PHOENIX -- A strong passion for coaching drives St. Mary’s coach to success in multiple sports. Michael Espinoza is the current flag football and softball coach at St. Mary’s High School.

What started as a way to release a bunch of energy quickly turned into love for the competitiveness involved in sports. Espinoza knew he didn’t want to stop playing anytime soon. 

“Sports made me mentally and physically tougher. I was playing multiple sports growing up, and it was a big part of my life until I stopped playing after college,” said Espinoza. 

During Espinoza’s high school career, he was a part of the St. Mary’s football and baseball teams. After high school, Espinoza earned a scholarship to play baseball at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. 

After graduation, Espinoza knew he would pursue a career in coaching, so he took a job as a PE aide at an elementary school. This job fulfilled his passion for teaching while also allowing him to work closely with sports. 

While still coaching at the elementary level, Espinoza found his way back to St. Mary’s High School and coached JV baseball. 

Opportunities kept arising for Espinoza, so he left St. Mary’s and took a job at Central High School as a varsity baseball head coach. 

While working as a head coach, Espinoza wanted more. He took a job just six months later as a PE coach at Carl Hayden High School. 

After years of coaching sports and teaching PE, Espinoza decided it was time for a break and to stay home to watch his kids grow up. 

After three years, it was time to get back to doing what he loved most. 

Espinoza got a job as a softball coach, but he was hesitant at first until his coworker told him it would be just as fun as baseball. 

In 2022, St. Mary’s welcomed Espinoza back as a softball coach. Two years later, he got his current role as flag football head coach.

“I went to St. Mary’s, so this is the place I always wanted to come back and teach,” said Espinoza. 

“Before I played softball, I would see him around the weight room, and he would encourage us to start lifting heavier weights and to try out for softball,” said Izzy Nunez. 

“I just want all the kids to be successful in all the sports they play,” said Espinoza. “I always try to encourage them to do well in their competitions.” 

Espinoza enjoys working with athletes; he loves hyping them up and pushing them to be better. 

“Before coach Espinoza was our coach, I knew him because of his funny jokes and his positive personality,” said Allison Perez. “ He would always tell me to lift heavier because he actually believed in me.”