Michael Mothershed is a native San Diegan. He graduated from Herbert Hoover High School, lettering for two years in football, basketball, baseball, and track, All-Eastern League Football, two years, All CIF Football, First Team in his senior year. Attended and played football at San Diego Mesa College and Santa Clara University, graduating in 1976 with a BS degree in Commerce.
Michael began officiating football in 1985 with the San Diego County Football Officials Association, officiating two San Diego County CIF Championship games. He served on the San Diego County Football Officials Association Board of Directors. Michael began officiating Junior College football in 1990 and in 1995 was