Basketball Operations & Coaching Staff
Versión en español: https://capitanes.mx/staff/
Orlando Mendez-Valdez
General Manager
Orlando, a professional player for over 14 years, now takes on the exciting challenge of building the roster for the 2025-26 season. He will work closely with Vitor Galvani and the sports staff to assemble a competitive and dynamic team. With his extensive career and deep understanding of the game, Méndez brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this new role, setting the stage for a promising chapter with the team.
Vitor Galvani
Head Coach
He began his career with Joinville Basquete, working across both youth development programs and the first division of the NBB. Later, he led Corinthians’ U-20 team and served as assistant coach for the professional squad for four seasons. In 2021, he took over as head coach of Brazil’s U-19 national team, guiding the country to the World Championship after a ten-year absence, and continued as an assistant for the senior national team through 2023. In 2022, he was invited by the Cleveland Cavaliers to participate in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
In the NBA G-League, he was part of Capitanes' staff as assistant coach and defensive coordinator from 2022 to 2024. In 2024, he took the helm of Esporte Clube Pinheiros, leading one of the league’s youngest rosters to a fifth-place finish in the NBB.
Daniel Soto
Assistant Coach & Head of Player Development
Danny Soto has been part of the Capitanes family since the 2021-22 season, initially joining the staff as a Video Coordinator. This role paved the way for him to become an Assistant Coach for the 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 seasons. During his time with the team, he has demonstrated exceptional work ethic and a remarkable ability to adapt while taking on increasing responsibilities. His focus on player development and keen game analysis have been instrumental in the team’s progress over the seasons.
Ernesto Muñoz Contreras
Coaching Associate
Hailing from Morelia, Michoacan, Ernesto has been passionate about sports and playing basketball since the age of eight. He was a scholarship student-athlete from high school through college, competing in all divisions of the Liga ABE and earning a call-up to the youth Mexican national team at 18. He also won a national championship in the Liga Telmex.
Committed to his professional development in sports, Ernesto began his career as an associate coach with Capitanes during the 2024–25 season, contributing to training, statistical analysis, and supporting the coaching staff.
Daniela Rivero
Director of Operations & Team Personnel
A Mexican national, Daniela holds a law degree from UNAM, a Master’s in Sports Management from ISDE, and a diploma in Sports Law from ITAM. With over seven years of experience with NBA Academy and participation in 17 editions of Basketball Without Borders, she leads Capitanes’ operations department for the third consecutive season, managing the team’s logistics, documentation, and travel.
Dwight Rosains
Assistant Basketball Operations
Born in Mexico City, Dwight studied Entertainment Business Management at Universidad Anahuac. A former collegiate player with national titles in CONADEIP and CONDDE, he began his professional career with Capitanes as an Operations Assistant. He is now in his second season with the team, contributing organization, efficiency, and essential support to the club’s daily operations.
Ricardo Solis
Assistant Basketball Operations
A member of Capitanes since the team’s first season in the LNBP, Ricardo has been a key figure in the team’s logistics and operations. His extensive experience in managing resources and supporting the coaching staff makes him a cornerstone of the organization’s operational structure.
Julio Preciado
Team Security Lead
Julio has been part of Capitanes since the team’s inaugural 2022-23 G League season in Mexico, serving as head of security. A former member of the Mexican Navy, Julio has worked on security teams for NBA, NFL, and MLS events, and has gained experience in Mexico, the United States, Colombia, Israel, and other countries.
Kowreesan Yoganathan
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Hailing from Canada, Kowreesan joins Capitanes after completing the Wayne and Theresa Embry Fellowship with the Toronto Raptors during the 2024–25 NBA season. Previously, he worked as an Assistant Athletic Therapist with the Brampton Honey Badgers of the CEBL.A graduate in Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy, he brings valuable experience in injury prevention and treatment for professional athletes.
Juan Manuel Ramirez Aldaco
Physioterapist
Juan holds a degree in Physiotherapy from UNAM, with a specialization in orthopedics and sports injuries, and has extensive experience in rehabilitation and physical preparation. He has collaborated with both the men’s and women’s Mexican national teams and has led medical departments in international competitions. He joins Capitanes bringing his expertise in sports physiotherapy and functional recovery.
Miquel Hontecillas
Assistant Physioterapist
Born and raised in Spain, Miquel holds dual degrees in Physiotherapy and Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, as well as a Master’s in Personal Training and Sports Rehabilitation from Universidad Tecnocampus Mataro-Maresme. With experience as a physiotherapist and strength & conditioning coach in Liga EBA, U.E. Sant Andreu, and Pio FC of the Kings League, he joins Capitanes with the goal of enhancing each player’s performance and well-being.
Juan Fernando Calderon
Team Doctor
A graduate of the UNAM School of Medicine with postgraduate training in General Surgery (2004) and Neurosurgery (2005–2009), Dr. Calderon is a founding partner of the Brain and Spine Clinic. With practical training abroad and over 14 years of medical experience, he brings extensive expertise to fulfill his role as team doctor.