This season, South El Monte High School’s baseball team made history—and so did its coach. Michael Gonzales, head coach of the Eagles, has been named San Gabriel Valley Coach of the Year, a well-deserved honor following the team’s second straight league championship.

“It was truly amazing to be recognized by the SGV sports community,” Coach Gonzales said. “To be named Coach of the Year was something I wasn’t expecting. I’m still wrapping my head around it.”Gonzales led the Eagles to their first back-to-back league titles ever, a major accomplishment for the program. But according to him, the team’s success didn’t happen overnight.“This takes a village,” he said. “We’ve built something special here by changing the culture. We play a style of baseball that focuses on the small details, and we work every day to get better. We never let ourselves get comfortable.”

One of the hardest parts of this season, he explained, was learning to block out outside noise and stay focused after tough losses. The team leaned into their motto, “WE over ME,” and came back stronger every time.  Building a winning team, especially at the high school level, takes more than just drills and game plans. It takes unity, consistency, and trust. That’s something Coach Gonzales has worked hard to establish since he took over three years ago.

“When I first met the team, I didn’t know anyone. I told them that positions weren’t guaranteed and that everyone would have to earn their spot,” he said. “We started out 0-6, and that was rough. But we kept going and made the playoffs for the first time in eight years. The next year, we won league and went to the finals. This year, we went back-to-back as MVL champs. Every one of those ‘firsts’ has helped us build this culture.”Coach Gonzales doesn’t just coach to win games—he coaches to help his players grow as people. His ultimate goal is for them to leave the program ready to succeed in life.

“When they graduate, I want them to be strong students, responsible employees, good sons, and future fathers and husbands,” he said. “Baseball teaches accountability, and I hope they take those lessons with them into the real world.”One of his proudest moments came on Senior Night when the team was winning 4-0. The coaching staff took that opportunity to get every senior into the game.

“Not everyone gets playing time, so it meant a lot to see the whole team cheering for those players,” he said. “It was a real win for the program.” Coach Gonzales also made it clear that none of this would be possible without the help of his coaching staff. He praised JV Coach Matt Cortez for preparing younger players, Varsity Assistant Coach Guy Lopez for his strong baseball knowledge and player relationships, and Frosh Coach Ray Soliz for helping expand the program and keep younger athletes involved.

“We’re the only team in the league with a freshman team, and that’s a huge advantage,” Gonzales said. “It allows us to keep more players and develop them over time. Our coaching staff works together like a family. We talk every day, share practice plans, and push each other to be better.”Looking ahead, Gonzales plans to keep the program strong by staying consistent and focused. He says that having younger players observe and practice with varsity helps them understand what it takes to play at the highest level.

When asked what advice he would give to new coaches, Gonzales didn’t hesitate. “Mean what you say and say what you mean,” he said. “And remember, before your players care how much you know, they need to know how much you care.”  Coach Gonzales credits one of his good friends and mentor Nick English with these words of wisdom which have shaped his coaching philosophy. 

He also shared how important it is to have support at home. “My wife and I have been together for 22 years, and I’ve been coaching for 18 of them. Coaching takes a lot of time, and I’m lucky to have a partner who understands how much this means to me.”Coach Gonzales has built more than a winning baseball team. He’s built a legacy of leadership, teamwork, and resilience—one that will impact South El Monte athletes for years to come.