Reynaldo “Skeats” Spalding has dedicated nearly three decades to the game of football, both as a player and a coach, leaving a lasting mark at every level he has touched. A defensive end during his playing days, Spalding began his college career at West Los Angeles Junior College before transferring to the University of Iowa to compete in the Big Ten. He later finished his collegiate playing career at Portland State, where his toughness and football IQ laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the sport.

In 1997, Spalding transitioned from player to coach, launching his coaching career at William Paterson College. Those early years instilled in him the value of player development, accountability, and the power of strong relationships. By 2002, he returned to Southern California to lead at Morningside High School, where he quickly earned a reputation for his energy, technical knowledge, and ability to connect with young athletes. In 2009, he helped coach the Team 19 All-Stars, further expanding his reach in grassroots and showcase football.

Since 2014, Spalding has served on the staff at Mission Viejo High School, one of California’s premier high school football programs and widely considered one of the top public school programs in the nation. As the Diablos’ defensive backs coach, he has worked with and mentored elite athletes, many of whom have gone on to thrive at the collegiate and professional levels. His time at Mission Viejo has been marked by consistent excellence, highlighted by playoff runs, championships, and a culture of toughness and accountability.

Spalding is more than a technician of the game—he is a relationship builder. Over the years, he has cultivated strong ties with blue blood college programs across the country, helping open doors for countless athletes. His credibility as both a former player and seasoned coach gives him a unique perspective that resonates with student-athletes and recruiters alike.

Driven by a love for the game and a desire to shape the next generation, Skeats continues to pour his passion, knowledge, and network into every athlete he coaches. Whether on the practice field, in the film room, or during recruiting conversations, his mission remains clear: to prepare athletes not only to excel at the next level but to carry themselves with discipline and integrity long after the game.