ATHERTON, CA -- In a move that sends a surge of excitement through the Menlo College Athletics community, legendary coach and master program builder Mike Givens has been named the new Interim Head Baseball Coach. Givens, who elevated both the softball and golf programs to national prominence during his tenure at Menlo, now returns to his first love: baseball, bringing a lifetime of coaching excellence, unmatched leadership, and a passion that never dimmed.

"I've loved every moment of working at Menlo, from my time with the softball program to building a nationally recognized golf program," Givens said. "I'm incredibly proud of Menlo student-athletes, the culture, and the success we've created together. When the opportunity came to return to baseball, the sport that has been in my heart for as long as I can remember, I didn't hesitate. I never thought I'd coach baseball again, and now I feel like I'm coming home."

Baseball Excellence: Proven, Powerful, and Relentless

Mike Givens' track record in baseball is nothing short of elite. Over the decades, he has established himself as a fierce competitor, a master developer of talent, and a transformational leader:

• Led Sandpoint High School to the ONLY baseball state championship in school history, and is now enshrined in their Hall of Fame,

• Won multiple Conference Championships and twice was named Conference Coach of the Year,

• Honored as Bonner County's Favorite Coach by the Daily Bee,

• Coached powerhouse teams at Skyline College that advanced to the California Community College State Championship Tournament multiple times,

• Earned Coast Conference Coach of the Year and Skyline College Coach of the Year honors,

• Developed multiple Pitchers of the Year, known for elite-level instruction in mechanics and mindset,

• Recognized as a revered instructor and keynote speaker at regional and national baseball coaching clinics, including Spokane Professional Clinics, and

• Givens is widely regarded as a coach who builds better players and people.

Built a National Powerhouse in Golf

When Givens took the reins of Menlo's golf programs, he didn't just coach; he engineered success. His teams set new standards for excellence:

• Produced the No. 1 ranked individual golfer in the nation,

• Earned a historic top-4 national team ranking,

• Won an astonishing 26-team tournament championships,

• Was named GSAC Coach of the Year in 2022,

• Mentored 27 All-American Scholar Athletes and 3 All-Americans,

• Was part of a department that had 13 consecutive NAIA 5-Star Champions of Character Awards, and

• His teams placed in the Top 10 academically nationwide for four straight years.

Givens built a culture rooted in character, discipline, and championship standards, on and off the course.

Decades of Trust, Talent, and Vision

Menlo College Vice President for Athletics Keith Spataro, who worked with Givens over 30 years ago at Skyline College when Givens was the baseball coach and Spataro the wrestling coach, spoke passionately about the hire:

"Mike is one of the best coaches I've ever been around, and I've seen a lot of coaches," Spataro said. "His baseball IQ is off the charts, but his ability to lead young people and build programs with integrity and energy sets him apart. When he expressed interest in returning to baseball, I was thrilled. He's an incredible coach, an unbelievable leader, and the perfect fit to take Menlo Baseball to the next level."

Menlo Baseball: The Next Chapter Begins

Mike Givens is a builder, a winner, and a mentor. As he takes the reins of Menlo Baseball, he brings unmatched experience, relentless energy, and a career-long commitment to developing champions on the field and in life. Under his leadership, Menlo Baseball's future promises to be a bright and hopeful one, filled with optimism and potential.

For additional media inquiries, contact:

Menlo College Athletics Communications