At Wilsonville, there is a strong solidified basketball program in Oregon, in large part due to the coaching staff. When Michael Esqueda was brought on to coach the freshman team, Coach Roche knew he had to find someone who could play a large role in the development of players through their young high school years to when they eventually reach the varsity level.

Since Esqueda is a teacher at Wilsonville as well, he brings a huge advantage because he can give huge insight to all his players. The players have a classroom in their school where they are excited to come visit, whether it be for class or because they know him and feel comfortable.

Every single player and student that has Esqueda has nothing but praise for him and everything he brings to the program and how good of a coach he is. Although he is just the coach of the freshman team, all the players, not just his team, bring high praise for him.

Esqueda himself mentioned how it is an “Experience joining a new school in a new state where you know no one.” Being that he moved from California, he still said he was excited to join the program, especially one like Wilsonville since it is such a powerhouse program in Oregon.

Also due to his being a teacher, he gives the advantage of being able to help in the classroom and be a teacher they know especially for young high schoolers when it can be nerve-racking joining a new school, but you have someone as an adult you can trust.

Outside of the gym at Wilsonville, Mr. Esqueda is a well-respected new teacher and someone in the hallways who will always welcome you just as if you know him and you can always stop and talk to him for a minute.

Students who know him love him just as much as his players. Grady Weise said, “Since he is in school and we get to see him every day, it does nothing but help our relationship on and off the court.”

Greeting every student one by one as they walk in the door each morning and afternoon is something of habit for Mr. Esqueda from what has been seen at school it is his nature and everyone loves it, shows all the students and the teachers that care about them and something that some teachers should take note of.