Coaches

 

 

Head Coach - Richard Mercado

Head Coach Richard Mercado graduated from Mater Dei in 2001. He earned Serra League MVP, All-League 2 years, All-CIF, All-state honors and was the Monarchs team captain. Mercado Played collegiately for Andy Lopez at the University of Arizona, where he played in the College World Series in 2004. He played in the Cape Cod Summer League and was named to the Mid-Summer All-Star Team as the starting catcher and was honored with the Daniel J. Silva Sportsmanship Award. Coach Mercado was drafted as a catcher by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 12th round of the 2004 draft. He played professionally for 9 years before retiring and taking over the head coaching position at Saddleback Valley Christian School. He coached there for 5 years before taking over at Mater Dei.

 

 

Assistant Coach - Steve Skupien

Coach Skupien played one season professionally in the Netherlands for the Harlem Sparks. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he was a three- year starter playing shortstop, 3B, and centerfield. Voted Team Captain his Senior season, he earned all Horizon Conference honors and was voted Best Defensive Player. Coach
Skupien played under former San Diego Padre Manager and current Milwaukee Brewer Bench Coach, Pat Murphy. At Capistrano Valley HS, he lettered in baseball, football, and soccer, where he earned All South Coast League,All County Honorable Mention and was named team captain. He was a part of the CIF Championship winning baseball and soccer teams. His coaching experience includes SVCS - 4 years varsity assistant coach and 10+
years coaching and administering to high level youth baseball programs.

 

Hitting Coach - Brent Murphy 

Coaching experience:
Mater Dei High School (2020-present)
Aliso Niguel High School (2016-present, 2013-2014) - Served as assistant coach, hitting coach, coached third base and ran the offense, along with coaching the outfielders.
Agoura High School (2015-2016) - Served as assistant coach, hitting coach, and outfield coach.
Grayson College (2007-2009)- Served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator,
hitting coach, outfield coach, recruited/coordinated recruiting of players from all
over America as well as Australia. In 2008, the team won the NJCAA Junior College
Division 1 National Championship. During tenure, Coach Murphy coached several future MLB players.
Richland College (2003-2006) - Served as Assistant Coach, hitting coach, outfield
Coach, recruited players from across Texas. The team won the 2003 NJCAA Junior College Division 3 National Championship.

Pitching Coach - Ruben Hernandez

 

Josh Scott - Pitching

Danny Espinosa ('05) - Infielders

JJ Owen ('02)- Catchers

 

 

Adam Tricomo - Assistant Coach