COACHING STAFF
MAVERICK BASEBALL HEAD COACH
Coach Justin Machado
Coach Justin Machado has been the driving force behind Maverick Baseball since its inception in 1996. Given only a key to a dirt field and a vision, he built one of the most respected and successful high school baseball programs in the country from the ground up.
A 1989 graduate of San Dieguito High School, Coach Machado continued his playing career at Mira Costa Community College and Sonoma State University, where he also earned his teaching credential. He began his teaching and coaching career at San Dieguito Academy before moving to La Costa Canyon High School (LCC), where he has taught economics and served as the head baseball coach since the school's opening.
Under Coach Machado’s leadership, Maverick Baseball has become a powerhouse. The
program has qualified for the CIF playoffs every year and has never experienced a losing
season. Known for its discipline, competitiveness, and professionalism, Maverick Baseball is recognized nationally—and its pristine field, meticulously maintained by Coach Machado and his staff, has become a signature of the program.
Coach Machado’s remarkable career includes:
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Career Record: 613–240
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CIF Championships: 5 (2003, 2004, 2012, 2022, 2023)
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CIF Championship Appearances: 8
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League Titles: 13
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National Championship: 2003 (32–1 record)
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Southern Regional State Champions: 2021
His 2003 team still holds records for:
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Most Consecutive Wins in San Diego County: 27
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Most Wins in a Season (San Diego County): 32
Coach Machado’s excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including:
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National Coach of the Year (2003)
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California Coaches Association Baseball Coach of the Year (2019)
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CIF Coach of the Year (2022)
Beyond team success, Coach Machado has helped hundreds of student-athletes reach the next level, with numerous players receiving collegiate scholarships and several making it to professional baseball. Notable alumni include:
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Phillip Evans (Class of 2011): First Maverick to make an MLB Opening Day roster (Mets, 2018)
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Mickey Moniak (Class of 2016): First overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft
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Spencer Jones (Class of 2019): First-round pick by the New York Yankees after a standout college career at Vanderbilt
Coach Machado is admired not just for his coaching success, but for the lifelong impact he has on his players. Many return year after year to visit, mentor current players, and stay connected with the Maverick family. His own son, Austin Machado, played catcher for the Mavericks from 2016–2020, continuing the legacy of excellence on the Atlanta Braves.
VARSITY COACH
Coach Joey Burke
Coach Burke is a proud alumnus of La Costa Canyon High School, graduating in 2003. As captain and starting shortstop, he played a pivotal role in what remains the most successful season in Maverick baseball history. That legendary 2003 team, led by Coach Machado, posted a record-setting 32-1 season, including 27 consecutive wins, a CIF Championship, First Team
All-State honors, and recognition as the 2003 Best Team in the Nation.
During that season, Coach Burke batted .460 with a .599 on-base percentage and still holds several Maverick Baseball records including:
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25 stolen bases in a single season
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16 doubles in a single season
After high school, Coach Burke continued his playing career at Palomar College (2004–2005) as a second baseman and leadoff hitter, before earning a full scholarship to Chico State (2006–2007), where he transitioned to the outfield. He was again part of a championship-caliber team—Chico State reached the NCAA Division II Championship in 2006.
Coach Burke began coaching in 2011 and has since dedicated himself to developing the next generation of players. In June of 2025 he married Vanessa Jackson making their home in the Encinitas area.
“Baseball has always been a part of my life, and I feel fortunate to be able to pass along my love of the game to players. To coach on the same field where I played high school ball—alongside my own head coach—is surreal. Go Mavs!”
VARSITY COACH
Coach Jon Dutton
Jon Dutton, better known on the field as Coach Dutt, graduated from Rancho Bernardo in 2005. He was part of the 2005 championship team and was selected to the All County, ALL CIF and All State First Team. Coach Dutt was drafted as a pitcher by the Los Angeles Dodgers as the 735th pick out of high school in the 2005 draft. He played professionally for six years.
Coach Dutt started coaching the La Costa Canyon Mavericks in 2012 and heads up the Maverick bullpen. He coached at the JV level for three years and then in 2015 became the varsity pitching coach.
Coach Dutt is married and has one son named Carson.
VARSITY COACH
Coach Jason Hill
Jason graduated in 1997 from La Costa Canyon High School in its first graduating class. He played for Coach Machado his first year of being the LCC head baseball coach. That year the team made it all the way to the CIF championship game. Jason hit over .400 and goes down as the player who hit the Mavericks first home runs at home and on the road. In college, Jason played baseball at Point Loma Nazarene. He graduated from San Diego State. Jason has coached the Mavericks for 20 years and will be the first to tell you that he has loved every moment of it.
Jason and his wife McKenna have three beautiful daughters, Maddux a junior at U of A, Finley a freshman @ University of Utah and Chandler is a Sophomore at LCC. He sees the players as the sons he never had and its clear when watching a game that the players are lucky to have Jason as their coach.
From Coach Hill, “I feel extremely grateful that I have been able to coach with my best friends and for all the relationships I have developed over the years with the players. I look forward to so many more great experiences with the players and teams in upcoming years. GO MAVS!!! Thanks to everyone for the support over the years!”
VARSITY COACH
Coach Keaton Carattini
Keaton Carattini graduated from LCC in 2018 and is excited to be back with the Mavericks baseball program. After high school, he played at the University of Michigan and the University of San Francisco, earning his bachelor’s degree from Michigan and later a master’s from Point Loma Nazarene University. He also had the opportunity to play professional baseball in the Pioneer League with the Glacier Range Riders. Now back at his alma mater, he works as an
assistant coach and runs the team’s strength and conditioning program, helping players grow both on the field and in the weight room.
VARSITY COACH
Coach Mark Paulsen
Coach Paulsen has been a part of the Maverick program for years. He keeps stats and is the official scorekeeper for the program. Coach Paulsen is a roaming coach who will help out where needed throughout the program.
A player favorite, Coach Paulsen knows the game and is often able to single out what a player needs to work on at any given time.
JUNIOR VARSITY HEAD COACH
Coach Jose Balderas
Coach Jose has been coaching La Costa Canyon baseball since 2008. Always a player favorite, Coach Jose continually has winning teams within the program. He has been a freshman head coach, JV head coach, assistant varsity coach and is currently the JV head coach. Prior to coaching at LCC, Coach Jose coached one year at San Dieguito Academy as the JV head coach.
Coach Jose is a founder of the North County Mavericks youth baseball program.
From Coach Jose, “I love to coach young men and give back to the community. Go Mavs!”
FRESHMAN HEAD COACH
Coach Tommy LaVake
Coach Tommy graduated from SDA in 2014 and played baseball all 4 years. He was a part of SDA’s most successful team in school history in 2013. He graduated from Cal State San Marcos in 2018 where he majored in Criminal Justice Studies. Tommy currently is working towards his MA and teaching credential while also teaching PE at LCC. He has been coaching for 3 years where he has served as Freshman Head Coach, JV Assistant and JV Head Coach. This is his first year at LCC and also coaches the NC Mavs 4th grade team.
Coach Tommy loves to coach and honored to be part of LCC. He is getting married to his fiance, Holly, in June.