The Staff
Private lessons, small-group training and ArenaMetrix assessments are led by former professional and collegiate players. Meet the staff behind the work.
Hitting / Fielding Specialist
A North Carolina native and Weddington High School standout who went on to play at UNC Pembroke. Part of Arena's Player Development Staff, Joe specializes in hitting, defensive fundamentals and baseball IQ training for youth and high school players, known for detailed instruction and positive leadership.
Professional Pitcher
A former professional pitcher whose decade-long career in the White Sox, Braves and Orioles organizations shaped his reputation for command, consistency and a deep understanding of the game. A 4th-round MLB Draft pick from California, Matt now coaches athletes from youth through college with a focus on arm health, efficient mechanics and mental preparation — mastering fundamentals, pitch design and confidence under pressure.
Coach · Professional Pitcher
A professional right-hander recognized for a fastball that has reached 102 MPH and a World Series title with the Texas Rangers. Originally from Powder Springs, Georgia, Alex brings elite-level velocity experience to Arena's pitching staff and works with athletes on power development and competing on the mound.
Catching Instructor
A former collegiate catcher at C.W. Post who has developed hundreds of athletes, including more than 10 Perfect Game Select Fest players and dozens of regionally ranked hitters, while coaching within nationally recognized player development organizations and one of the nation's premier high school programs. Jason builds individualized plans around biomechanics, movement efficiency, force production and personalized swing programming, producing measurable gains in bat speed, power and consistency. His belief: every swing should have intent, every drill a purpose, and great players are developed, not discovered.
Hitting Specialist / Mental Coach
A former collegiate and professional player who earned All-American honors at Louisburg College before transferring to East Carolina, where he led the Pirates in home runs, runs scored and walks and helped the 2004 squad win the Conference USA regular season title. He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005 and now develops players of all ages through travel baseball and private instruction.
Pitching Instructor
A 6′6″ right-handed pitcher from Mooresville whose size, command and competitiveness carried him from Lake Norman High School to High Point University — 24 strikeouts over 35.1 innings in 2023 — and then to Lipscomb University. Experienced as both a starter and high-leverage reliever.
Pitching Instructor
A former professional left-handed pitcher from Atlanta who pitched at Andrew College and USC Aiken before signing with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 and continuing in the Frontier League. He later served as a graduate assistant and assistant pitching coach at Lenoir-Rhyne and trained with Tread Athletics, focusing on modern, data-driven pitching development.
Catching Instructor
A former D1 catcher at Appalachian State and NC State. Graham graduated from App State in December 2025 and is an integral member of our catching staff and Performance Catching System.
Performance Coach
A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Branndon brings a combination of elite athletic experience and a data-driven approach to athlete development, leading strength, speed and force-plate testing work inside our performance center.
Hitting Instructor
Ty spent 26 years with the Los Angeles Angels organization, where he held various roles including Minor League player, Hitting Coach, Manager, and Roving Outfield/Base Running/Bunting Coordinator. Throughout his career, Ty established a strong reputation for his teaching, leadership, and player development expertise. With over 20 years of experience providing private instruction, Ty transitioned into full-time player development upon retiring from professional baseball in 2016. Ty is dedicated to empowering young athletes to grow and develop both on and off the field.
Softball Hitting / Catching / Defensive Instructor
With 15 years of experience in the game, including competing at Converse University (NCAA Division II), Madeline brings a deep understanding of the game. She earned NFCA Scholar-Athlete honors in 2024, was selected CSC Academic All-District in 2023 and 2024, and received multiple All-American Conference Carolinas defensive recognitions. As a catcher, she led Conference Carolinas in throw-outs for two consecutive years and was named Defensive MVP in 2024, graduating early after a 2021–2024 collegiate career. Focused on athlete development and pursuing her NASM Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) credential, Madeline provides high-level, personalized instruction in hitting, catching and overall defensive development — emphasizing proper mechanics, game awareness and confidence on and off the field.
Hitting & Fielding Instructor
A former Division I coach and recruiting coordinator with 15+ years of coaching experience. Rene is a former professional baseball player and former Division I shortstop at Manhattan University and Florida Gulf Coast University. He has coached and recruited MLB players Tom Cosgrove, Joe Jacques and Alek Manoah, and is the former head coach at nationally ranked South Dade High School.
Special Guest Trainer
Veteran MLB Player | Special Guest Trainer | Lead Trainer at Arena SRQ
A retired MLB utility infielder and outfielder whose 11-year career (2002–2012) was defined by power, versatility and grit. Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1998, Bill became a fan favorite for his ability to play nearly every position. His breakout 2006 season — 35 home runs and a memorable Mother's Day walk-off with a pink bat — cemented his place in Brewers history. He played for six Major League teams, finishing with 125 home runs and 440 RBIs, and remains honored on the Brewers Wall of Honor.
Leadership
VP of Growth & Development: Performance Training Systems
A former collegiate catcher at NC State and Lander University, John leads the player development initiatives behind one of the country's fastest-growing baseball training centers. He blends baseball insight with business strategy to scale high-performance systems with purpose and consistency.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy · Athletik RX
Background: Earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Lynn University. Received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS). Professional Journey: Completed residency training in sports rehabilitation through the Upstream Rehab Institute. Brings firsthand experience as a former collegiate baseball player at Lynn University. Area of expertise: Specializes in treating sports-related injuries across youth, collegiate, and professional athletes. Clinical focus includes overhead athletes, especially baseball players, and individuals recovering from ACL injuries. Known for combining clinical expertise with real-world athletic insight to support optimal recovery and performance.
Lesson availability is managed through our scheduling system. You can also call 855-616-9933 or email support@arenalkn.com.
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