MEET THE COACHING STAFF
The high level of baseball performance at Crush would not be possible without experienced coaches who know the game backwards and forwards.
Jared Benham
Jared Benham, a Poway native who played with Crush Baseball from 11u through 18u beginning in 2014, graduated from Poway High School in 2020 as the team's catcher. After initially committing to Lyon College, he transferred to the University of Saint Katherine, where he completed his collegiate career in the NAIA’s California Pacific Conference. Over two seasons with the Firebirds, he totaled 39 games with a slash line of .231/.386/.346, including a .259/.419/.397 performance in his final season. Behind the plate, he achieved a solid .966 fielding percentage over 116 chances, with 103 putouts, 9 assists, and 14 runners caught stealing. Known for his leadership, versatility (including occasional time at first base or designated hitter), and hard-nosed work ethic, Jared concluded his tenure at Saint Katherine as a dependable two-way contributor.
Jason Brunansky
Coach Jason Brunansky is a Poway, California native and son of former MLB outfielder Tom Brunansky. At Poway High School, he was a standout in right field, helping lead his team to multiple sectional championship appearances. He continued his baseball career at the University of Kansas, where he played from 2009 to 2012. Over his junior and senior seasons, Jason appeared in 61 games, collecting 18 extra-base hits and reaching base at a .386 clip. In his sophomore year, he hit .310 with a .466 on-base percentage, drawing numerous walks and showing plate discipline. As a junior, he earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors after a hot streak against Nebraska, demonstrating his resilience at the collegiate level. After his playing career, Jason transitioned into coaching and instruction to provide instruction and mentoring at youth levels in both hitting and fielding, along with a legacy in baseball, which makes him a valued presence in the coaching community.
Carlos Camacho
Carlos Camacho, a proud alumnus of Spring Valley Little League, developed his skills at Steele Canyon High School in Jamul before advancing to the collegiate level. His baseball journey has taken him through several programs, including City College of San Francisco (CCSF), Imperial Valley College (IVC), Southwestern College Kansas, and Texas A&M University–Texarkana (TAMUT). While at IVC, he earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors twice in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC). At Southwestern College Kansas, he was named to the KCAC Gold Glove list as an outfielder, highlighting his defensive excellence. Carlos is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at TAMUT, bringing both a strong work ethic and a well-rounded perspective to the game.
Nick Carmichael
Coach Nick Carmichael is a Rancho Bernardo Little League and Rancho Bernardo High School alum who excelled as a multi-sport athlete, earning varsity letters in baseball, track & field, and football. After graduating, he began his collegiate journey at the University of Redlands as a tight end before transferring to Palomar College in 2009 to focus on baseball. In 2011, he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 17th round but returned for another season at Palomar, where he earned back-to-back All-Pacific Coast Conference honors and posted a combined 2.76 ERA. He was selected again in the 24th round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers and signed, choosing to play professionally after being offered a full-ride scholarship to the University of Hawai‘i. Over three seasons in the Tigers organization, he recorded a 6–5 record, 3.25 ERA, and 65 strikeouts across 83 innings. Nick later earned his degree in Business Finance from CSU San Marcos, graduating Cum Laude with Dean’s List recognition. As a coach, he brings experience, perspective, and a steady approach focused on player development and team growth.
Caleb Guy
Coach Caleb Guy graduated from Christian Life Academy in 2013, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and volleyball. He began coaching with San Diego Crush Baseball in 2014 and works extensively with teams from 11u through 16u. Caleb also served as a starting player for CSU San Marcos’ club baseball team, where in 2018 he hit .317 as the Game 1 starter while playing first base and outfield.
Beyond team coaching, Coach Caleb also offers private instruction in hitting, pitching, and defense, working with players of all skill levels to improve their mechanics and confidence. He remains involved in high school baseball and is known for his positive energy, clear communication, and commitment to helping young athletes grow both on and off the field. With over a decade of experience as both a player and coach, Caleb brings a steady presence and genuine love for the game to every team he works with.
Nick Highberger
Coach Nick Highberger began his baseball career at Los Medanos College before transferring to Creighton University, where he became a key contributor out of the bullpen. He led the team in appearances for two consecutive seasons and posted a 5–2 record with a 2.92 ERA, earning recognition for his consistency and reliability on the mound. In 2016, Nick was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 30th round of the MLB Draft and went on to pitch in the minor leagues through 2022. Over his professional career, he appeared in 178 games, recording a 17–12 win-loss record across multiple A-level and Double-A affiliates.
After his playing career, Nick began coaching in the Bay Area, working with youth and travel ball programs. In 2024, he joined the Crush Baseball coaching staff, bringing professional-level insight and a calm, focused approach to player development. With a background in both high-level competition and instruction, Coach Nick is committed to helping young athletes grow through preparation, accountability, and a deep understanding of the game.
Garrett Imeson
Garrett Imeson is a Lincoln High School alum from Stockton, California, where he hit .365 overall and .438 in league play as a senior, helping lead his team to the CIF playoffs. He went on to play at UC San Diego, where he became a four-time All-CCAA selection and the program’s all-time hits leader with 306 career hits.
As a freshman, he earned CCAA Freshman of the Year, All-Region, and All-Conference honors with 74 hits—then the fourth-highest single-season mark in school history. He followed with 81 hits as a sophomore, ranking second all-time, and hit .381. In his junior year, he earned a third straight All-CCAA selection and was named to the ESPN Academic All-District VIII team. As a senior, Garrett hit .355 while helping UCSD to CCAA regular season and tournament titles, a West Regional title, and its first-ever appearance in the Division II College World Series.
He graduated with a degree in Economics/Management Science, earning UCSD’s Outstanding Male Senior Student-Athlete honors with a 3.5 GPA. Garrett now works in financial planning and brings his high-level playing experience, academic discipline, and steady leadership to the athletes he coaches.
Garrett Imeson is a Lincoln High School alum from Stockton, California, where he hit .365 overall and .438 in league play as a senior, helping lead his team to the CIF playoffs. He went on to play at UC San Diego, where he became a four-time All-CCAA selection and the program’s all-time hits leader with 306 career hits.
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Garrin Jackson
An Escondido High School alum, Garrin Jackson was a three-sport athlete, competing in football (2 years), basketball (3 years, earning 1 varsity letter), and baseball (4 years, earning 3 varsity letters). On the diamond, he showcased his versatility, playing multiple positions, with most of his time spent at third base, first base, and on the mound.
During his sophomore year, Escondido opened the season 17-1, highlighted by a 16-game winning streak and a Lions Tournament championship. The team went on to finish as CIF runner-up in back-to-back seasons. Garrin was recognized for his ability to drive the ball with power and for his reliability in key moments. On the basketball court, he was noted as a solid contributor, providing depth and energy in big games.
Garrin’s baseball journey began in tee ball at Escondido American Little League and continued through travel ball and high school competition. After graduating, he began working while staying connected to the game by coaching at Escondido American Little League, where he helped guide and mentor young players in the community.
Jesh Leckey
A standout athlete from Campo Verde High School in Gilbert, Arizona, Jesh Leckey earned First Team All-Conference honors and was recognized as an Honorable Mention 5A State Player before advancing to New Mexico Military Institute in NJCAA Region V. Originally recruited as a shortstop, he transitioned to centerfield and posted an impressive .410 batting average with a .525 on-base percentage as a freshman, ranking 3rd nationally in NJCAA doubles in 2020.
He went on to compete in the prestigious West Coast League—one of the nation’s premier collegiate summer leagues—where he faced elite-level players in a professional-style environment. Jesh completed his college career at Park University Gilbert in the highly competitive GSAC conference. As the team’s leadoff hitter, he batted .356 with a .459 OBP, consistently drawing walks, minimizing strikeouts, and producing in high-leverage situations. Late in his career, he also contributed on the mound, showcasing a strong arm and versatility.
While at Park, Jesh spent two years coaching a national team in Arizona, gaining valuable leadership and player-development experience while earning his degree in Business Marketing.
Mike McClendon
Coach Mike is a dedicated baseball coach, accomplished engineer, and proud father of three. Known for his calm, supportive leadership, he focuses on developing skills, building confidence, and fostering teamwork in every player he mentors. His coaching philosophy blends structure with fun, always prioritizing the growth of young athletes both on and off the field.
A longtime member of the Carmel Mountain Ranch baseball community, Coach Mike has spent the past nine years coaching at multiple levels within CMR, including leading teams to back-to-back Majors Championships in 2023 and 2024. His commitment to youth sports also extends to the gridiron, where he coaches youth football in North County through Del Rancho Pop Warner (formerly Rancho Bernardo Pop Warner).
As a father, Coach Mike proudly supports his son Parker, a multi-sport athlete, and embraces his role as a “Girl Dad” to his daughters Charlotte and Sawyer. His experience as both a coach and a parent gives him a unique perspective, helping him create a positive, growth-centered environment for all players.
Kennan Olsen
Coach Kennan hails from Ramona, where he grew up playing catcher and developed alongside future MLB pitchers Cole and Beau Sulser. His early experience catching high-level arms helped shape his understanding of the game, particularly in managing pitchers and leading from behind the plate. Kennan brings that experience to his coaching, where he emphasizes pitcher-catcher communication, defensive fundamentals, and calm, game-aware decision-making.
He has coached across multiple youth levels with Crush Baseball, working primarily with catchers and pitchers while also assisting in overall team development. Known for his patient, detail-oriented style, Kennan is especially effective at building confidence in younger players and helping them understand the game situationally. He remains committed to creating a positive, structured environment for player growth.
Off the field, Kennan works as an ABA therapist, supporting children and young adults with developmental needs. He currently lives in Valley Center with his wife and balances his passion for coaching with a deep commitment to serving others in the community.
Anthony Pizzo
Coach Anthony “Pizzo” Pizzo played four years in high school as a versatile utility player at Horizon Christian Academy. He went on to pitch at San Diego City College for two seasons as a starting pitcher, then transferred to the University of Saint Katherine, where he became a key reliever in their bullpen, leading the team in appearances each season. During his final year, his team captured the conference championship—the program’s first season in that conference.
Coach Pizzo graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business and is currently completing his Master’s in Organizational Leadership, bringing advanced leadership training to his coaching approach. He combines firsthand collegiate playing experience with a steady, team-focused mindset that helps young athletes grow both on and off the field.
Connor Platt
Connor Platt is a Bay Area native now residing in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego, California. A former standout first baseman at Las Lomas High School, he earned First Team All-League honors in 2013 and played under renowned coach Mike Neu—now the head coach at Cal Berkeley—on competitive travel teams throughout his youth. After high school, Connor was selected to the Headfirst Baseball college freshman showcase team, where he competed on a regional stage.
Connor continued his academic journey at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he studied Business Finance. Although he chose to step away from playing after attempting to walk on as a freshman, his passion for the game remained strong. He later moved to Dallas, Texas, and Charleston, South Carolina, where he coached six youth travel teams over three years, serving as head coach for the 10U, 11U, and 12U East Coast Bombers.
Now working full-time as a Finance Manager, Connor remains committed to coaching and sharing his experience with the next generation of players. His deep foundation in competitive baseball, combined with proven leadership and professional discipline, make him a strong asset to any coaching program.
Nick Rodieck
Coach Nick Rodieck made his mark at West Hills High School, helping lead the program to its first-ever league title in 2003. That same year, he posted a 7–4 record on the mound and led the league with a .450 batting average. He continued his career at San Diego Mesa College, where in 2006 he was named Pitcher of the Year, earned All-Conference Honorable Mention, and was selected as Athlete of the Week. He finished the season with an 8–4 record, 2.90 ERA, just 18 walks over 100 innings, and led his team in stolen bases.
Nick went on to pitch at UC San Diego from 2007 to 2008, compiling a 7–2 record with 62 strikeouts over 105 innings. During his junior year, he went 6–1 and delivered several key performances, including a six-inning relief win against Regis College.
Following his playing career, Nick coached travel ball with the San Diego Deacons before joining San Diego Crush Baseball in 2019. He has since been a steady presence in the program, coaching across multiple age groups. Nick’s coaching style is rooted in preparation, poise, and accountability—focusing on helping players understand the game, approach it with intent, and compete with discipline and purpose.
Josh Stevens
Coach Josh Stevens grew up in Dublin, California, playing four years of varsity baseball at Valley Christian High School, where he played middle infield and pitched. As a senior, he helped lead the team to strong performances and was named All-League as an infielder and pitcher. He continued his baseball career at Diablo Valley College in San Ramon, where over two seasons he appeared in 70 games as an infielder, batting .307 in his second year. Following his playing days, Josh transitioned into coaching travel ball for a San Ramon-based team, where he began guiding youth players in fundamentals and game awareness. In 2022, he relocated to San Diego and currently lives in Poway with his wife, while continuing to coach and support local players in the community.
Austin Teixeira
Coach Austin Teixeira hails from Waimānalo, Oʻahu, and was a standout at Saint Louis School in Honolulu, where he earned second-team and then first-team All-State honors while hitting .377 as a senior. He went on to pitch for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa from 2021 to 2023, becoming the only freshman to start on the mound in 2021. He notched key wins against major opponents and finished his first season among the team’s top five in strikeouts. Known for his composure and consistency, Austin delivered multiple shutout performances, including a 7-inning, 8-strikeout gem and a 6-inning road shutout at UC Riverside.
As a coach, Austin brings a calm, disciplined, and team-oriented leadership style. While his pitching background gives him a strong feel for tempo and game management, he is equally committed to the full development of every player on the roster—on the mound, at the plate, and in the field. His approach emphasizes accountability, effort, and situational awareness, and he is deeply focused on building team culture and long-term player growth.
Angel Torres
Coach Angel D. Vega Torres was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Central Florida, where he began playing baseball at age 9 in a family deeply rooted in the game—his grandfather coached regularly, and his grandmother was one of his earliest and most passionate supporters. He returned to Puerto Rico to attend a baseball academy during high school, where he was recruited to play shortstop at Sauk Valley Community College. After college, Coach Vega served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring with the rank of Sergeant. His lifelong passion for baseball remains strong, and he now focuses on developing young players, with a particular emphasis on middle infielders and catchers.
Brady Ware
Coach Brady played three seasons at NAIA’s University of Saint Katherine before transferring to the University of Indianapolis (UIndy) for his senior year. At St. Katherine, he posted standout offensive seasons: hitting .456 in 2020 over 18 games, then .406 with 12 home runs and 12 doubles in 2021—adding a 3–2 pitching record in relief appearances. After transferring to UIndy, he started 42 games at the plate and batted .286, while also making 17 pitching appearances and going 5–3 on the mound.
His UIndy season reached legendary status on April 7, 2023, when Brady became the only known NCAA player ever to hit for the cycle and throw a no-hitter in the same game—a feat widely covered by MLB.com, ESPN, CBS Sports, and university media. He struck out 11 in seven hitless innings while collecting a single, double, triple, and home run at the plate. In July 2023, he visited Cooperstown to donate the jersey worn during that historic game, which was added to the National Baseball Hall of Fame collection. Brady’s developmental path began even earlier: he played with Crush Baseball from 8th grade through high school, which provided foundational experience and helped fuel his collegiate success.
