Meet Our Team

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Coach Yisrael is an experienced and dedicated youth sports coach with a passion for nurturing young athletes and helping them reach their full potential. With over 16  years of coaching experience,  Coach Yisrael has become a respected figure in the field, known for his ability to inspire, motivate, and develop players both on and off the field. 

Dennis Butler Jr. President & Head Coach
Chicago West Englewood Tigers Elite Travel Baseball  is a lifelong Chicagoan, coach, mentor, and community leader whose baseball roots date back to the 1980s in West Englewood. The game instilled in him discipline, resilience, and accountability values that continue to shape his work today. Alongside his brother, Dennis returned to the community with their sons to build what has become one of Illinois’ most respected elite travel baseball programs: the Chicago West Englewood Tigers, proudly named in honor of where it all began.

Dennis has served as Head Baseball Coach at Simeon Career High School since 2016, leading comprehensive player development from freshman through senior year. His responsibilities include position-specific training, strength and conditioning, hitting development, baseball IQ instruction, scheduling, budgeting, and college placement support. He works closely with families, school staff, and performance coaches to ensure student-athletes are prepared for collegiate competition and life beyond sports.

Since 2008, Dennis has also served as President of the West Englewood Tigers Youth Baseball Program, mentoring athletes ages 5–18. Under his leadership, the Tigers have grown into a nationally recognized elite travel organization, fielding seven teams (9U–15U) and competing in 10+ national tournaments annually. The program has ranked among the top in Illinois for over a decade and earned major titles, including the 10U CABA World Series (2016) and 11U Pony League World Series (2017).

In addition, Dennis spent 17 years (2005–2022) as an Assistant Football Coach at Simeon Career High School, further reinforcing his commitment to discipline, teamwork, and leadership across multiple sports.

The mission of Dennis Butler Jr. and the Chicago West Englewood Tigers is clear: to provide every athlete college exposure by 8th grade, position them for college acceptance by senior year, and develop disciplined, confident young men prepared for success beyond the game. Partnerships and sponsorships are welcomed from those who share this commitment to youth development and opportunity.

Lucius Mackey Jr. is co-founder of The Myles Mackey Foundation and serves as a Baseball Coach and Youth Violence Outreach Specialist for the Youth Violence Intervention Through Sports (YVITS) organization. A dedicated advocate for at-risk youth, Lucius completed the rigorous 40-hour Acclivus Training for Community Violence Intervention and Prevention, equipping him with specialized tools to interrupt cycles of violence and support vulnerable young people. 

Lucius’s profound commitment to protecting and empowering children stems from deeply personal experience the tragic loss of his own two children to violence. This devastating loss has fueled his unwavering passion and drive to ensure that other families are spared similar heartbreak. Through his work with YVITS and the foundation he co-founded in his son’s memory, Lucius transforms personal tragedy into purpose, creating pathways of hope, healing, and opportunity for the youth who need it most. 

Born and raised in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, Jeffrey Latimore has dedicated his life to youth development and community impact. He is a proud graduate of Chicago Vocational High School and Lincoln University of Missouri, where he earned his degree in Criminal Justice.

For over 25 years, Jeffrey has worked closely with young people as a coach and mentor work he believes is both essential and deeply rewarding. He is a certified Mandated Reporter, CPR certified, a Violence Prevention Specialist, and a member of the National Coaches Association.

Jeffrey is also a former collegiate basketball and baseball player and was drafted by the Houston Astros in 1991, bringing his athletic discipline and leadership into every aspect of his work.

Coach Dante Culbreath, a former Wolverine, has dedicated his coaching career to helping athletes obtain success on land off the field.  Culbreath’s coaching philosophy centers around three core principles- commitment, selflessness, and discipline. Currently Coach Dante is the most winningest coach among active CPS Coaches.  He has sent over 20 players to play a the D1 level and over 100 total to college. His core values focus on being open and honest with his players, while holding them accountable for their efforts. Coach Dante focuses on embracing the process of growth, which entails the need to focus on how to get better not only on the field but off as well 

With over 13 years as Head Coach (2010–2022), Coach Culbreath has built a legacy of excellence and consistency at the highest level of competition. 

Career Highlights & Achievements: 

• 7 CPL Championships 
• 3 Prep Bowl Championships 
• Most championships in CPS history 
• Only CPL coach to win the Prep Bowl in the last 20+ years 
• 2010 Coach of the Year 
• Chicago Bears / IHSA Coach of the Week – Week 2, 2022 
• Coach’s leadership, commitment to discipline, and dedication to student-athlete development have set a historic standard within Chicago Public Schools athletics. 

 From dedicated volunteer to indispensable wrestling coach, Demetrius Stevenson embodies everything YVITS stands for. His unwavering commitment to our youth goes beyond the mat he’s a natural mentor who leads with integrity, humility, and a calm presence that inspires trust. Demetrius shows up consistently with a welcoming spirit and genuine care that makes every young person feel valued. A team-first leader who’s as dependable as he is hardworking, Demetrius doesn’t just coach wrestling; he coaches life. His initiative and positive attitude make him a cornerstone of our mission to change lives through sports.   

 “The Game Changer” John Beard, known as “The Game Changer,” is a Case Manager and Mental Health & Therapeutic Wellness Coach at YVITS, NFP with a unique superpower: lived experience paired with professional expertise. A graduate of The University of Chicago’s Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy, he is building a consulting and training company driven by one mission—saving and changing lives. With passion, authenticity, and proven leadership, John Beard turns challenges into transformation. 

 Justin Massingale is a committed outreach professional who brings strong leadership, discipline, and a focused mindset to his role. As a collegiate athlete and business major, he has developed a deep understanding of teamwork, perseverance, and strategic thinking, all qualities he applies daily in his work supporting the community. Justin is dedicated to fostering positive relationships, representing his organization with professionalism, and contributing to an environment where individuals feel supported and valued