FCP and Tigers Staff

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Mental Toughness Consultant

Coach Bayne, who played alongside Owner Thomas Catomer at South Mountain Community College, is committed to nurturing young athletes' mental resilience off the field. With a passion for developing mental toughness, he regularly hosts engaging training sessions and workshops designed to equip kids with the skills to handle pressure, stay motivated, and overcome adversity. Drawing from his own professional baseball experiences, Coach Bayne emphasizes the power of a positive mindset, goal-setting, and effective coping strategies, inspiring and guiding the next generation of players to achieve their fullest potential 

Coach Bayne is a professional baseball pitcher who played for the Chicago White Sox's Triple-A affiliate. Born and raised in Hawaii, he has built a reputation for his strong work ethic and competitive spirit on the mound. Drafted and developed through the Cincinnati Reds organization, Bayne showcased his skills in the minor leagues with standout performances that garnered the attention of scouts and coaches. His impressive career reflects his dedication and talent, making him a valuable mentor for aspiring players. 

Coach Bayne is not offering lessons at this time.

Personal Instructor

Jazmyn is a dedicated athlete majoring in Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She began her athletic career in baseball before transitioning to softball at age 14. In high school, she was a four-year letterwinner, helping Nazareth Academy win IHSA Regional championships in 2019 and 2020, and leading Taft High School to a Regional title in 2022. Her outstanding performance in 2022 earned her the distinction of hitting the most home runs in Illinois and being named All-State Second Team. Jazmyn also received team MVP and the Eagle Award at Taft, and All-State Third Team recognition as a freshman at Nazareth in 2019. She also participated in basketball and volleyball.

In the 2024 season, Jazmyn played in 28 games, starting 17 as a shortstop, batting .305 with 18 hits and 10 RBI. Despite an injury-shortened 2023 season, she made notable contributions, including her first collegiate hit and several multi-hit games. She also coached with the Chicago Ravens in the summer of 2024 and continues to play at UIC as a shortstop and power-hitting lefty.

Accolades:
 

• D1 Athlete
• 4 Year High School Varsity Player
• Led the state of IL in homers in 2022
• Played at Nazareth Academy (3 years) and William Howard Taft High School (1 year)
• IHSA Regional Championships with Nazareth Academy (2019, 2020)
• IHSA Regional Title with Taft High School (2022)
• All-State Second Team (2022)
• Team MVP and Eagle Award at Taft
• All-State Third Team as a freshman at Nazareth (2019)
• Coached with Chicago Ravens in the summer of 2024
• 8 Years of softball experience
• 3 years of personal training with athletes
• Currently playing at UIC as a shortstop/power-hitting lefty

Pitching Consultant

Coach Amanda Daly, a distinguished figure in the softball community, offers expert pitching and hitting lessons, drawing from her extensive experience and academic background. With a Bachelor's degree in Sports and Health Management, she has dedicated the past 8 years to coaching, focusing on developing young players' skills. Her comprehensive approach combines her deep understanding of the game with hands-on training, ensuring that her students receive top-notch guidance in both pitching and hitting. Coach Daly's commitment to nurturing talent and her proven track record make her a valuable mentor for aspiring softball players. 

Accolades:

• Set school records for most victories and strikeouts at Johnsburg High School
• Led team to back-to-back Regional Championships (2007, 2008)
• All-Conference honors (2007, 2008, 2009)
• Northwest Herald All-Area team honors (2007, 2008, 2009)
• All-State team selection (2009)
• Full scholarship to the University of Dayton as a pitcher
• Player of the Week accolades at the University of Dayton
• Set school record for saves at the University of Dayton
• Completed collegiate career at Western Illinois University

Coach Daly is not offering lessons at this time.

15/16U Softball Black Assistant Coach

Personal Instructor

Coach Adrianna DeGrazia, with over a decade of experience in both travel and high school softball, including playing under Coach Liske at Taft, brings a rich background and refined coaching philosophy to her role. Her deep passion for the sport and infectious enthusiasm drive her to share her love for the game with a new generation of players. Despite her demanding schedule as a nursing student, Coach DeGrazia is committed to coaching part-time, eager to make a meaningful impact. She is dedicated to not only developing her athletes' skills on the field but also instilling a genuine love for softball, aiming to inspire and nurture their growth into well-rounded, confident players. 

Coach DeGrazia is only available during winter and summer.

Mental Toughness and Strength/Conditioning Consultant

Danny Gutierrez is a renowned strength trainer with a notable reputation for working with UFC fighters, elite collegiate powerlifters, and baseball players. His profound knowledge of biomechanics and strength conditioning has significantly impacted both the mixed martial arts (MMA) and powerlifting communities. In the UFC, Gutierrez has enhanced fighters' strength, explosiveness, and overall athletic performance through tailored programs that focus on power, endurance, and injury prevention. He has also made a substantial impact in collegiate baseball, training top players to achieve remarkable lifts and set records, thanks to his expertise in strength training and technique. Gutierrez's approach, which combines rigorous regimens with a deep understanding of individual needs, has established him as a highly sought-after coach in both sports. 

Coach Gutierrez is not offering lessons at this time.

15/16U Softball Black Head Coach

Personal Instructor

​Coach Liske graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2013 and Western Governors University in 2016 with degrees in science education. He currently teaches physics and forensics at Taft. Coach Liske began his coaching career with middle school baseball, and over the past decade, he has built a robust coaching resume. He is dedicated to developing meaningful relationships with his players while maintaining high standards for punctuality, effort, and academic achievement. Coach Liske is a strong advocate for creating long-term development plans for players, preparing them to be recruited and excel at the next level. He emphasizes strong organizational skills, clear communication with parents, and setting expectations from the outset, ensuring that both parents and players fully understand the commitments involved. He believes in providing ample opportunities for players to participate in numerous games to enhance their skills and experience. Coach Liske is committed to making the experience meaningful for everyone involved, dedicating countless hours during his free time to coaching because softball means that much to him.

Coaching Accolades:

• Over 10 years of coaching experience
• Head JV1 Coach at Taft High School
  • 103-38-3 record over 6 years
  • City Championships in 2021 and 2023
• Head Varsity Coach at Intrinsic Charter High School
• Head 16U Coach of the Des Plaines Warriors
• Head 14U Coach with the Mill Fastpitch Lakers

15/16U Softball Orange Head Coach

Personal Instructor

Coach Mendenhall has an extensive background in softball, having played for three years at the college level. Her time on the field was marked by significant achievements, including being part of multiple championship teams during her high school and college careers. This experience laid a strong foundation for her future in coaching.

Transitioning from player to coach, Mendenhall has dedicated five years to developing athletes, including three years with travel teams. Her coaching career reflects her commitment to the sport and her ability to inspire and guide players through various levels of competition.

In addition to her coaching roles, Mendenhall is actively involved in the softball community by running clinics every summer. These clinics are a testament to her passion for the game and her desire to share her knowledge and skills with aspiring players, furthering her impact on the sport she loves.

Mental Toughness and Catching Consultant

Larissa Ortiz is a dedicated student-athlete majoring in Real Estate at UIC. She is the daughter of Sheri and Michael Ortiz and a proud member of the National Honor Society. Before her time at UIC, Larissa played one season at Wisconsin. In high school, she was a four-year letterwinner at Romeoville High School, where she excelled in both softball and volleyball. 

Accolades of her Softball Career:

• Three-time All-Southwest Prairie Conference selection
• Led team in slugging percentage, on-base percentage, home runs, and RBI (2018, 2019, 2021)
• Set single-season record with 13 home runs
• Named team MVP as a senior
• Recognized as one of the Top 100 players in the Class of 2021 by Extra Innings and FloSoftball
• Played in 41 games in the 2024 season, starting 17 as a catcher
• Collected 12 hits, including three doubles, a home run, and seven RBI in 69 at bats in 2024
• Threw out six base runners attempting to steal in 2024
• Key performances in 2024:
  • 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI against Pacific (February 9)
  • Two-RBI single in UIC’s 5-1 win over Hofstra (February 17)
  • First collegiate home run in UIC’s 10-3 victory over Evansville (March 30)
  • Two-RBI double in UIC’s 8-7 victory against Drake (April 27)
• Appeared in 28 games in the 2023 season, starting 27
• Collected 13 of her 18 hits in April 2023
• Pivotal role in UIC's 3-0 win over Evansville with a three-for-three performance and two runs scored (April 22, 2023)

Coach Ortiz is not offering lessons at this time.

HS Baseball Black Head Coach

Personal Instructor

Coach Plucinski is a seasoned pitching expert with a distinguished background that includes standout performances at Taft High School and St. Lawrence University. His deep understanding of the game, honed through years of competitive play, translates seamlessly into his coaching, making him a remarkable trainer for younger pitchers.

With Coach Plucinski, young pitchers benefit from his extensive experience and technical expertise. He offers tailored instruction that focuses on fundamental mechanics, effective pitch strategies, and mental resilience. His hands-on approach ensures that each pitcher develops a strong foundation while also refining their individual skills. Coach Plucinski’s proven ability to elevate players' performance, combined with his passion for teaching, makes him an exceptional choice for nurturing the next generation of pitching talent.

Speed and Agility Trainer

Gary Ramos is a personal trainer with a passion for strength training and baseball. A Puerto Rican native who grew up on the north side of Chicago, Gary spent his early years playing baseball in Humboldt Park. It wasn’t until after college, when he moved back to Chicago, that he began strength training, which quickly became a newfound passion. From there, he developed programs focused on enhancing the athleticism and rotational strength of baseball players.  Gary’s focus has turned to improving rotational strength for baseball athletes. He leverages his substantial Instagram following to share training tips, engage with his audience, and promote his programs, connecting with thousands of baseball enthusiast.

Accolades:  

• Played Division 3 baseball at North Central University
• 2012 season:
  • .400 batting average
  • 42 hits
  • 12 doubles
  • 2 home runs
  • 28 RBIs
• 2013 season:
  • .373 batting average
  • 28 hits
  • 10 doubles
  • 17 RBIs
• Overall two-season stats:
  • .388 batting average
  • 70 hits
  • 22 doubles
  • 45 RBIs
• Won a Silver Slugger award in the Midwest Suburban League at age 36

Email Tommy Catomer to schedule a class with Coach Ramos.

16U Orange Assistant Coach

Personal Instructor

 Liberty Rivard hails from Bradley, Illinois, and is currently a sophomore at Dominican University, where she is pursuing studies in special education and psychology. Liberty has been playing softball since the age of three, with a focus on pitching, outfield, and first base. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and reading. Liberty is excited to work with her athletes, helping them grow not only as athletes but also as young women. 

Professional Consultant

Coach Fox is dedicated to advancing players' skills and perfecting their fundamentals, with a keen focus on evolving their game to new heights. She emphasizes the importance of mastering the basics while integrating advanced techniques to enhance performance. To support this mission, Coach Fox will be conducting specialized clinics designed to refine skills and address individual needs, alongside mental toughness seminars aimed at strengthening players' psychological resilience. Her comprehensive approach ensures that athletes not only improve their technical abilities but also develop the mental fortitude necessary to excel in competitive environments.

Accolades:

• 2015 USA Softball Player of the Year
• Two-time All-American at the University of Arizona
• Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year
• Two-time shortstop for Team USA

Coach Fox does not offer lessons out of our facility.