Trent Herzog: The Visionary Coach Leading St. Vincent de Paul to Back-to-Back State Championships and Opening Doors to College Football Dreams

Trent Herzog's leadership at St. Vincent de Paul College Prep in Petaluma, California, has redefined what it means to be a successful coach. Over his tenure as head football coach, Herzog has not only turned the Mustangs into a powerhouse with back-to-back state championships in 2023 and 2024 but also fostered a winning culture that combines athletic excellence with academic achievement. His ability to connect with college football coaches and help his players earn scholarships has become a central part of his mission, and his legacy is built on the foundation of hard work, discipline, and personal development.

A Winning Legacy on the Field

Under Herzog's guidance, St. Vincent de Paul’s football program has risen to prominence, culminating in back-to-back state championships. Herzog’s coaching philosophy blends disciplined execution, strategic brilliance, and a culture of accountability—qualities that have translated into extraordinary on-field success.

Here’s a breakdown of Herzog's impressive record at SV:

• 2018: 6-5

• 2019: 9-2

• 2020: Season suspended due to COVID-19 (2-2-1)

• 2021: 12-2

• 2022: 12-1

• 2023: CIF 6AA State Champions (13-2)

• 2024: CIF 4AA State Champions (14-1)

Each season, Herzog’s teams have demonstrated resilience, skill, and a never-give-up attitude that have earned them both local and statewide recognition.

“It's About More Than Just Winning”

Herzog’s coaching philosophy extends beyond the football field. He strongly believes in developing student-athletes who excel academically, socially, and athletically. He often states, “Success on the field comes from discipline and teamwork, but true success is helping these kids succeed in life, both academically and personally.” His focus on academics is evident in the academic rigor of the school and the performance of his athletes in the classroom. Herzog’s dedication to fostering both personal and athletic growth has earned him respect not only as a coach but as a mentor to his players.

St. Vincent de Paul has become known for its holistic approach to education—one that places equal emphasis on academic excellence and athletic achievement. Herzog’s leadership has cultivated an environment that attracts families seeking a well-rounded educational experience for their children. Through his hard work and commitment to excellence, Herzog has created a culture where students are driven to succeed in both arenas.

“Helping These Kids Land Homes for College Football is My Mission”

While Herzog’s coaching on the field is exceptional, his work off the field is equally impactful. As the Western Region Scout for National Preps, Herzog has built relationships with over 220 college football programs. This position enables him to help his players gain valuable exposure and find opportunities to play college football at the next level. Herzog works tirelessly to ensure that his players receive the best chance to earn athletic scholarships, leveraging his extensive network to open doors to prestigious universities.

“Helping these kids land homes for college football is my mission,” Herzog says. “It’s about finding the right fit, not just for their athletic skills, but for their academic and personal growth. The goal is to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed.”

Herzog’s deep connections in the college football world have paid off for numerous St. Vincent de Paul players. One standout example is Elijah Qualls, who played at the University of Washington and later made it to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Similarly, Kahlil Keyes earned a full academic scholarship to Yale University, showcasing Herzog’s commitment to fostering both athletic and academic excellence.

The Rooks family has also been a testament to Herzog’s impact on student-athletes. Herzog has worked closely with three brothers from the Rooks family, all of whom have gone on to earn college football opportunities. The eldest, Nate Rooks, played for University of New Haven, while his brother Malcom Rooks also received a scholarship to play football at a collegiate level where he started as a Freshman at Bowden.

The youngest of the Rooks brothers, Rob Rooks, has already made his mark by enrolling in the spring semester at Rice University. In fact, Rob is already attending spring camp, starting his journey as a member of the Rice Owls football program. Herzog’s mentorship and recruitment efforts were instrumental in helping Rob, and his brothers, land these incredible opportunities, ensuring they had the chance to continue their football careers at the next level.

Through these success stories, Herzog continues to exemplify his mission: helping young athletes find the right “home” for their football careers, while ensuring they have the academic support needed to thrive. As Herzog puts it, “It’s about setting these kids up for success—on the field, in the classroom, and in life.”

A Focus on Building a Winning Culture

Herzog's success in helping athletes achieve their goals has fostered a culture that attracts families seeking a strong academic and athletic program. With Herzog at the helm, St. Vincent de Paul has become a school where winning is not just about championships, but about building a community of hard-working, disciplined, and well-rounded individuals.

The school’s growing enrollment and success on the football field reflect the impact of Herzog’s vision. Parents and students alike are drawn to St. Vincent de Paul for the opportunity to be part of a program where winning is a mindset—a mindset that transcends the field and touches every aspect of life.

Herzog’s legacy is one of transformation—transforming the football program, transforming lives, and helping young athletes realize their full potential. As he continues to lead the Mustangs, his mission remains clear: to develop not just outstanding football players, but exceptional young men who are prepared for life’s challenges.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Herzog’s Mustangs continue to dominate on the field and his athletes earn scholarships to prestigious colleges across the country, his impact on the school and the community only grows. Herzog’s belief in building a championship culture—one that places equal importance on academics, athletics, and personal development—has made St. Vincent de Paul College Prep a beacon of excellence.

With back-to-back state championships under his belt and his continued work helping young athletes achieve their college dreams, Trent Herzog’s legacy is just beginning. His mission to create opportunities for his players and to cultivate a culture of success will inspire future generations of student-athletes, and his work will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of St. Vincent de Paul for years to come.