes.
Justin Palisoc
Site Coordinator
After graduating from San Jose State University, Justin...
Mikio was born and raised in the Bay Area. As the oldest of three siblings, he was a role model to them and continues to be for his many young cousins. It was this role that helped guide him to work with youth development. In this free time, Mikio enjoys photography, music, and spending time with family.
Mikio Akima
Site Coordinator
Mikio was born and raised in the Bay Area. As the oldest of...
Riley is from Ventura, California and graduated from Fresno Pacific University. She enjoys cooking, singing, and spending time with family. Riley believes confidence and resilience are the keys to success. She hopes to teach every young athlete the importance of both together.
Riley Mew
Site Coordinator
Riley is from Ventura, California and graduated from Fresno...
Sean, in his second full year working with children, is no stranger to developing youth through sport. Sean played baseball at the collegiate and professional level, so he knows what it takes to work well as a team while still having the most fun possible. He is from Pacifica, California, where he grew up loving: basketball, baseball, going on new adventures, and hanging out with family and friends.
Sean Watkins
Site Coordinator
Sean, in his second full year working with children, is no...
Amelia joined Legarza and became moved to California in 2021 after graduating from The University of Alabama in 2020. Originally from New York, Amelia competed in Track and Cross Country throughout middle school and high school. In college Amelia decided to add two more sports into the mix and compete for the Alabama Triathlon team. She is excited to bring her professional experiences and passion for athletics to the Legarza team!
Amelia Kuehn
Program Coordinator
Amelia joined Legarza and became moved to California in...
Andre, a Bay Area native, grew up playing basketball and began coaching five years ago. His goal in life is to develop relationships and meet new people daily. Other than basketball, Andre loves teaching youth in an effort to help them develop successful future careers.
Andre Robinson
Program Coordinator
Andre, a Bay Area native, grew up playing basketball and...
Anthony, a self described super mega Golden State Warriors fan, was born and raised in San Francisco. As a youngster, Anthony was a Legarza camper. He found that the impact Legarza had on him as a young boy, inspired him to continue his career in basketball, cross country, and other sports. Now that he has completed his high school and college athletic career, Anthony is excited to bring his knowledge and skills to Legarza to help motivate and develop youth through sport.
Anthony Revilla
Program Coordinator
Anthony, a self described super mega Golden State Warriors...
Areli has been working in S.T.E.A.M. education programs since she was 16 years old. She has grown from working alongside campers to managing the behind the scenes operations of packing, preparing and assembling all equipment necessary for a fun day at camp. She started working with campers as a volunteer intern during the summers while she was still in highschool. She soon began working full time in a variety of capacities for both Toyology after school classes and summer camps. She is hard-working, reliable, creative, passionate about her work, and is excited to continue her journey with Legarza S.T.E.A.M.! Areli spends her weekends with her two beautiful kids and caring for her growing collection of house plants.
Areli Ortega
Program Coordinator
Areli has been working in S.T.E.A.M. education programs...
Brandon graduated from San Francisco State University in January of 2020. He enjoys watching sports and staying active by playing basketball, football, and running. Brandon has experience within recreation, human services, retail, and fast food, but has realized coaching and working with kids is by far what he is most passionate about.
Brandon Delos Reyes
Program Coordinator
Brandon graduated from San Francisco State University in...
Brandon joined our program in the Summer of 2022. He is from Daly City, CA and graduated from San Francisco State University, obtaining a Bachelors degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. Brandon’s passion for sports has been there since childhood. His biggest basketball and football influences are generational talents who changed the game. These players are Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Odell Beckham JR, and Patrick Mahomes II. Brandon is excited to influence and inspire the next generation of athletes the Legarza way.<br/>
Brandon Pulmano
Program Coordinator
Brandon joined our program in the Summer of 2022. He is...
Danielle graduated from Dominican University of California with a BA in history and communications. Prior to joining Legarza she worked as a statistician at the G League Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State Warriors, San Jose State, Santa Clara University, and Dominican University. Beyond youth sport development, Danielle is passionate about furry friends and makes it priority a to pet every dog she encounters!
Danielle Arena
Program Coordinator
Danielle graduated from Dominican University of California...
David was born and raised in Arizona, where he attended the University of Arizona in Tucson. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Communications with a minor in Business Administration. David has an immense amount of basketball experience within high school and college at Arizona Christian University, along with extensive customer service experience. In his spare time he loves to workout, play basketball, and play video games!
David Perez
Program Coordinator
David was born and raised in Arizona, where he attended the...
Lizzie is a Bay Area native who recently graduated from California State University, Chico where she majored in Psychology and minored in Child Development. With over six years of experience working with children, Lizzie is passionate about working with youth and advocating for mental health awareness. She loves playing games, creating crafts, hiking, and finding new adventures around the Bay Area.<br/>
Elizabeth McCaffrey
Program Coordinator
Lizzie is a Bay Area native who recently graduated from...
Evan, a former Legarza camper, grew up playing multiple sports throughout his childhood in the Bay Area. He went on to become a successful collegiate athlete soccer player for Menlo College. During his time at Menlo College, Evan first joined Legarza as a Summer Intern and is excited to join back after graduating with a degree in Sports Management. Evan has a passion for helping shape the next generation through coaching and mentorship. He looks to make every day a great one for each child he works with!
Evan Snodgrass
Program Coordinator
Evan, a former Legarza camper, grew up playing multiple...
Fredy was born in Walnut Creek, but raised in Long Beach, CA. He went to Cal State East Bay and got his bachelors in Kinesiology with a P.E focus in 2019. He has a passion for coaching and helping kids improve not only skills but in life as well. He loves all sports, football especially. In his free time he loves playing video games, watching T.V, and hanging out with his friends. He is super excited to have an amazing year at Legarza<br/>
Fredy Sanchez
Program Coordinator
Fredy was born in Walnut Creek, but raised in Long Beach,...
Hady was born in San Jose, California, and lived there for seven years before traveling to Saudi Arabia for six years, and the United Arab Emirates for another six. Hady has a great amount of experience in basketball, as he played varsity ball all four years of high school, and participated in international tournaments in Europe. In his free time, he loves watching Movies, TV Shows, and spending time with family.
Hady Chehime
Program Coordinator
Hady was born in San Jose, California, and lived there for...
Jacob, a Bay Area native, grew up in Woodside, California. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Health and Wellness after splitting time between the University of Washington and Purdue University. On the weekend, Jacob enjoys playing sports, hiking, cycling, spikeball, and just about anything that involves spending time with friends and family. He thrives on his desire to teach today’s youth about sports and loves seeing their development progress.
Jacob Campbell
Program Coordinator
Jacob, a Bay Area native, grew up in Woodside, California....
Jag was born and raised in San Diego and attended Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga from 2018-2022. Graduating in May 2022, Jag received his Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Recreation Management. He comes to Legarza with a background in customer service, working with kids, statistics, and a love of sports. He loves being outdoors and playing sports as well as watching his teams; the Oakland A’s and the Detroit Lions.
Jag Twigg
Program Coordinator
Jag was born and raised in San Diego and attended Saint...
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Jake grew up playing many sports. At Aptos High School he played football, baseball, and basketball, but once in college, he chose to focus on baseball. Jake is a huge sports fan and loves to coach. His passion allows him to help children develop their skills on and off the field.
Jake Hernandez
Program Coordinator
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Jake grew up playing many...
John comes to the Legarza organization after spending 8 years with the 49ers EDU program coaching and teaching K-8 students in STEAM. He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Economy from Cal Berkeley and completed his MBA graduate work at the university of Oregon. John played for the San Jose Earthquakes during the club’s pre-MLS era and he brings extensive sports business experience having worked at Stanford University, Santa Clara University, US Soccer, Google, Zebra Technologies NFL Project & the USL Championship Division based at Oakland Roots.
John Schuster
Program Coordinator
John comes to the Legarza organization after spending 8...
Kami, a San Carlos native, is a recent graduate from Sonoma State University. Majoring in business and studio art, Kami is excited to continue her journey with Legarza. She loves working with children and is looking forward to a fantastic year!
Kamelia Gavazova
Program Coordinator
Kami, a San Carlos native, is a recent graduate from Sonoma...
Marco was born and raised in San Jose, California. During his time at California State University, Long Beach, he participated heavily in CSULB’s Esports Club as a captain of one of their varsity teams. He acquired his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies in May of 2020, with an additional California DRPA Certificate of Completion in Mediation. He loves making music, going out to eat with friends, watching movies, playing video games, and spending time with his family!
Marco Erano Datuin
Program Coordinator
Marco was born and raised in San Jose, California. During...
Maxwell is originally from Massachusetts, but has lived in the Bay Area for 16 years. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. He loves all sports and has a passion for coaching. Growing up, Maxwell played basketball, baseball and soccer. In high school, he played ice hockey at Sharks Ice. He is very excited to be a part of the Legarza team and is looking forward to a fun and exciting year.
Maxwell Mankarios
Program Coordinator
Maxwell is originally from Massachusetts, but has lived in...
Michael Miller was born and raised in San Mateo, California and graduated from San Francisco State University in 2020 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. He is a huge die hard fan of the 49ers, Giants & Warriors. Michael attended Legarza basketball camps as a child. In his spare time, Michael likes to hangout with his family and friends, and play basketball. He enjoys teaching kids how to play sports and helping motivate and develop the youth through sports.
Michael Miller
Program Coordinator
Michael Miller was born and raised in San Mateo, California...
Mikael joined Legarza in the summer of 2022. He’s from San Diego, but moved to San Jose to attend San Jose State. He went on to join the track team and graduated in Spring of 2022. His inspiration comes from wanting to give back to the youth and be a good role mode for them.
Mikael Tyler
Program Coordinator
Mikael joined Legarza in the summer of 2022. He’s from San...
Nicks primary focus in life has always been art, with the goal of challenging people of all ages to <br/>observe the world around them and leave them with the question "how does this all work?"<br/>For the last decade he as attempted to do this threw S.t.E.a.m. witch he feels is the meeting ground of like.....well everything.....
Nick Hall
Program Coordinator
Nicks primary focus in life has always been art, with the...
As a Bay Area native, Peter is beyond excited to join the Legarza team! He grew up playing basketball and baseball before going on to coach both sports. Peter has worked with children of various backgrounds for many years and has found an interest in learning about what makes each child the way they are. He continues to support others and assist all children to make a positive impact on their life.
Peter Nicosia
Program Coordinator
As a Bay Area native, Peter is beyond excited to join the...
Sam joins us from Knoxville, Tennessee. While attending the University of Tennessee, Sam worked with the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team and coached a youth boys basketball team. After completing an internship with the Tennessee Smokies AA MiLB team, Sam relocated to San Francisco to join the Legarza team, allowing him to continue doing the work he loves.
Samuel Woods
Program Coordinator
Sam joins us from Knoxville, Tennessee. While attending the...
Will was born and raised in Redwood City. He has been working/volunteering with kids since 2017. He has been a PE coach and an after school counselor for five years. He loves to play basketball, volleyball and football with his friends and family! He has two dogs and one cat named Rocket, Riku and Meeko.<br/>
William Torres-Benitez
Program Coordinator
Will was born and raised in Redwood City. He has been...
Kian has a fiery passion for sports. He is a graduate from both San Francisco State and Long Beach State, focusing on Business and Sports Management. Kian is always eager to learn and grow with a smile along the way. He is also a proud dog dad of his Australian Shepherd, Leila.
Kian Ayat
Executive Intern
Kian has a fiery passion for sports. He is a graduate from...
Shawndra Jackson
Staff
Our Programs
We offer a variety of Basketball Camps - Shooting Camps, Fundamental Camps, Ball Handling Camps, Games Camps, and ELITE Camps with professionally certified coaches with college and professional experience. In addition to Basketball Camps, we offer: Volleyball Camps, All Sports Camps, S.T.E.A.M. Camps, Basketball Leagues and Skills Trainings, AAU, Basketball After School Classes, All Sports After School Classes, S.T.E.A.M. After School Classes, After School Childcare, Physical Education & Middle School Athletics Services, Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P), Community Fundraisers, School Events, School Fundraisers, Festivals & Fairs.
