Field Staff
Isaac Friesen - INternship Director/Pitching Instructor
After player-coaching the Shepherds in 2018, Isaac now leads the team as Director of Operations and Pitching Instructor. With his background in ministry and competitive baseball coming off of a career at the University of Hawaii and Junior College power-house Seminole State College (OK), Isaac brings value to many facets of the Shepherds operation.
A native of Boulder, CO, Isaac was born into a family where Christ was placed at the forefront in all aspects and baseball was introduced right away. His father, Harvey, served as a pastor both in Boulder and now pastors a church in Boise, ID with over 20 years of pastoral background. Prior to a career in ministry, Harvey also played at Seminole State and played for Coach Lloyd Simmons, the same coach Isaac played for.
Outside of his time with the Shepherds, Isaac is the Varsity Pitching Coach at Loyola High School in Downtown Los Angeles. Formerly at Mira Costa High School from 2018-2022. During his time with the MCHS Mustangs, he was a contributor in 4 consecutive league titles and sent 30+ guys to collegiate programs including Arizona State, UCLA, USD and Loyola Marymount. Former players include Chase Meidroth, Petey Halpin, Jared Karros and Kyle Karros.
Isaac currently resides in Redondo Beach, CA with his wife, Heather.
Aaron Zubiate - Recruiting Coordinator/Camp Director
Aaron joins the Shepherds staff in 2023 after two years of serving as a Shepherd and is excited to fill the role of Recruiting Coordinator. Known as “Zubie” by his friends and teammates, Aaron graduated from Vanguard University in the spring of 2023 with a degree in History and looking to pursue the dream of being a teacher.
Aaron did not grow up in a Christian home but after transferring to a Christian high school midway through his high school journey, he began to grow in his understanding of who God was and what his faith was all about. After two years of getting more knowledge about God, Aaron gave my life to Christ at an Easter service in 2019 and hasn't looked back since!
While at Vanguard, Aaron was the recipient of the Male Vanguard Athletic Character Award as voted on by his coaches. This is a distinct honor as the nominee is chosen from a pool of more than 300 athletes.