Mario “Mo” Vela, ATC begins his 13th year as President/Founder of NorCal Mavericks Athletic Development in Chico, CA. A native of Northern California, Vela is a junior college product from Napa Valley College who received a baseball scholarship to the University of the Pacific, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree.
After earning his degree from UOP, Coach Mo transferred to Fresno State University as a graduate assistant in Athletic Training working with the football and baseball programs, respectively. During his time at FSU, Vela had the opportunity to work and study pitching under the expertise of Hall of Fame Baseball Coach, Bob Bennett. After earning his postgraduate degree, Vela worked at the college level as a Sports Medicine Director, Coordinator, and Athletic Trainer for over two decades.
Mo Vela’s success as a coach is a result of his own experience on the field as a player and coach, extensive training under Bob Bennett, expertise in biomechanics and injury prevention through sports medicine, and his educational background in talent development. Vela has worked with athletes from every level of competition from youth to professional and has coached athletes through the Division I level. He founded NorCal Mavericks to focus on instilling life skills and values in young athletes through baseball, thus enhancing life opportunities through sport.
Coach Mo enjoys instructing on all aspects of the game but primarily focuses on hitting, infield, game strategies, and biomechanical analysis. To speak directly regarding lessons, programs or for more information, please call or email.
Baseball History:
Juan began his competitive baseball experience with MBA Brewers at high school age – which included travel to competitive events in Mexico, Hawaii, and Arizona. This was followed by collegiate play at community college and eventually experience with independent baseball in Mexico and Southern California.
Juan began his coaching experience in 2002 with the National Adult Baseball Association and transitioned to youth coaching in 2010. He is currently an assistant coach at Pleasant Valley High School and manages/coaches teams under our American Legion Baseball partner – The Chico Nuts Organization.
Educational Degrees:
Juan attended Rio Hondo Community College, Los Cerritos Community College, Ventura Community College, Cal State Long Beach, Chico State and Universidad Autonuma De Yucatán. He graduated with BA in Public Administration with emphasis in Organizational Theory and Minor in Psychology & Latin American Studies. While attending Chico State he was the Student Director of the Welfare Rights Advocacy Program at Legal Services of Northern California.
What is your position/area specialty?
Primary position was 2B, secondary 3B, and OF utility.
What is one of your favorite career highlights?
Most memorable and favorite career highlight was while playing a fall game at Ventura College and hitting first career home-run as a grandslam. “I was trying to make contact and stay short to the ball…Nothing more!”.
What do you love most about coaching?
I love the opportunity to share my knowledge with players who want to grow because they love the game. I also love when players approach me in their more mature ages and share with me what they remember learning. That makes it worth all the time and effort!
Baseball History:
Shanna entered the baseball coaching realm in the 2023 season with NorCal Mavericks. In the 2024 season,Shanna’s 13u team had quite a successful run of 25-2-2 record achieving several Tournament Championships. Prior to that, Shanna managed several successful NorCal Maverick Softball teams winning tournaments and having her players play at the collegiate level.. Prior to Mavs, Shanna coached for over a decade at Butte College along with running camps and clinics.
Shanna was influenced by Hall of Fame Softball Coaches Mark Eldride (Palomar) and Brian Kolze at University of Pacific. Shanna played college as an outfielder and catcher earning Conference, State and All- American Awards at Palomar. Shanna played outfield at UOP and her career was cut short due to a playing injury but was a part of UOP’s first Regional Appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Shanna comes from a baseball/softball family. Shanna’s family migrated from Canada to San Diego where her Great-Uncle Bob was a superintendent for Lane Field, the home of the San Diego Padres, where her dad and uncles spent lots of time at the park. That passion for baseball was passed down to Shanna and her brother Jake. Jake played baseball at San Diego State University before being drafted by the Kansas City Royals. Shanna is a constant student of the game always seeking to learn more. Shanna follows her children Brendon Vela and Dustin Vela baseball careers and niece and nephews who reside in Nevada.
Educational Degrees:
Liberal Studies
Instructor in Kinesiology, Butte College.
Former Member and attendee to the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) conferences and training.
What is your position/area specialty?
Outfield, Corners. Hitting & Bunting.
What is one of your favorite career highlights?
Playing Career Highlights: Hitting a game winning solo homerun in the state semifinals championship game to knock Consumnes River College out of the state tournament.
What do you love most about coaching?
Coach V’s ability to share the love and passion of the game with all of its intricacies with players, coaches and the friends and families that support them are exciting. To see the success and smiles of a player or team in their individual or team growth process is rewarding.
Furthermore being able to coach alongside former players or the opportunity to coach their children, and be a part of their path to become good strong confident humans.
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
― Mark Twain
Baseball History:
Austin Salado is a pitcher at Reedley College. He is going into his first official full season at Reedley this upcoming school year in 2025-2026. He has been playing baseball for about 16 years and has been with the NorCal Mavericks for 10 of those. He began playing with the Mavericks when he was 9 and played through his 10 year old season on the 10u. He then played with the Mavericks up until the merger with the Chico Nuts and has played for all three of the Chico Rice, Chico Suns, and Chico Nuts teams. He also played High School baseball at Durham and was a 3 year varsity starter, 1 time pitcher of the year, and one time SVL All-League player.
Educational Degrees:
Working on a Kinesiology/Exercise Science degree.
What is your position/area specialty?
Pitching, however he has a deep background in the infield and played there in the fall of 2024 at Reedley
What is one of your favorite career highlights?
Winning a Section Championship His sophomore year in High School after an injury riddled year
What do you love most about coaching?
He loves watching kids improve and knowing that he has a chance to give back to this program who has helped him get this far by helping the young kids achieve their dreams of playing college baseball.