Whitney was born and raised in Lawrence and has loved the game of softball since she was a child. She attended Lawrence Free State High School where she played softball all four years on the varsity level. She shined both offensively and defensively, earning her multiple all-state honors. She went on to play for Highland Community College and was an Academic All American. While at Highland she had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the game. Working with the likes of Taylor Schlopy and Heidi Jordan were highlights for Whitney.
Although Whitney suffered an injury that ended her fast-pitch career, she knew that she could never be done with softball. She found a way to continue playing by excelling in slow-pitch softball at the highest level, allowing her to travel the United States, doing what she loves. For the past three years, she has been on the USSSA Major Watch List for USSSA Slow-Pitch Softball.
Whitney states that for her, learning about the game never stops. “I want to pass on my love for the sport and dive into my passion of teaching this beautiful game that I’ve been playing since I was a little girl.” She is also in the process of pursuing a career in massage therapy where she plans to work with and help other athletes.
Batting, fielding or catching lessons are available with Whitney for athletes of all ages.
David is a former pitcher who, due to a shoulder injury, kept himself in the game by choosing a career path in physical therapy with an emphases on pitching mechanics and analysis. He graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelors in Athletic Training and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He currently works for LMH Physical Therapy and sees patients at the West Campus, specializing in musculoskeletal injuries sustained during athletic activity. He also completed the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Baseball Overhead Athlete Certification in its inaugural year.
When not working at OrthoKansas, he helps train local pitchers to improve their mechanics and velocity. He also performs pitching analysis using software to help pitchers understand where their mechanics are compared to collegiate and MLB pitchers.
Batting or pitching lessons are available with David for athletes ages 9-18.
Kristen grew up in Eastern Kansas and played competitive softball from a very young age. She played varsity for four years at Washburn Rural High School. She played in a state tournament as a freshman and was voted All City Team her sophomore year. Kristen has been a Physical Therapy Assistant for 14 years and loves to use those skills to study physical movement, mechanics and techniques that she can apply in her pitching and training.
Kristen is passionate about developing young pitchers as that was her primary position, until suffering an ankle injury in a basketball game. She emphasizes strength and conditioning in her pitching training to help reduce the risk of injury. Softball provided Kristen with amazing experiences and opportunities that she wants to share with younger generations coming up in the game.
Softball pitching lessons are available with Kristen for athletes of all ages.
Eli grew up in Lawrence and has played baseball since childhood. He comes from a family of professional ball players who have played for the White Sox, Yankees, Dodgers, The Navy and Emporia State. Eli played on Lawrence High’s first state championship team in 1996 and continued his career at Cowley College and KU, winning a National Championship in 1998. In 2019, he was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame. Today, Eli continues to play in Kansas City as a pitcher and catcher from April-October in the MSBL.
Eli’s coaching philosophy relies on working hard to build self-esteem by validating effort and understanding. He does not believe that one approach works for all players and is able to adapt his teaching to best benefit the individual. He generates opportunities to help players recognize results and inspire action. He looks forward to teaching younger players and giving back to the game he loves.
Pitching, catching and fielding lessons with Eli are available for athletes of all ages.
Randy was born and raised in Ellis, Kansas. He grew up an all sport athlete, playing collegiate football. He has lived in Lawrence since 2019 with his wife and two kids.
Over the years, Randy has coached various levels of baseball. At A-Team Sports he specializes in hitting lessons for beginner athletes. His goal for young athletes is to create a fun environment and grow their confidence level in the batters box.
Batting and fielding lessons are available with Randy for athletes ages 5-10.
Bella grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas and played competitive softball through Buhler High School
and Lady Express Club in McPherson, Kansas. An injury to her shoulder prevented her from continuing to play but shifted her onto the path of coaching.
She has worked with a variety of age groups from 10U up to coaching at Bonner Springs High school. She prides herself in her knowledge of the game and loves teaching it to anyone with drive. Bella also has experience in guiding athletes and their families through the journey to playing at the collegiate level. Bella’s coaching philosophy focuses on sharing her love and knowledge of the game with other athletes.
Batting, infield fielding, catching and beginner pitching lessons are available with Bella for athletes of all ages.
Emmaly has played competitive travel ball in the Kansas City metro area since she was 10 years old. She attended high school at Maur Hill Mount Academy where during her freshman and sophomore years she earned NEK All-League Infield and All-State Honorable Mention. Her junior and senior years were sidetracked by both Covid and a torn ACL.
At the collegiate level, Emmaly signed to play with Ave Maria University, an NAIA school located in Florida. Since then, Emmaly has transferred home, to KU, where she is an active member of the KU Club Softball team.
Her coaching philosophy is that having solid fundamentals to build on is what elevates your game and is the key to achieving your goals!
Hitting and fielding lessons are available with Emmaly for athletes of all ages.
Giana started playing softball in South Florida when she was just five years old. She quickly established herself as a skilled infielder, primarily playing shortstop and first base, but was able to play any position she was assigned. Giana's batting is particularly strong, and she excelled at both slap hitting and bunting. During her time in travel ball, Giana challenged herself by playing up in age divisions, always motivated to learn more.
To prepare for college, Giana trained at BC Sports with Chandler Stooksbury and Bailey Castro. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she played her freshman season for Keiser University. Unfortunately, her playing career came to an end due to an injury, but her passion and enthusiasm for the game of softball never diminished.
Giana has stayed connected to the sport by coaching teams at various age levels, and we are thrilled to have her as a trainer with us at A-Team Sports. Currently, Giana is studying to become an athletic trainer, with the ultimate goal of working for the NFL.
HItting, fielding and catching lessons are available with Giana for athletes ages 10 and up.