Meet the Leaders Board
Alex Perez
M.S., PPS, APCC - LOTNS Board Member|Director of LOTNS Mental Health & Wellness
Alex is a Ventura County native committed to empowering and inspiring youth to build emotional resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and thrive in all areas of life. With a background as a former high school student-athlete and coach, Alex has firsthand experience in the role that sports, mentorship, and accountability play in shaping young people’s lives.
Alex holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands and a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling with a PPS Credential from the University of La Verne. He is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and is actively working toward full licensure. With over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, Alex has served in a variety of roles including Crisis Counselor, Social Worker, Mental Health Clinician for adolescents, and High School Mental Health Counselor.
Through LOTNS Mental Health & Wellness, Alex integrates mental health education with athletic programming to support the whole student-athlete through workshops that priorotize— academically, emotionally, and socially. The program emphasizes accountability through academic check-ins, skill development through structured workshops, and personal growth through team-based sports and mentorship.
Alex’s approach centers on meeting youth where they are, building meaningful and therapeutic relationships, and creating safe, supportive spaces where young people feel understood and motivated. LOTNS continues to support and advocate for youth beyond their athletic careers, ensuring long-term guidance and positive development.
Alex remains deeply connected to the community and is passionate about helping young people develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed in school, sports, and life.
Whitney Lewis
Football Coach | Athlete Development Mentor | Former Elite Prep & Division 1 Athlete| Director of LOTNS 7v7
Whitney Lewis is a former nationally ranked high school football standout, Division I collegiate athlete, and accomplished football coach with a proven legacy of excellence on the field and a growing impact in high school and youth athlete development.
High School Career & National Recognition
Whitney Lewis was one of the most decorated high school football players in California history. A graduate of St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, California, he was ranked #1 in the state of California and #2 nationally in 2002. A dynamic 6’1”, 215-pound wide receiver and running back, Whitney showcased elite speed and versatility, recording a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at the Nike National Combine, where he earned MVP honors.
During his senior season, Whitney made history as the first player in California high school football history to both rush for over 1,000 yards and receive for over 1,000 yards in a single season. He totaled 1,059 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, along with 1,235 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, leading St. Bonaventure to the CIF Southern Section Division IV Championship. He also contributed as a multi-sport athlete, running a 10.5-second 100 meters and competing in basketball.
Whitney helped lead St. Bonaventure to four CIF-SS Championships and earned numerous national and regional honors, including:
• Los Angeles Times Glenn Davis Award – Top Prep Football Player in Southern California
• Cal-Hi Sports All-State Player of the Year (Mr. Football)
• Gatorade National Player of the Year
• CIF Southern Section Division IV Offensive MVP
• U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection
Whitney earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC), joining one of the most storied football programs in the nation. As part of one of the strongest recruiting classes in USC history—alongside players such as Reggie Bush, LenDale White, Steve Smith, and Sedrick Ellis—Whitney contributed in multiple offensive roles during a period when the Trojans captured two BCS National Championships.
Coaching Career & Athlete Development
Following his playing career, Whitney transitioned into coaching, bringing elite-level experience, leadership, and a championship mindset to the next generation of athletes. He began his coaching career at Cathedral High School, where he coached WR/RB giving them the knowledge and challenging them to become the best version of themselves.
Whitney later returned to his alma mater, St. Bonaventure High School, helping lead the program to a CIF-SS Division III Championship. He currently serves as a coach at Newbury Park High School, where the team achieved a CIF-SS Division II Championship, finishing 14–0, and worked closely with one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, Brady Smigiel. He played a role in developing athletes who’ve earned D 1 athletic scholarships and advanced to play in the NFL.
In addition to high school football, Whitney also coaches youth football and track and field, focusing on comprehensive athlete development that includes:
• Skill development and fundamentals
• Speed, agility, and position-specific technique
• Football IQ and situational awareness
• Discipline, accountability, and leadership
• Preparation for success both on and off the field
Sampson Brue
Coach|Mentor|Director of LOTNS Hoops
Sampson Brue is a dedicated college basketball coach whose journey through athletics and education has shaped him into a mentor committed to developing the next generation of student‑athletes. A Oxnard native, Brue first made his mark as an all‑league high school basketball player at Santa Clara High School, where he was a three‑year varsity athlete and two‑year starter. His leadership helped guide the Saints to the CIF Southern Section semifinals during his junior season.
Brue continued his athletic career at both the junior college and NCAA Division III levels, competing in basketball as well as track and field. His academic path reflects the same drive and discipline he brought to competition: he earned an associate degree from Oxnard College, a B.S. in Exercise Science from Central College, and later completed his M.B.A. in Sports Management from Grand Canyon University.
After graduating from Central College, Brue transitioned into coaching—a calling that has defined his career for nearly 15 years. He has coached athletes across youth, high school, and collegiate levels, consistently emphasizing growth, discipline, and long‑term development. In the 2018–2019 season, he returned to his alma mater, Santa Clara High School, where he served as an assistant coach and helped lead the program to its 32nd CIF Southern Section championship—its first in nearly two decades.
A passionate advocate for student‑athlete advancement, Coach Brue has played a pivotal role in helping more than 20 athletes continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level, ranging from NCAA Division I to NAIA programs. Some of the standout players he has supported include:
• Christian Oliver – Morgan State University (NCAA D1)