Top Picks: Notable Coaches in the South Bay

Palos Verdes High School

's Alex Morales, who serves as an assistant baseball coach, didn't take the summer off. Instead, he , which allowed high school baseball players the opportunity to keep playing the sport throughout the summer.

"It's a good way to get kids some exposure to some of the colleges," Morales told Patch in July. "We're trying to get the word out that there's some talent in the South Bay. We've got some great kids playing here."

Morales also coached the Sea Kings' summer baseball team.

And as for next year? "The feedback I've been getting from the kids and the coaches is good," he said. "The kids like it and they know they're playing for something."

Peninsula High School

's co-head football coach doesn't just work on the Peninsula, but also . Kevin Moen graduated from Rolling Hills High School in 1979.

As the team's defensive coordinator, he teaches his players to keep going—something he learned during a UC Berkeley/Stanford matchup in 1982 when he ran over Stanford trombone player Gary Tyrrell to score the game-winning touchdown.

"You never know what might happen at the very end of the game or what situation may develop," he told Patch early this year. "You just have to keep playing hard. I think from that standpoint, it is a great lesson."

Co-head coach Adam Boyd said Moen is "like a big brother" and a role model for his players.

Redondo Union High School

Ten years ago, girls lacrosse was practically nonexistent at South Bay high schools. Over the last decade, the sport has exploded in popularity, and Coach Tom Borgia has led the Sea Hawks to three consecutive league titles.

Borgia is in his fourth year of coaching at Redondo, and when he's not coaching or setting up off-season training, he's looking for new members of his team.

"I like to recruit," he , smiling before clarifying that he's not breaking any rules. "I recruit our soccer players. They have great speed and athletic ability (and their sport is in the winter). It's a natural transition for them."

He gives his players credit, too.

"It's been a great run. We have a great group of girls," Borgia said.

Mira Costa High School

Lisa Zimmerman, 's head girls volleyball coach, has a team to be reckoned with. The Mustangs are well-known for their volleyball skills.

Zimmerman, who graduated from Mira Costa in 1987, lead her team this year to a Bay League title and into the playoffs, where the Lady Mustangs won their first game.