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FCP and Tigers Staff
Tommy Catomer
Co-owner and Founder
13/14U Softball Black Head Coach
Personal Instructor
Services offered: Advanced Hitting, Pitching, and Fielding Lessons
Thomas, coached by top pitching and hitting coaches, learned proper mechanics and attitude. He enjoys passing this knowledge to younger generations, working with all age groups to find what makes each player better while having fun. He believes listening and being coachable are key to excelling in any sport, enabling coaches to teach techniques that benefit players on and off the field. By getting to know each player, he tailors drills and workouts for maximum benefit. Passionate about baseball, Thomas has been coaching since his playing days ended. Accolades of his Baseball Career: Thomas was born in Mount Prospect, Illinois, and attended Prospect High School, where he earned All-Conference and All-Area honors twice and was named to the Illinois top 50 list. A highlight was hitting a walk-off Grand Slam to win the conference championship and earning Co-MVP of the IHSA All-Star Game. He played in the Perfect Game USA showcases and Area Code Games. After accepting a scholarship to Arizona State University, he transferred to Mesa Community College due to arm issues. Following Tommy John surgery, he moved to South Mountain Community College and later to Grand Canyon University, where he excelled and earned a Free Agent Contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite further arm troubles and surgery, he has coached college athletes, MLB draft picks, and high school teams. His experience drives him to teach young athletes proper body development and healthy choices, especially regarding overpitching.
He has coached (6) College Athletes, (2) MLB Draft Picks and pnty of others that excelled in the game. He coached (1) Season at GCU before coming back to Chicago. He then coached at Lake Park High School under Dan Colucci as his pitching coach for (2) Years. He coached at Amundsen High School as a pitching coach.
Herb Plucinski
Co-owner
13/14U Baseball Black Head Coach
Personal Instructor
Services offered: Hitting Lessons, Fielding Lessons, Youth Baseball Pitching Lessons
Coach Plucinski brings over 20 years of experience coaching at the youth, high school, and travel levels, specializing in hitting, fielding, and youth pitching. His disciplined approach ensures that players develop strong work ethics and attention to detail, while his commitment to building positive relationships creates a supportive and motivating environment. His extensive network of collegiate connections further enhances his coaching, providing players with valuable opportunities and guidance for advancing to the next level.
With Coach Plucinski, you’re not just getting a skilled coach but a mentor who balances rigorous training with personalized support. His ability to connect players with college programs and navigate the recruiting process makes him an invaluable asset for any aspiring athlete looking to elevate their game and achieve their collegiate goals.
Cameron Bayne
Personal Instructor
Services offered: Mental Toughness Classes, Velocity Training Classes, Pitching Lessons
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.
Jasmyn Casas
Jasmyn is a dedicated athlete majoring in Psychology at UIC. A versatile sportswoman, she began her athletic career playing baseball before transitioning to softball at age 14. In high school, Jasmyn was a four-year letterwinner, contributing significantly to her teams' successes.
Accolades of her Softball Career:
She helped Nazareth Academy win IHSA Regional championships in 2019 and 2020 and led Taft High School to a Regional title in 2022. Her impressive performance in 2022 earned her the distinction of hitting the most home runs in Illinois and being named All-State Second Team. Jasmyn was also honored with team MVP and the Eagle Award at Taft, and she received All-State Third Team recognition as a freshman at Nazareth in 2019. Alongside softball, she participated in basketball and volleyball. In the 2024 season, Jasmyn played in 28 games, starting 17 as a shortstop. She batted .305 with 18 hits and 10 RBI in 56 plate appearances. She earned her first hit of the season with a pinch-hitting single in UIC’s 4-3 win over North Dakota on March 1 and made a strong debut in her first start of the season, going 2-for-3 with an RBI in a 4-1 win over Valparaiso on April 10. Jasmyn also delivered a two-RBI single in UIC’s 6-3 victory against Indiana State on April 13 and collected a hit in 16 of the final 19 games. In the 2023 season, she appeared in 10 games, starting seven, before her season was cut short due to injury. During that time, she earned her first collegiate hit against North Texas on February 10, had a multi-hit game against Saint Francis the same day, and went two-for-three with a double and two RBI against Seattle on February 17.
Amanda Daly
Personal Instructor
Services offered: Pitching Lessons
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 of her Softball Career:
A graduate of Johnsburg High School, she made a significant impact on her softball program, setting the school record for most victories and strikeouts while leading the team to back-to-back Regional Championships in 2007 and 2008. Her outstanding performance earned her All-Conference and Northwest Herald All-Area team honors in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and she was selected for the All-State team in 2009. Amanda went on to receive a full scholarship to the University of Dayton as a pitcher, where she excelled, earning Player of the Week accolades and setting the school record for saves. She completed her collegiate career at Western Illinois University, further showcasing her exceptional skills.
Adrianna (AD) DeGrazia
15/16U Softball Black Assistant Coach
Personal Instructor
Services offered: Catching Lessons, Hitting Lessons
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.
Danny Gutierrez
Personal Instructor
Services: Mental Toughness Classes, Power and Strength Classes
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.
Greg Liske
15/16U Softball Black Head Coach
Personal Instructor
Services offered: Junior Baseball and Softball Fundamentals Lessons, Softball Hitting and Fielding Lessons
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:
Coach Liske has over 10 years of coaching experience, and presently serves as the head JV1 Coach at Taft High School in Chicago, where over 6 years he has recorded a 103-38-3 record, including City Championships in 2021 and 2023. Prior to working with the Tigers, Coach Liske served as the Head Varsity coach with Intrinsic Charter High School in Chicago, Head 16U Coach of the Des Plaines Warriors, and Head 14U Coach with the Mill Fastpitch Lakers.
Audrey Mendenhall
15/16U Softball Orange Head Coach
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.
Larissa Ortiz
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:
As a standout athlete, Larissa was a three-time All-Southwest Prairie Conference selection and led her team in slugging percentage, on-base percentage, home runs, and RBI in the 2018, 2019, and 2021 seasons. She set a single-season record with 13 home runs and was named team MVP as a senior. Additionally, Larissa was recognized as one of the Top 100 players in the Class of 2021 by Extra Innings and FloSoftball. In the 2024 season, Larissa played in 41 games, starting 17 as a catcher. She collected 12 hits, including three doubles, a home run, and seven RBI in 69 at bats, and threw out six base runners attempting to steal. Key moments included a 1-for-3 performance with a double and an RBI against Pacific on February 9, a two-RBI single in UIC’s 5-1 win over Hofstra on February 17, and her first collegiate home run in UIC’s 10-3 victory over Evansville on March 30. She also hit a two-RBI double in UIC’s 8-7 victory against Drake on April 27. During the 2023 season, she appeared in 28 games, starting 27, primarily as a catcher or designated player. She earned her first hit with the Flames against North Texas on February 10 and collected 13 of her 18 hits in April, playing a pivotal role in UIC's 3-0 win over Evansville on April 22 with a three-for-three performance and two runs scored.
Matt Plucinski
HS Baseball Black Head Coach
Personal Instructor
Services offered: Hitting, Fielding, and Pitching Lessons
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.
Gary Ramos
Personal Instructor
Services offered: Speed and Agility Classes
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 of his Baseball Career:
Gary played Division 3 baseball at North Central University, where he excelled on the field. In the 2012 season, he achieved a .400 batting average with 42 hits, 12 doubles, 2 home runs, and 28 RBIs. The following year, he maintained a .373 average, contributing 28 hits, 10 doubles, and 17 RBIs. Over two seasons, he accumulated a .388 average, 70 hits, 22 doubles, and 45 RBIs. Gary still plays baseball and, at 36, won a Silver Slugger award in the Midwest Suburban League, demonstrating his enduring skill and dedication to the sport.
Kellie Fox Tolzien
Personal Instructor
Services: Mental Toughness Classes, Specialized Clinics
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 of her Softball Career:
Coach Fox's impressive career is highlighted by her numerous accolades, including being named the 2015 USA Softball Player of the Year. She earned All-American honors twice at the University of Arizona and was recognized as the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally, Coach Fox showcased her exceptional skills as a two-time shortstop for Team USA, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the sport.