FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232 | AURENO@LBUSD.ORG

August 3, 2026

Laguna Beach Unified School District names Christian Esperanza as District Athletics Administrator

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. - The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has appointed Christian Esperanza as its District Athletics Administrator. Esperanza began serving in the role in July 2026 and will succeed Denise Selbe, Ed.D., upon her retirement in August 2026.

Esperanza brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, including service as a principal, assistant principal, department chair, teacher, and coach. Throughout his career, he has led athletic and academic programs focused on student development, organizational excellence, and the building of a positive school culture.

Most recently, Esperanza has served as a history department chair and master teacher at Sycamore Junior High School in the Anaheim Union High School District. His previous leadership roles include serving as principal at South Junior High School and as assistant principal at Sycamore Junior High. Alongside his administrative career, he has coached football, baseball, wrestling, and basketball, as well as youth athletics, and has mentored student-athletes and coaches at multiple levels.

"Laguna Beach is home to an athletics program that provides students with unique opportunities to train, compete, and grow while pursuing an exceptional education. Our goal is to develop student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom,” said Superintendent Don Austin, Ed.D. “Mr. Esperanza brings the leadership, experience, and student-centered approach needed to continue building programs that prepare students for success in competition, in academics, and in life," he concluded.

In his new role, Esperanza will oversee the district's interscholastic athletics program, supporting coaches, student-athletes, and school leaders. He will also help advance LBUSD's commitment to athletics as an extension of the educational experience, emphasizing character, leadership, teamwork, and student well-being.

"It is a privilege to join the Laguna Beach Unified School District and become part of a community with such a rich athletic tradition. I believe the true measure of a successful athletic program is not only the championships it wins, but the character it intentionally develops,” said Esperanza. “My commitment is to support and equip our coaches so they can help every student-athlete pursue excellence with integrity, resilience, humility, and purpose. Together with our families and community, we will continue building an athletic program that prepares young people not just to compete, but to lead," he concluded. 

Esperanza holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and a Single Subject Teaching Credential from the University of Southern California, a master's degree in Educational Technology from National University, and an Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Fullerton.

As the 2026 fall athletics season gets underway, LBUSD invites families, alumni, and community members to cheer on the Breakers throughout the season. From Friday night football under the lights to volleyball, water polo, cross country, tennis, golf, surfing, and more, community support plays an important role in creating the small-town spirit that makes Laguna Beach athletics so special. Complete schedules for all fall sports are available at https://lbhs.lbusd.org/athletics/schedules.

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