Junior Reds Coaches
RENE TOSONI - Reds PLAYER DEVELOPMENT COACH
From the Coquitlam Reds to the MLB and back home to develop the next generation of Coquitlam Reds
Rene has been part of our program since 2017, and we’re proud to have him be the Reds Player Development Coach. His career speaks for itself.
Originally from Coquitlam and a Reds Alumni, Rene was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2005, was the MLB Futures game MVP before debuting with the Twins in 2011.
Rene has been a stalwart on the Canadian Men’s National team representing Canada at numerous international baseball events including the World Baseball Classic in 2013 and 2017, as well as winning gold at the Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015. Tosoni is also currently a hitting coach on Greg Hamilton’s Canadian Junior National coaching staff
Currently Rene is an area scout for the Toronto Blue Jays and a Firefighter for the City of Coquitlam while residing in Pitt Meadows with his wife Whitney and two girls Lily and Ollie.
Today, Rene brings his pro and international experience and passion for player skill development back to the Reds, helping our athletes grow on and off the field, maintaining a combined forcus to the end goal of reaching the next level - whether it is the next Reds team or a college baseball career while pursuing academic success.
We’re fortunate to have one of the best in Canadian baseball history, guiding our players to the next level!
Ryan BLIGHT - HEAD COACH / PITCHING COACH
A 2019 Reds alumni, Ryan’s journey took him to Douglas College before stepping straight into coaching. Since then, Ryan has become a Driveline Certified Pitching specialist, led the Reds Arm Care Development Program and served as the Pitching Coordinator for the Reds organization. Currently Ryan is also a coach and instructor for the Bullpen Baseball Academy.
Ryan was the a natural selection to assume the head coaching job for the Junior Reds and subsequently the identical position for the Premier Reds in 2027.
Ryan is a leader both on and off the field, with a focus that includes his coaching staff to enhance each player's skill development while maintaining a cohesive team atmosphere and team culture with an emphasis on competition and preparing players to achieve a college baseball career through academics.
Ryan has been diligent building relationships with college recruiters and college coaches across North America. This dedication to enhance player visibilty is paramount to Reds graduating players when they navigate the college recruitment process.
Not only is he an integral part of the Reds, but also a key figure in shaping the future of baseball across British Columbia.
Ryan Lives in Coquitlam and when not on a ball field is employed by New Rhodes Construction (NRC) in their Landscaping Division.
marshal Luiz - Assistant COACH
Marshal’s baseball playing/coaching journey is one of dedication, hard work, and high-level experience:
•Marshal is PBL alumni - played for the Langley Blaze and White Rock Tritons.
•5 years as a catcher at Jackson State University (NCAA Division 1) — 150+ games caught, career .412 OBP, team captain.
•Summer ball with the Kamloops NorthPaws of the West Coast League.
•Coach/Instructor at the Bullpen Baseball Academy
Since hanging up the cleats, Marshal has stayed close to the game, coaching with Bullpen Baseball Academy and sharing his knowledge with the next generation.
Off the field, he has carved out a successful career in sales at Cintas Corporation, bringing the same work ethic and competitive spirit to his professional career.
We’re excited for the energy, expertise, and leadership Marshal will bring to the Reds.
Our players will benefit from his deep understanding of the game — from college recruiting to high-performance training — and his passion for building a winning culture that is evident by the way he communicates with Reds players at all levels.
roman guthrie - ASSISTANT PITCHING COACH
Roman Guthrie became an Assistant Coach with the Reds this past off season after he began to wind down his professional baseball career. Roman brings a wealth of international playing experience and coaching knowledge to our program, with a rare mix of being a pitcher and catcher at the college and pro level.
•Grew up playing travel ball in Seattle with two elite programs.
•Northeastern Colorado JC (NJCAA D1) – earned a starting job as a freshman.
•Southwestern Oregon CC (2021–2022) – pitcher/catcher, later invited back in 2022–2023 as Assistant Coach & Catching/Player Development Coach.
•2023 – played his first professional season in Austria.
•2024 – returned to Austria, led the league in batting average.
•2025 – signed in Japan’s Hokkaido Frontier League with the Betsukai Pilot Spirits
•2025 - All-Star Catcher in Japan’s HFL
Roman’s journey is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and passion for the game. His mix of international experience, player development background, and leadership will be a huge asset to the Reds program.
cassidy watt - ASSISTANT COACH
Cassidy is a Reds alumni with an impressive career that spans:
•4 years with the Coquitlam Reds
•5 years of college ball, including stints at Colorado Northwestern & Dakota State University.
•2022 All-Conference Honourable Mention, 2023 All-Conference Second Team and 2025 All-Conference First Team Catcher.
•2024 West Coast League All-Star Reserve.
•Final season stat line: .330 BA | 12 2B | 14 HR | 50 RBI | 1.040 OPS — plus All-NAIA & All-American voting considerations
•Multiple school records, including tying the single-season HR record & leading in runners thrown out as a catcher.
•2 time Captain at both Colorado Northwestern & Dakota State
IBL player with the Brantford Red Sox — named a Top 5 Incoming Freshman of the Year in the league.
Currently is a catching & hitting coach at T21 Performance since 2022.
Cassidy brings elite playing experience, leadership and a proven track record of developing catchers and hitters to the Reds program.
Cassidy will be working with hitters, catchers, and corner infielders, and is excited to enhance the culture of the Reds through leadership and two way communication.