Coaching Staff

Coach Edgar Baltazar is a Reedley High School alumnus and a graduate of Fresno State, where he earned a degree in Kinesiology, Sports Administration. He began his coaching career immediately after high school, serving as the boys JV head coach and varsity assistant at Reedley High.

In 2017, Coach Baltazar became the head coach of the Caruthers High School girls volleyball program, leading the team to consecutive playoff appearances. Returning to Reedley High in 2019, he helped guide the Lady Pirates to two undefeated league titles, a Valley Championship appearance, and a State Playoff victory.

In 2022, he was named the first head coach of Immanuel High’s boys volleyball program. Under his leadership, the Eagles earned their first league title in program history, and Coach Baltazar was honored as the 2025 TCC Coach of the Year.

Coach Baltazar currently resides in Reedley, where he serves as the NextGen Pastor at Redeemer’s Church. Outside of volleyball, he enjoys exploring new coffee spots, writing Christian poetry, and cheering on his favorite sports teams—Go Giants and Niners!

His favorite verse is 1 John 4:19 - "We love because he first loved us."
 

Todd Brown serves as the Head Basketball Coach at Immanuel Schools, where he also teaches Bible and Freshmen Foundations. A graduate of Fresno Pacific University with a degree in Kinesiology, Brown played collegiate basketball from 2006 to 2010, earning honors as a 2-time team captain, NAIA All-American, and finishing as the second all-time leading scorer in program history. He continued his playing career professionally in Australia and toured internationally with Athletes in Action, using basketball as a platform to share his faith.

Before joining Immanuel, Coach Brown led the Kingsburg High School basketball program for six seasons, where he guided the team to a historic Valley Championship—their first in 64 years—and set a school record with 27 wins in a single season. Since coming to Immanuel in 2022, he has brought a clear vision to the basketball program: to compete with excellence while shaping young men through Christ-centered mentorship.

Brown’s coaching philosophy is anchored in Titus 2:6–7, as he seeks to model self-control, integrity, and good works both on and off the court. He is deeply committed to building a culture where athletics and faith intersect, equipping student-athletes for success in life and leadership.

He lives in Kingsburg with his wife, Tarin—an Immanuel alumna—and their four children. Outside of school, Brown enjoys working out, golfing, watersports, raising animals, and tackling home projects.

His favorite verse is Titus 2:6-8 - “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” 

Coach Joey Cavazos was born and raised in Fresno and is a graduate of Bullard High School. With over 12 years of experience in wrestling, Coach Cavazos has been deeply involved in the sport—traveling across the country and helping top-level athletes compete on the national stage. After only two years of building Immanuel’s wrestling program, Coach Cavazos led three wrestlers to the Masters Meet and claimed the individual Division 5 Championship.

Cavazos brings more than just skill and experience to the mat—he brings heart, purpose, and a clear vision for the program. His passion for wrestling is matched by his passion for ministry and mentoring young men through faith and discipline. 

Coach Cavazos and his wife live in Selma with their four sons—three of whom currently attend Immanuel. He’s thrilled to be part of the Immanuel family and to launch a new chapter for Eagle Wrestling.

His favorite verse is Ephesians 6:12 - “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Coach Bissie DenHartog serves as the Head Volleyball Coach and a math teacher at Immanuel Schools. A former standout at Fresno Pacific University, she was a four-year starter and brings both high-level playing experience and a strong passion for Christian education to the court.

Before joining Immanuel, Coach DenHartog spent five years coaching at Clovis North, serving as the JV Head Coach and a varsity assistant. Her coaching experience also includes five years with Central California Volleyball Club and leading skills camps for K-12 athletes. Coach DenHartog’s time at Immanuel has been marked by standout success, including an undefeated TCC Championship season and a Division 5 State title. She was also named Coach of the Year in 2023 and 2024.

Coach DenHartog is passionate about building a program that not only competes at a high level, but also shapes young women to live out their faith through athletics. Her coaching is rooted in excellence, character, and Christ-centered leadership.

Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:6-7 - "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Coach Grace Goertzen is a proud alumna of Immanuel High School. She played tennis at Immanuel from 2015 to 2019 before attending Grand Canyon University, where she continued her love for the sport as a member of the club tennis team.

Coach Goertzen has been involved with Immanuel tennis clinics and coached private lessons, and now serves in her first season as Head Coach for Girls Tennis. She has also been teaching third grade at Immanuel since Fall 2023, bringing energy, creativity, and a Christ-centered heart into the classroom.

Off the court, Goertzen enjoys playing games with friends and family, reading, drinking coffee, and picking up new hobbies. She’s grateful for the opportunity to glorify God through coaching and considers it a joy to serve the Lord in this role.

Her favorite verse is Isaiah 41:10 - “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Coach Matt Goossen discovered his love for golf at the age of 12, when regular outings with his grandfather sparked a passion that has stayed with him ever since. During his four years at Immanuel High School, Matt was a dedicated member of the golf team, playing under the guidance of coaches Mr. Faulk and Mr. Wiebe.

After graduating from Immanuel, he went on to play competitive golf at Reedley College for two years, continuing to refine his skills and develop a deeper understanding of the game. Today, Coach Goossen is an active member of Kings River Golf and Country Club and continues to compete in tournaments throughout the year. 

During his time coaching at Immanuel, Coach Goossen has led his athletes to notable achievements, including two TCC Individual Championships, an undefeated boys season in the Kings Division, a 1st place finish at the Tulare Tribe Tournament (competing against 25 schools), and an undefeated girls season in the Sequoia Division.

Coach Goossen is passionate about helping student-athletes grow in both ability and character. He strives to instill the same joy and focus that golf has brought to his own life—encouraging each player to love the game, play with purpose, and honor God both on and off the course.

His favorite verse is Romans 8:37 - “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us.”
 

Coach Josh Henderson serves as the Head Football Coach and Associate Athletic Director at Immanuel Schools. A former standout athlete at Azusa Pacific University, he was later inducted into the Azusa Pacific Hall of Fame for his achievements and leadership.

With over 25 years of coaching experience, Coach Henderson brings a track record of success to the Immanuel football program. His career highlights include leading teams to a State Championship (Division 2AA), two Southern California Regional Championships, four CIF Championships, and twelve League Championships. His leadership and excellence have also earned him statewide recognition, including being named MaxPreps California Medium Schools Coach of the Year and Cal-Hi State Coach of the Year. Henderson has played a key role in building the program at Immanuel, leading his team to a Division Championship along the way.

Henderson is known for his heart to mentor and disciple student-athletes through the game of football. He is passionate about building young men, developing strong programs, and impacting communities for Christ. 

His favorite verse is Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
 

Loren LeBeau serves as the Head Girls Basketball Coach and an on-campus teacher at Immanuel Schools. With a rich background in both playing and coaching basketball, Coach LeBeau brings decades of experience and a heart for mentoring young athletes through faith and perseverance.

LeBeau played college basketball at Fresno City College and Fresno Pacific University before launching a diverse coaching career at both the high school and collegiate levels. He has coached at respected programs including Edison, Clovis West, and Central High School—where he led the girls’ team to a Valley Final runner-up finish. His collegiate coaching experience includes roles at Fresno State, Fresno City, and Pepperdine University. In a few short years, Coach LeBeau has built an impressive record at Immanuel, leading his team to a League Championship and two Division 4 Section Championships.

Coach LeBeau leads with a clear vision to build a program that is disciplined, competitive, and grounded in faith. He sees basketball as a platform for ministry—shaping young athletes to grow in character, integrity, and purpose.

His life verse is Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end."

Haley Maddox serves as the Head Cheer Coach for Immanuel Schools. A lifelong cheerleader with over 14 years of experience on the sidelines, Coach Maddox brings a deep passion for the sport and a strong commitment to faith-filled leadership. Her cheer journey began at a young age and culminated with her time on the Fresno State Dance Team, where she performed on the sidelines at Division I football games.

With extensive experience coaching teams at various levels, Maddox brings energy, expertise, and a Christ-centered perspective to the cheer program. She is dedicated to creating a positive, encouraging environment where young athletes can grow in skill, confidence, and character. Under her leadership, the Eagles cheerleading program is poised for an exciting new chapter.

Coach Maddox is a devoted wife and mother to four children. Her life is rooted in faith and family, and she sees her coaching role as both a calling and a ministry.

Coach Elijah McDowell serves as the Head Track & Field Coach at Immanuel Schools. He believes in leading with integrity and serving with humility, while challenging student-athletes to grow both athletically and spiritually.

Coach McDowell competed collegiately at Fresno City College and Fresno Pacific University before beginning his coaching career at Immanuel. Since then, he has led the boys’ track & field team to a Central Section Championship and has coached multiple student-athletes from both the boys’ and girls’ teams who have qualified for the CIF Central Section Masters Meet and the CIF State Track & Field Championships.

His coaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that success is built through a relationship with God, preparation, unity, and relentless effort.

His favorite verse is Psalm 9:10 - “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

Coach Tori Ortman brings 15 years of volleyball coaching experience to Immanuel’s beach volleyball program. She played collegiate volleyball at Long Beach State and California Baptist University, where she also earned her master’s degree in Exercise Science.

Coach Ortman recently celebrated her 10-year wedding anniversary with her husband, Tyler. Together, they run a successful beach volleyball club, through which they have helped over 30 athletes earn college scholarships to play beach volleyball in the past six years. Coach Ortman launched this new program at Immanuel and guided the team to a TCC Kings League Championship in its inaugural season.

When she is not coaching, Coach Ortman enjoys spending time with her family, playing beach volleyball, cooking, reading, swimming in the ocean, and walking her dog, Buddy.

Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:6-7 - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Aaron Shackelford serves as the Head Baseball Coach and Director of Development at Immanuel Schools. A highly accomplished athlete and leader, Coach Shackelford brings a unique blend of professional baseball experience and Christ-centered mentorship to the Immanuel baseball program.

A graduate of The Master’s University, Shackelford earned numerous accolades during his collegiate career, including NAIA National Player of the Year and GSAC Player of the Year honors in 2019. He ranks third all-time in home runs in NAIA history. Following his college career, he was selected in the 14th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. During his time with the organization, he led the Pirates in total home runs in 2022 and finished third in home runs for their Triple-A affiliate in 2023. He was named the Manny Sanguillen Teammate of the Year in 2021 and served as an organizational player leader in 2022, reflecting both his talent and his character.

As Coach Shackelford steps into his first year at Immanuel, he is passionate about using the game of baseball to shape young men into godly leaders. His vision for the program centers on striving for excellence on the field while honoring Christ in every aspect of competition. 

His favorite verse is Philippians 1:21 - “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
 

Coach Virginia Thomas brings a deep passion for both the sport of soccer and the development of young athletes. A former Division I player at Fresno State, Coach Thomas played all four years before competing semi-professionally with the Sacramento Storm. She went on to serve as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at both Fresno State and the University of Portland, accumulating over five years of collegiate coaching experience.

Coach Thomas holds both a B.S. and M.A. in Kinesiology: Exercise Science from Fresno State and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) as well as a USA Weightlifting Club Coach. Over the past 15 years, she has coached youth and club soccer, combining high-level athletic insight with a heart for mentoring young athletes.

She is married to Luke Thomas, and together they have five children, all of whom attend Immanuel. Coach Thomas is passionate about encouraging her athletes to lean into and rely on God’s care and love, both in victory and in struggle. Her coaching is rooted in her faith and a desire to see students grow not just as athletes, but as followers of Christ.

Her favorite verse is Psalm 73:25-26 - “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Coach Carly Weems brings a lifelong passion for swimming to Immanuel. She swam competitively with the Reedley Marlins from ages 8–18 and continued her swim career throughout high school at Immanuel. She is a certified Level 2 coach through the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA). Coach Weems is excited to be leading Immanuel’s swim program and to be part of the Immanuel community.

In addition to coaching, Coach Weems serves as a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Specialist with Fresno Unified School District. She works with students ages 18 months to 22 years, supporting their access to curriculum and helping them better understand their hearing loss and its impact on their lives.

Outside of work, Coach Weems enjoys cooking, working out, reading, swimming, learning new things, and spending time with family and friends. Coach Weems has been married to her husband Justin since 2012, and they have one daughter attending Immanuel.

Her favorite verse is Colossians 3:23 - “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” 

Coach Ryan Wood has been a dedicated member of the Immanuel Schools community for over three decades. His passion for coaching and leadership has spanned multiple sports and roles throughout the years, including Head Baseball Coach (1996–2006), where he led his teams to two Central Section Championships (2002, 2005), and Head Football Coach (2009–2011).

Coach Wood began his softball coaching journey as an assistant in 2022 and stepped into the role of Head Coach in 2023. His leadership is grounded not only in athletic excellence but also in his commitment to guiding student-athletes toward a deeper relationship with Jesus. A former collegiate athlete, Coach Wood played baseball at Fresno State during the 1994–95 seasons.

Outside of coaching, he enjoys traveling with his wife Julie, golfing, woodworking, and spending time with their four children and grandchildren. His life and career reflect a deep calling to serve and lead others—whether on the field or in his role as Superintendent—by shaping a culture of purpose, excellence, and Christ-centered growth across the entire school community.

His favorite verse is James 1:2-4 - "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."