Coaches

Connor Konishi, a San Carlos native, developed a passion for baseball from an early age. Starting in the San Carlos Little League, he showcased his skills and dedication, earning him spots on the 9-10, 10-11, and 11-12 SCLL All-Star Teams. Eventually playing for Manny Gagliano's Cowboys baseball club. Continuing his baseball journey at Helix Charter High School, Connor was on the varsity team for four years, contributing to their success. 

After completing his first high school season, Connor played for the Show. His performance and commitment caught the attention of recruiters, leading to a scholarship offer to play baseball at San Jose State University. At San Jose State, Connor continued to excel both on and off the field, graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications. His achievements in baseball and academics exemplify the meaning of student athlete.

Giovanni Giganti- As a young baseball player, began his career by playing little league at San Carlos where he was on all-stars in the 9-10, 10-11, and 11-12 age groups. Moving forward, he went on to join the Cowboys, where he continued to develop and grow as a player. With hard work and dedication, he earned a starting spot on the varsity team at Grossmont High School, where he played as a four-year starter. During his time at Grossmont, he was fortunate enough to receive coaching instruction from two former Major League catchers and a former Major League pitcher, which helped him further refine his abilities and become an even stronger player mentally and physically. 

Soon into his college experience at Mesa College, he realized that he wanted to share his knowledge of the game to help prepare kids for the next level and apply their skill sets on and off the field. 

Cory Hazlewood is a native to San Diego and former Grossmont High School Alumni athlete.  He has been coaching the Cowboys youth elite program for the last 5 seasons and previously coached at both Mission Bay LL and currently is an active coach at San Carlos Little League where managed the first ever 10u Allstar team to the State level competition. His Cowboys teams have competed and been ranked nationally in tope 20 and finished or won as finalist for over 13 Tournament titles with USSSA, NCS, PG, and TC regionally.  

Cory values the importance of structure, athlete confidence, and teaching the game of baseball at the highest level.  As a former multi-sport athlete growing up, and playing competitively he learned the importance of a team community and a "mind strong environment".  Cory like many athletes was forced to make a tough choice over the game of baseball for a sport he was advancing at during his high school years.  Cory continued his athletic career after high school and played collegiate level water polo where he was recognized and awarded as a National All-American athlete and to the California All Conference Team for two consecutive years. 

Brett Ludwick is a seasoned baseball coach, starting at San Carlos Little League in 2016. In 2021, he joined the Cowboys organization as the 9U Manager.

While at SCLL, he took his 2022 minors’ team, the San Carlos Aces, to an undefeated TOC run through districts, winning the championship.  In 2023, his minors’ team, the San Carlos Rainiers, had a success run, making it to the Championship game. He also went undefeated with the 2022 SCLL Player Achievement Team to bring home the championship.  In 2023, Brett was appointed manager of the SCLL 10U Allstar team. In his 3rd year coaching for the Cowboys program, Brett has a winning record of 60 wins and 18 losses. Within the first two years, his team has won 9 tournaments and includes several finalist rings.

His approach to a successful team starts with individual player development and team bonding. Brett’s approach to building a team is empowering players to support and rely on one another, on and off the field. He develops his team around the players’ personalities, in addition to their skillset. Brett strongly believes in creating a safe space where players know their coaches believe in them, will never give up on them and lets them know failure is accepted, as it presents opportunities for growth. He strives to find the mental and physical potential in each player and works individually to develop them into a better player, teammate, and young adult. He’s also known for incorporating an element of fun for players, on and off the field.

Joel Lollis is a San Diego native and played little league at San Carlos Little League.  He then went on to play baseball at St. Augustine High School where he received All League Honors and was the Varsity Team MVP for the 2003 season. Joel played travel ball for the San Diego Gamers and as a junior at St. Augustine, Joel committed on scholarship to play baseball at San Diego State University for Tony Gwynn where he played for two seasons.  While at SDSU, Joel also played summer ball in a semi-pro league in Orange County, CA. Joel has coached previously at the 13U level during his early years and is super pumped to share his baseball technical depth with the SD Cowboys 8U youth this 2023-2024 season. 

Rich Lansner- Mental Strength and Pitching Coach

Rich leads the Cowboys player mental strength, arm care and throwing mechanics focus in he Cowboys Program. He has been part of the organization for over 3 years and has developed several highly competitive and mental strong athletes coming out of the program. Rich Lansner grew up in Saudi Arabia and was one of the original members of the legendary Arabian Gulf Little League which has made over 20 twenty appearances at the LLWS. 

Rich was a 2 sport varsity athlete with a passion for both basketball and baseball at Canyon High School in Anaheim, Ca. As the ace of the staff Rich threw a 2 hit shutout in the 1993 CIF quarterfinals. The shutout win was one of many moments that helped lead to Rich’s name being added to the Canyon High school “Wall of Fame” years later. Rich competed colliegent at Cypress College for Baseball Hall of Fame and USA Olympic Baseball coach Scott Pickler. In 1994, he was a member of the Junior College State Championship team that took the title away from their rivals Rancho Santiago College in an exciting double header that crowned the Cypress Chargers champions. After his playing career ended Rich returned to his alma mater to be the pitching coach in 1995 and more recently, he was a Head Coach at the Padre Youth Baseball Camps here in San Diego. Rich is a high energy guy with a passion for the game. He enjoys watching the growth and progression of young athletes as they build self-confidence and begin their own journey with the game.

Shawn Calnan-

I've been playing baseball and sports my entire life!

Growing up I was a 2 way player playing baseball and football with Westwood Warriors in Mesa Arizona!

Little about me, if you get to know me you will learn I have a story. A story of redemption and the chance for a new way of life. Through all my trials in life I knew one thing that team sports is an important part to help grow as a young man. I give my time to Family, work, my faith, and especially the youth. I coach to give back to see that our youth grow with wisdom, strength, be strong in mind, to be accountable for their actions, to show mercy, to teach respect and be respectful to the people who matter the most in life.This game I love gives us the ability to learn a great deal about ourselves. We get to be Resilience, chance for Redemption, an Failure is part of life but what we do afterwards is what matters. 

Love this opportunity to be apart of the cowboys family!! Look forward to meeting new friends! Let’s go Cowboys!!!