Jason Harper, Director, Rancho Cordova Athletic Association

I caught Michael Lorente between PE classes—a fitting introduction to a man balancing teaching, athletic leadership and college basketball.

Lorente joined Cordova High School as a physical education teacher before stepping into the athletic director role on Sept. 15. He also serves as head men's basketball coach at American River College, bringing coaching and administrative experience from Capital Christian and Destiny Christian Academy.

Mike and I have been friends for more than 20 years. Having watched his commitment to young people, I wanted our community to hear what he sees ahead for Cordova. We covered expectations, opportunity, and the responsibility of building something that serves students well beyond graduation. Here is our conversation, with questions adapted and answers edited for length and clarity.

JH: What are your biggest priorities for Cordova athletics, and how will you measure progress?

Lorente: There are five "Big Rocks": Academics, Budget, Performance, Culture, and Operations. We need to know our numbers—our key performance indicators—in every area.

Academically, we need to prepare student-athletes with skills that will help them succeed throughout college and life. That means getting them on track for collegiate opportunities while helping them apply what they learn in the classroom and competition.

Financially, we must know how we will deliver a quality athletic experience. Like every impactful project, it takes money. We will bring together district and site funding, city enhancements, program fundraising and community sponsorships.

Performance requires a deliberate approach to physical, mental and team development. Our student athletes need strong strength and conditioning programs and facilities. They need a high athletic IQ: understanding the rules, tactics and strategies. Our coaches must develop great teams through strong relationships, clear communication and a unified response to adversity.

The Cordova culture will have high standards. Student athletes will be disciplined, accountable, respectful, coachable and professional. Those expectations will apply across all sports.

Operationally, we are fine-tuning how we train and support coaches—from communication and decision-making to meetings and the systems we use. We want coaches to feel empowered to serve our kids well and dream big.

Yes, we want to win championships. More than anything, we want to build champions in the classroom, in athletics and in the community.

JH: When a student puts on a Cordova uniform, what should being a Lancer mean?

Lorente: Being a Lancer will mean operating with high character, integrity and professionalism. Our student athletes should be proud to represent their school and community. They will be leaders. They should strive to master their craft through preparation and compete hard while honoring their opponents and officials.

JH: How do we bring more students into athletics and help younger athletes see a future at Cordova?

Lorente: When student athletes feel they have developed individually and as a team, experience success and have a good experience, more students will want to join. If students have a desire to play but have not yet developed the skills to earn a roster spot, we will encourage them to participate in offseason development so they can compete when tryouts arrive.

We also want to help develop feeder programs for students in third through eighth grades. Giving younger athletes opportunities to develop will help drive success at the high school level.

JH: That vision connects directly with the work of the Rancho Cordova Athletic Association: expanding access to youth sports, supporting coaches, and helping families see a pathway from their child's first team to becoming a Cordova Lancer.

Lorente: Mike's commitment to younger athletes gives RCAA and Cordova High common ground and an opportunity to serve students together. Strong youth programs can help children build skills, relationships and a sense of belonging long before they walk onto a high school campus.

JH: How have college coaching and your years at Capital Christian and Destiny prepared you for this role?

Lorente: Coaching at the collegiate level has helped me hone my skills as a professional. I have had tremendous mentors and dear friends who poured into me as an up-and-coming coach.

Working with high-level athletes also helped me develop my ability to fine-tune fundamental skills, tactics, strategies and life skills.

Most people do not know that my experience at Capital and Destiny was much more than basketball. Being a full-time administrator helped me grow in leading different departments and an entire organization.

I have so much love for the staff and families who allowed me to impact their lives through education, faith and sports. And we built a dang good basketball program along the way! I firmly believe God used Capital and Destiny to prepare me for my time at Cordova and whatever He has for me in the future.

JH: What will it take from our district, city, and families to make this vision real?

Lorente: Superintendent Swanson has cast a grand vision for an elite athletic program at Cordova and tasked me with crafting the plan. It will take considerable work, but our kids and community deserve it. Cordova is changing quickly for the good. Its school and athletic department should reflect that progress.

We need families to lean in; believe it can be great and get involved. Enroll children in city youth programs. Build relationships with other families. Attend Cordova sporting events. Get to know our school and staff. Celebrate our successes and offer support.

Give time, treasure or talent. Most of all, believe in and embrace a brighter future for our young people. Serving must be at the center of our mission or else it becomes empty.

For families wondering where they fit, Mike's invitation is clear: get involved. From youth leagues to the Lancer sidelines, there is a place to contribute.

Welcome to the role, Mike. RCAA looks forward to serving alongside you.