Jessica A.

Began giving private lessons in 2007 during my college breaks, and continued to do so until 2012. Stopped due to career goals, and came back to my softball passion of catching in 2016. Specialized in catching lessons for girls ages 8-14. A few months out of college, all of my focus went to my career (after all softball is what put me through college and got me my degree). Now with more time on my hands, I'm back into coaching the game I love, working with and mentoring girls who have the want, passion and desire to not just be "better" but the best, learning the game inside and out. My goal with every girl is to improve their physical skills and more importantly their mental game. I'm a firm believer in hard work, your girls will be sent home with you tired and sweaty after getting in a good workout. Softball is a way of life that teaches discipline, responsibility, and a good work ethic.

I've played softball almost all of my life, and it has taught me countless things that I carry with me throughout my life, and more importantly in my career and work ethic. I started playing T-ball at the age of 4, and began catching at 8 (13 years total of catching). I entered the competitive world of travel ball when I was 11, all the way through high school. I was a 4-year starter on the Varsity team at California H.S.where we reached C.I.F. playoffs every year, and the made it to finals my senior year. I was recruited by Seattle University and started all 4 years catching there as well.

Knowing and understanding what it takes at all of the different levels, I am able to give insight to my girls based on experience. I caught for a total of 13 years, played for 18 years and loved every bit of the game. I prided myself in not only my physical capabilities as a catcher, but my mental game as well.

No two athletes are the same, so none of my lesson plans are either. I tailor my lesson's to each girls needs to help them reach their goals, strengthen their weaknesses and sharpen their game. Catching is my expertise and a few of the physical drills range from blocking, form, framing, speed, agility, different throwing techniques, bunt & plate coverage, pop ups, etc. I also work on fielding agility and footwork for outfielders, in addition to hitting. Hitting techniques acquired from some of the best softball hitting coaches out there, as well as college level critique.

I believe it is only a matter of time before your muscle memory kicks in to gear, and physical drills become part of any athletes natural reaction when playing. I'm sure you've all heard the cliche, sports are 90% mental, 10% physical skill and it's true. The mental part of the game is what separates a good athlete from a great athlete. For my catchers, being able to understand situations, what pitches/plays to call in the different situations, verbal communication with pitchers, teammates and umpires, knowing your pitchers and their pitches, and just really the role and position of a catcher, are all things that my girls are taught overtime in conjunction to the physical attributes. This in turn goes for my outfielders learning how to position, play and defend the different types of balls hit, situations, and communication.