With the spring sports season beginning on March 1, Richard Montgomery is welcoming three new head coaches. Coach Robert Acevedo for baseball, Coach Tyler Johnson for softball, and Coach Chris Keim for boys lacrosse each bring unique experiences and goals, but all share a common focus on growth, teamwork and success.
For baseball, expectations are already high. The Rockets finished the 2025 season with a 14–5 record and won their division for the second year in a row, ending a drought of 34 years without a division title.
Though Acevedo will be starting his first season as RM’s baseball coach, he has coached many RM players previously during summer and fall leagues. “He’s a great guy. I think he’ll take the program in a great direction. I think we’re in good hands,” junior Colt Greene said.
Acevedo has spent 20 years coaching a variety of sports in MCPS, including baseball for 15 of those years. Prior to coaching, he played baseball both in high school and college. He has already begun preparation for tryouts, with winter workouts several times a week.
While winning remains a priority, he emphasized that player development comes first. “I believe in core values, number one is that we are building young men. So I want them to be as successful as they can: on the field, in the classroom and in the community,” Coach Acevedo said.
The softball program is entering a new era with Coach Tyler Johnson leading the team. Coach Johnson had previously coached varsity softball at Gaithersburg High School for four years. “We have a lot of respect for the way their players carry themselves. I know the reputation that Richard Montgomery has around here, both academically and athletically,” Coach Johnson said.
Coach Johnson has already started building relationships with players through offseason workouts. “It’s just nice to get everyone in a room together so we’re not coming out in March without any sort of relationship building,” Johnson said.
When it comes to goals, Johnson stressed competitiveness and enjoyment. “Regardless of win or loss, I want to be in competitive games and play fundamental softball that really showcases the talents of the girls,” Coach Johnson said. He also highlighted team unity as the most important aspect of the program, noting that players consider it a priority.
Boys lacrosse will be led by Coach Chris Keim, who stepped up after working as the JV coach previously. Keim was glad to build a relationship with Coach Steve Puhl during the season, and when he was able to step up to varsity, continue the success Poole has had with the team. “It was just a perfect fit. I learned a ton about the program, and he [Coach Puhl] was a great mentor to me,” Coach Keim said.
Keim’s journey with lacrosse played a major role in shaping his life. “It kind of changed the trajectory of my life. My life just happened to be a sport that I loved and never thought I’d play again, and the opportunity presented itself, and really impacted me in a massively positive way,” Keim said.
As head coach, he hopes to create an environment where players can grow both on and off the field. “I don’t think your success can be defined in wins and losses. It’s about creating an environment where players have fun, build a brotherhood, and want to come to practice every day,” Keim said.
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