Nueva Athletics Staff
Brett McCabe - Director of Athletics and Physical Education
bmccabe@nuevaschool.org
Brett McCabe joined Nueva in January 2023. Previously, he served for 10 years as the Athletics Director and Head of the Physical Education Department at Parish Episcopal School in Dallas, Texas. While at Parish, he was responsible for more than 100 people within the athletics department and managed the annual athletics budget.
Some of Brett’s major accomplishments at Parish include transitioning the athletics department from Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools 5A (TAPPS) to TAPPS 6A; winning 10 State Championships; and overseeing multiple facility upgrades and additions. He also started the girls field hockey and girls lacrosse programs, established and taught the Athletics Captains Leadership Program, created the Athletics Wall of Fame, and grew the Athletics Booster Club.
Prior to becoming an administrator, Brett was a collegiate baseball coach for seven years. He started his coaching career at South Dakota State University (NCAA Division I). After two years, Brett was named the Head Coach at Augustana College (NCAA Division II) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While at Augustana, he also held the positions of Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes and Director of Facility & Game Management. Brett’s last stop as a collegiate coach was as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Kansas (NCAA Division I) in Lawrence, Kansas.
Born in Sacramento, California, Brett played Division I collegiate baseball and then professionally with the Chicago Cubs Organization. He holds a Bachelor of Science in health and exercise science from Centenary College of Louisiana and a Master of Science in athletic administration from South Dakota State University. Brett is married to the former Amanda Jane Black; they have two children, Easton (15) and Ella (11).
David Burgee - Lower/Middle School Athletic/P.E. Director
dburgee@nuevaschool.org
David Burgee began as the new lower/middle school athletics and P.E. director in 2021. In his role, he is responsible for all aspects of leading a vibrant and successful athletics program and physical education department. David brings a wealth of athletic administrative knowledge to the role, including playing and coaching soccer at the club, high school, and collegiate levels. He is a 1993 graduate of the University of Oregon and earned a bachelor's degree in political science. He completed a professional bachelor's degree in 2001 from the School of Architecture and Allied Arts from the same institution. In May of 2007, David completed his master's degree in sports management from the University of San Francisco.
Aside from his academic pursuits, David has a long history of providing administrative and organizational support and building athletic programs from the ground up. Since 2012, he has served as an executive director and director of operations for several Bay Area, Oregon, and Pennsylvania soccer clubs. David is most recently returning from Mechanicsburg, PA, where he led Eagle FC. From 2003 to 2007 and 2009 to 2016, David was part of Bay Area-based, De Anza Force Soccer Club, as a premier-level coach and director of operations. During his time with the Force, David also served as Gunn High School's head soccer coach, one of the Central Coast Section's (CCS) elite programs. Furthermore, David helped guide the athletic department's operations, serving as the assistant/associate athletic director from 2004 to 2012.
A San Francisco native, David has served as a soccer camp instructor for Santa Clara University, the University of Washington, and the University of Oregon. Also, he has coached at Palo Alto, Stanford, and Tri-Valley soccer clubs.
Robert Lopez — Director of Cross Country and Track and Field & Athletics Administrative Support
rlopez@nuevaschool.org
Coach Robert Lopez joined Nueva as director of cross country and track and field in 2018. In his first three seasons at the helm, Robert grew the program tremendously, guiding five teams to the CIF state cross country championships; one team to a CCS championship; two teams to a CCS runner-up finish; one CCS individual champion; six undefeated varsity league seasons; six PSAL team championships; five PSAL individual championships; 52 first- and second-team all-league athletes.
Prior to arriving at Nueva, Robert served as cross country/distance coach at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California for three years. In his three years coaching the Lions, Robert led the boys cross country team to their highest place finish at the CIF state cross country championships (4th) and the fastest team time in school history for 5000 meters.
Before his stint at Oaks Christian, Robert spent 18 years as head cross country and track and field coach at La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks, CA. During his tenure at La Reina, Robert’s teams recorded an impressive 238-58-0 (.804) record in cross country, and a 142-56-2 (.715) record in track & field, despite not having a home track facility.
Throughout his coaching career, Robert has been recognized for his teams’ successes, being named Tri Valley League Cross Country Coach of the Year seven times (2000, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014); Tri Valley League Track and Field Coach of the Year twice (2013, 2015); Ventura County Cross Country Track and Field Coaches Association Coach of the Year twice (2006, 2008); Los Angeles Daily News All-Area Coach of the Year (2008); and the recipient of the 2015 Tri Valley League Coaches Distinguished Service Award.
Robert holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from California Lutheran University, and is a USATF Level 1 National Certified Coach.
Keiloni Smith - Upper School Athletic Trainer
ksmith@nuevaschool.org
Nueva is thrilled to announce our newest PE and athletics team member, Keiloni Smith MS ATC. Originally from East Palo Alto, Keiloni spent the last 6 years in Southern California, earning bachelor's and master’s degrees in kinesiology and athletic training at Azusa Pacific University (APU). The APU program introduced and exposed her to the various levels of athletic training including numerous high school, community college, and semi-professional environments throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Prior to moving south, Keiloni attended high school in central California, where she excelled in basketball and track. A severe knee injury while in high school—though a disappointing setback at the time—ultimately motivated and fueled her passion for athletic training.
Along with a wealth of knowledge, Keiloni brings a thoughtful and energetic spirit to the Nueva athletic team and student athletes. Keiloni is excited to get to know and work with all of Nueva’s amazing student athletes, while helping the athletics team build out even more meaningful and intentional experiences that ensure student health, well being, and growth. When not supporting student athletes, Keiloni enjoys watching sports, spending time with family and friends, and hanging with her pup, Sparky.