HOME OF THE AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE BEAVERS

Bio

Coach Michael Lorente proudly returns to American River College as the Head Coach and successor to long time coach Mark Giorgi.  Lorente served as Giorgi’s lead assistant from 2013-2020, helping the program to five 3C2A playoff appearances and two Regional Finals during the 2016-17 and 2018-19 campaigns.  During this time, he directly helped 14 players earn athletic scholarships to play at the NCAA and NAIA levels.

Coach Mike left ARC in 2020 to serve as Head Boys Basketball Coach and administrator at Capital Christian School (Destiny Christian Academy), where he navigated the abbreviated COVID season with one of the best teams in the state, finishing 14-2, but were not allowed to compete in the state tournament because of the pandemic. Comprehensively, Lorente led the program to a record of 94-43, 56-4 in conference play (Capital Athletic League & Metro League), capturing five consecutive league titles, as well as Coach of the Year honors in the 2023-24 season. Under Lorente’s leadership, the program earned playoff berths every post season after COVID (2021-25) and three consecutive 20 win seasons (2022-25).  16 players earned All-Conference honors and 5 earned Sac Bee All-Metro honors, including Jaylen Valdez who captured Big School Player of the Year honors during the 2023-24 campaign and All-State honors his senior season (2024-2025).

Lorente continued to build upon previous program success, consistently playing one of the toughest schedules in Northern California and competing annually in national level tournaments such as the Mission Prep Christmas Classic, Nike Tournament of Champions, The Classic at Damien, Section 7 and Cali-Live.  Consequently, the program is recognized as a perennial powerhouse and consistent championship contender in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section, making three Semi-Final appearances and earning Runner-Up honors in the 2024-25 CIF NorCal State Championship Tournament. During his tenure at Capital (Destiny) Christian, Coach Lorente helped 15 players matriculate to the collegiate level, 9 of which, earned full athletic scholarships.

Prior to his time at American RIver and Capital (Destiny) Christian, Coach Lorente enjoyed stints as Head Coach at Rocklin High School (2010-2012), and Assistant Coach at Cosumnes River College (2008-10 & 2012-13).  Ironically, Lorente began his high school coaching journey at Capital Christian School in 2004 with Coach Bill Nelson, Matt Filer and Phil Oates.  In addition to coaching, Michael has taught Physical Education in San Juan Unified School District, at Fortune Schools and St. Hope Public Schools.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Michael played at Oakland Christian School in Auburn Hills, helping the Lancers capture three consecutive league and distinct titles his Junior and Senior seasons, earning All-Conference honors (1995-97).  He went on to play at Olivet College (1997-99), before moving to California and pursuing entrepreneurship in 2000. After selling his business in 2008, Michael returned to school to pursue a career in teaching and coaching.  Along the way, he’s helped direct many Sacramento area basketball events such as The Chris Webber Camps, The Maloof (Kings) Basketball Camps, Vlade & Peja Camps, and The Dimes Classic Men’s Basketball Tournament (2005-2020).  

Academically, Michael holds a Masters degree in Kinesiology from Fresno Pacific University, and a Master’s of Arts in Education and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education from Alliant International University.  He is also a proud alumnus of Sacramento State where he holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration. Coach Mike resides in Sacramento with his wife, Andrea, and two kids, Santino and Valentina.