Discover Your Path to Excellence
At BALA, we empower students to reach their full potential through innovative learning and dedicated mentorship.
Meet Our BALA Team
Our dedicated team of educators is committed to fostering a nurturing and challenging environment for all students.
OUR LEADERSHIP
PETER CAREY
Peter Carey has been servicing his community for over 20 years. Coach Carey is the owner of Capo Boxing Gym, the club director of Capo FC, and the Head Varsity Soccer Coach at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. He served as a Student Dean from 2018-2021. Prior to SMES, he has coached College (2009-2018) and high school soccer (CUSD) since 2006. A Marine Corps Veteran, father of 4, and active member of Calvary Chapel Church since childhood.
KAREN CLEARLY
Karen Cleary is a follower of Jesus Christ and has found God to be faithful in every season of life. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Biola University where she was a four year starter on the women’s team. With over a decade of experience in education, Karen has worked as a chemistry teacher, tutor, and high school soccer coach. She has also been actively involved in homeschooling her own children. Inspired by her high school chemistry teacher, “Doc” Foster, Karen is passionate about teaching and enjoys explaining complex concepts from various perspectives and helping her students achieve those moments of clarity and understanding. She brings a unique perspective on how to embrace academics and athletics as a scholar athlete. She is dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment and encouraging a lifelong love of learning in her students.
MICK VOLLMER
Mick Vollmer has been teaching and coaching for the past 22 years. He began his work in education as a fourth grade teacher in Capistrano Unified School District for several years. He then spent eleven years at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School where he was the Lead Teacher for the Lower School. His energetic and positive approach with connecting students has led to their success and joyful outlook to life. Walking by faith, he continues to teach and mentor middle and high school students. He is also the Head Surf Coach for Crean Lutheran High School.
JOHN IAVARONE
John has been a member of the local community for 25 years, and during that time has been active in local youth sports as a league president, coach and mentor. Coach” Ivy” also coached varsity football at San Juan Hills and St. Margaret’s for over a decade. As a businessman, John brought headline music to South Orange County as the founder of Mission Fest and the San Juan OutPost. John has been married to his wife Gigi for 31 years and raised their three children in San Juan Capistrano.
OUR COACHES & TRAINERS
RUDY GARCIA
Rudy’s passion is the sport of boxing at the highest level. He believes that boxing instills self-awareness, discipline, and confidence. From the initial stages of learning boxing to the professional level, Rudy is your coach.
He is registered with the State of California as a professional boxing trainer and is a certified USA Boxing coach. Additionally, he is a certified trainer for the “Ready To Fight for Parkinson’s” program.
RAFAEL SANCHEZ
Rafael Sanchez has been serving the community of San Juan Capistrano for the past 20 years. He has been the head instructor of Black Belt Tae Kwon Do Academy in San Juan Capistrano since 2004 and the head instructor of Team Capo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2017. He holds a 5th-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, certified by Kukkiwon, a 3rd-degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, certified by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the US Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and a 1st-degree Black Belt in Judo (Shodan), certified by USA Judo.
His has vast experience working with several charter schools as a physical education instructor in martial arts
MITCH MARMELSTIEN
Mitch Marmelstein is a passionate and dedicated coach committed to nurturing the next generation of young athletes in both athletic excellence and a strong commitment to Christ. He holds a B.S. in Exercise Science and has over 10 years of experience in training and mentoring athletes. Mitch is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist as well as a certified boxing trainer. Having recently retired from his professional basketball career in Argentina, Mitch is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Indiana Wesleyan University. His devotion to God is evident in his work with young athletes. Mitch firmly believes that sports can serve as a powerful tool for teaching young people about character, discipline, and teamwork. His guiding verse is 1 Timothy 4:8, “for physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
ALEZ HERNANDEZ
Born and raised in Orange County, Alex is dedicated to supporting the youth in the community and gives his all to provide for the residents of San Juan. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, boxing, running, and spending his free time outdoors
A Message From Our Leaders
We are committed to walking alongside each student as they develop their skills, their confidence, and their relationship with Jesus Christ. Through rigorous academics, specialized athletic training, and intentional community-building, we prepare our students to lead boldly in whatever path they pursue.
Our team is passionate about cultivating leaders who are courageous, disciplined, and grounded in truth. It is our joy and privilege to serve our students and families, and to be a part of their journey as they rise to become bold as lions.
With gratitude,
The Bold As Lions Academy Leadership Team
Join Our Mission
Our mission is to develop strong student athletes into bold, faithful leaders with Christ at the heart of our work.