Mustang coach resigns, assumes new position

Lakewood Ranch High baseball coach Mike Mullen recently announced his resignation after assuming the role of Lakewood’s new assistant principal.

Mullen taught economics at Lakewood before eventually becoming the school’s testing coordinator. During that time, Mullen went back to school and earned his master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Mullen, who took over the Mustangs in 2007, guided Lakewood to three consecutive regional tournament appearances, including leading the Mustangs to the Class 6A state semifinals this past May.

“Taking nothing away from David Moates because he won a state championship and I didn’t, the thing I think I’m leaving is that family environment, unity and that sacrificial approach we took to the game,” Mullen said. “We preached on everyone doing their job. The players would be screaming ‘DYJ’ in the dugout and everyone knew that was what had to be done.

“That whole family environment and trusting in each other to manufacture runs — we knew if we played the game the right way we would be rewarded,” Mullen said. “I think we played the game the right way for the most part. We taught our players how to play professionally, work together as a team and take care of your job, whatever it is, and do it the best you can.”

Prior to coming to Lakewood, Mullen served as Southeast’s baseball coach from 1998-2000 after working as the baseball coach and athletic director at Fort Meade High in Polk County.

For a complete story on former baseball coach Mike Mullen pick up the Aug. 16 issue of the East County Observer.