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.
Recruiting Coordinator/ Hitting and OF Instructor
Now hiring for our recruiting coordinator position! Click HERE to learn more about this role.
ANDREW LUJAN - HITTING/INFIELD INSTRUCTOR
Andrew is a dedicated baseball coach and servant of Christ, committed to using the game as a platform for ministry and discipleship. This summer, he will be serving as the hitting and infield instructor with the SoCal Shepherds Baseball ministry, where he hopes to model faith and good works in accordance with Titus 2:7. His desire is to guide young athletes closer to Christ, showing them the goodness of the Lord through both word and action.
Andrew’s faith in Jesus is the foundation of his life and coaching philosophy. He views coaching not only as a profession but as a calling—an opportunity to share the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord with young men who are also seeking Christ. Having personally experienced the transformative power of God’s grace, he is grateful to use baseball as a means to connect with players, teaching them how to honor God both physically and spiritually.
A lifelong baseball player, Andrew competed for four years on the varsity team at Schurr High School before continuing his career at Biola University. His experience includes a summer with the Burlington Sock Puppets and another with FCA Shepherds.
Although he grew up in a Christian home, faith was not always his own. As a high school athlete with aspirations of playing at a top university and reaching the professional level, his heart was consumed with worldly ambitions. However, during a church retreat, he was convicted by the Gospel, and the Lord transformed his heart—turning him from sin to faith in Christ. Now, he lives to serve and glorify his Savior, giving thanks for the grace that saved him.
Through his time with the SoCal Shepherds, Andrew prays for continued growth in his faith, seeking to rely on the Lord in all things as he walks in the good works prepared for him (Ephesians 2:10).