Joshua P.

Based out of Southern Maryland, Coach Joshua Plourde bridges the gap between old-school grit and modern baseball analytics. His playing background features years of elite travel ball—including two top-five finishes at the USSSA World Series—as well as highly competitive high school and college seasons.

Through firsthand experience at the highest levels, he understands that true player development must start with a rugged, athletic foundation and an unbreakable mental game.

Today, Coach Plourde integrates that traditional, hard-nosed approach with advanced, data-driven technology. Holding comprehensive certifications from USA Baseball and Driveline, and serving as an active member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), he brings professional-grade analysis to every training session.

Joshua Plourde is the founder of Arena Athletics, bringing a lifetime of baseball passion and elite-level playing experience to player development in Charles County. His foundation in the game was built on the highly competitive travel ball circuit, where he was heavily scouted and mentored by ex-professional athletes. Most notably, he developed his mechanics and approach to the game under the direct guidance of Tommy Harrison, a nine-year veteran of the Atlanta Braves organization. This early, immersive exposure to professional-caliber instruction shaped his understanding of the work ethic and granular adjustments required to compete at the highest levels.
Collegiate Ace & Elite Competition
At the collegiate level, Coach Plourde earned the highly coveted role of the #1 starting pitcher for Danville Community College. As the ace of the pitching staff, he was tasked with taking the mound against top-tier competition, regularly facing off against Division 1 programs like Campbell University. He knows exactly what it takes to stare down D1 hitters and command the strike zone in high-pressure environments. While a career-altering injury ultimately cut his time on the mound short, that adversity fueled a deeper, more analytical pursuit of the game. It shifted his focus from playing to mastering biomechanics, arm care, and the science of athletic longevity.

Every session begins with a dynamic movement series to prime the kinetic chain, followed by capturing a data baseline using Pocket Radar to measure bat speed and exit velocity. From there, we address mechanical leaks using specialized Driveline methodologies and heavy constraint or overloaded bats to naturally correct swing paths. We conclude with high-intent reps to lock in changes, providing you with concrete metrics and a clear assessment of your progress before you leave.