It’s a long road from El Paso to anywhere in Texas. The trip from that West Texas outpost to Lockhart has been a particularly winding journey for new Lions Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach Mike Maldonado.
Following a high school career at El Paso Del Valle, Maldonado was an all-conference defensive back and team captain for perennial D3 powerhouse the University of Mary Hardon-Baylor. After college, he played defensive back in arena football and sniffed the Canadian Football League before embarking on his coaching career.
As the 36-year-old prepares to begin his 10th season as a coach, Maldonado has already served as an assistant coach in various roles at Elgin and Smithville Junior High Schools, Anderson High School (twice), Jarrell High School, and most recently Rouse HS, where he served as a successful defensive coordinator for the Raiders.
Maldonado will inherit a Lions program that’s struggled to rise above .500, finishing 2-8 last season and 22-41 overall, with three playoff appearances under former coach Todd Moebes. However, the relative lack of success on the field didn’t deter Maldonado from taking up the Lions’ flag.
“Researching the district, the three pillars that the district stands on -- LockHeart for People; Unlocking Potential; Locked on Excellence -- really stood out to me,” Maldonado states. “Those values aligned with what I want to focus on as we develop our student athletes in their academic, athletic and personal lives.
“My goal is to elevate the Athletic program to new heights athletically and academically. Surround the kids with coaches that empty the tank every day to impact lives so that our community believes that their children will be better for being in athletics. We expect every program to be competitive in everything we do while creating lifelong memories and relationships.”
After a playing and coaching career that’s already seen more than its share of stops along the way, Maldonado, together with his wife and 4-year-old daughter Emmeline, hopes to be in Lockart longer than a rack of ribs smokes on the grill.
“I just feel very fortunate and extremely grateful to be in my position where our career path impacts young people. I’m excited to see our Lions back on campus as they add another chapter to their stories of success and can’t wait for August 4th as we begin the 2025 Season!”
As of this writing, the Lions’ 2025 journey is already underway – and Mike Maldonado hopes his road trip has reached its destination.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
TWCA Sr. QB Santiago FernandezJamey Wright (VYPE)
Episcopal Sr. LB Madden MorganDoug Brown (VYPE)
