Trust, culture are a priority for Pats’ new baseball coach

Derek Robbins says he will create a “good environment” in his new role as head baseball coach at Acton-Carlisle High School. 

Robbins, who also serves as security lead at CCHS, said he has held “a couple of roles” in baseball, including a year on the varsity staff and most recently as the ninth grade coach. 

“I think that overall it’s been great to get into the program and kind of get to know the kids and some of the coaches that have been there,” he said. “I’m excited to get the opportunity to turn the program around.”

Robbins said his focus will be on leadership and culture, acknowledging that the team has faced challenges. In each of the past two seasons, CCHS varsity baseball had loss totals in the double digits.

“I’ve been a head coach before in the world of high school football,” Robbins said, adding that he held that post at Worcester Technical High School from 2019 to 2022. “I think it’s more about being a good leader, a good role model, and I think that’s really what this program needs. That’s not speaking negatively about anything that’s come before me.”

Though Robbins said the previous head coach, Matt Trotta, was “dismissed,” CCHS Athletic Director Aaron Joncas told The Acton Bridge in an email, “The previous coach left to pursue other opportunities.”

Trotta declined to comment on his departure. 

Joncas said in a written statement that he is confident Robbins “will help the baseball program serve as a source of pride” for the school and that all players “will benefit from his leadership.” 

Robbins said that although he has more experience in football, he has a good grasp on what the CCHS baseball program needs.

“The kids in the program, to be honest, really need a guy who understands coaching and understands leading and understands connecting with kids,” he said, “not just the X’s and O’s of baseball, but in a broader scope of being a leader.”

Robbins said his background shapes his approach. 

“Working with kids is the backbone of my career,” he said. “Being able to get on their level, whether it’s athletics, something they’re going through in the building with academics, and even outside of that, if there’s something going on at home.”

Looking ahead, Robbins said he wants parents to know he’s dedicated to their kids. 

“I’m a guy who you can trust to lead your student athletes,” he said. “It is about wins and losses in a lot of ways. In a lot of ways, it’s not about wins and losses. I think that I’m the perfect guy to balance that.”