David Lopez was ready for the next challenge.

He’d already proven himself as a coach at the small school level, leading his alma mater, Globe, to a state title during his three-year stint at a school where Lopez also won two titles as a player. When Chandler High posted its baseball head coaching opening just before the 2012-13 school year ended, Lopez saw it as the opportunity he’d been waiting for.

Lopez got the job, and in return Chandler High landed a quality coach with small school roots that will soon start to nourish Chandler’s baseball program with life and baseball lessons.

“I am going to bring a lot of discipline, try to build relationships with kids and hold them accountable,” Lopez said. “I think if I can get these guys to trust me, good things can happen.”

Lopez left Globe after moving to San Tan Valley and coached at Florence High as an assistant the past three seasons.

The 33 year old learned several of his life and baseball lessons from his father, Rigo, a former semi professional baseball player in Mexico. After Globe High, Lopez, a former catcher, played at Arizona Western and then Grand Canyon University.

His three brothers also played college baseball. 

“My dad was a big influence,” Lopez said. “He taught me a lot, including that baseball was a means to an education.”