Instructor Directory
BASEBALL INSTRUCTORS
SOFTBALL INSTRUCTORS
Experience …
Drafted in the 11th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2000.
Played for Danville in the Appalachian League and the Braves’ rookie team in the Gulf Coast League, 2001
Hitting Coordinator, Diamond Nation, 2008-Present
Assistant varsity coach, North Hunterdon High School (N.J.), 2011
Head coach, Immaculata High School (Somerville, N.J.), 2013-Present
Education …
Kean University, B.A. History, 2012
Immaculata High School, 2000
Expertise …
Hitting, first base and outfield
Did you know? …
Kevin was named First Team All-State by The Star-Ledger in 1999 and 2000. He hit 33 home runs in his high school career, which set a state record. His 16 home runs in 2000 also set a state record. Those records have since been broken. Hillsborough’s Tim Fedroff broke the state record with 34 home runs in a career that ended in 2006. Former Super 17 player Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels) broke the state’s single season record when he hit 18 home runs in 2009 for Millville. Cust’s Immaculata teams never lost a Somerset County Tournament game during his four-year varsity career. Kevin loves basketball, plays in a heavy metal band and speaks Spanish fluently.
Experience
- Former Head Baseball Coach at Hunterdon Central Regional High School from 2000-2016.
- Inducted into the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014.
- His Central teams won over 30 Championships including three NJ State Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2016 as well as 4 Sectional Championships and numerous County, Conference and Invitational Tournament Championships.
- Named Coach of the Year multiple times including the NFHS New Jersey Coach of the Year, the Northeast Region Coach of the Year and the nj.com Coach of the Year as well as numerous other publications.
- He holds the Hunterdon Central Career Wins Record with 314 and his 2009 team has the school record for most wins in a season after going 29-1.
- Former Director of Baseball Operations at Diamond Nation until 2016.
Education
- Rider University – Masters in Education
- The College of New Jersey – B.S. in Health and Physical Education
- The College of New Jersey – B.S. in Corporate Fitness
Expertise
- Hitting, Infield, Outfield and Team Building
Experience …
Coach, instructor, Diamond Nation, Flemington, 2010-Present
Head Coach, Diamond Jacks 10U and 11U teams, 2012-‘13
Head coach, Hunterdon Central summer team 2010 – 2013
Varsity assistant coach, Hunterdon Central High School, 2009-’10
Head coach, Hunterdon Central Junior American Legion 2007-‘10
Elementary School Teacher, New Brunswick – 2010-Present
Education …
Felician College (NJ), 2009
Hunterdon Central High School, 2005.
Expertise …
Fielding, infield and outfield, and hitting
Did you know? …
Mike broke the single season hits and doubles records and career doubles record at Hunterdon Central High School his senior year in 2005. Mike was assistant varsity coach at Hunterdon Central in 2009. That Red Devils team won the NJSIAA Group 4 championship and finished No. 1 in the state.
EXPERIENCE
- Kansas State assistant coach, 2019
- St. John’s assistant coach, 2018
- Oklahoma undergrad assistant coach, 2016
- Starting shortstop, University of Oklahoma, 2014-’15
- Starting shortstop, Howard Junior College, 2013
- University of North Carolina, 2012
EDUCATION
- Hunterdon Central Reg. High School, 2011
- UNC/Howard JC/Oklahoma Univ.
- Oklahoma Univ., 2016 grad
EXPERTISE
- Infield fielding, hitting, base running.
DID YOU KNOW
Josh was selected by the New York Mets in the 2011 MLB Draft. He went 4-for-4 with a HR as a sophomore in the 2009 NJSIAA Group 4 final, triggering Hunterdon Central’s victory over Randolph and its second straight state championship.
Josh is Hunterdon Central’s all-time hits and home runs leader.
Experience …
Drafted in the 25th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2001. “Tyrone Brooks is the scout who drafted me.”
Reached High-A ball with the Braves.
Played seven years in the Atlantic League for Camden Riversharks and Somerset Patriots.
Hitting coach and third base coach for Somerset Patriots, 2010-‘12.
Diamond Nation – Providing lessons and coaching teams, 2006-present.
Education …
University Nebraska, 2001
Shasta Jr. College, California, 1999-‘00 – AA Criminal Justice
Burney Jr./Sr. High School, 1998
Expertise …
Catching and hitting, all ages.
Did you know? …
Travis’ senior class at Burney High had just 42 students. “Actor Craig T. Nelson (Poltergeist) taught at my high school in 1969.” Travis was the leadoff hitter his freshman year at Shasta Junior College. He played high school football and was named Second Team All Northern Section of California as a defensive back. He holds two football records at his high school; he intercepted 14 passes in one season and kicked a 47-yard field goal, the longest in school history. “I almost went to college as a kicker.”
Quick Facts …
- Drafted by the Florida Marlins in 2003
- Pitched 6 seasons of Minor League Baseball posting 25 career wins with a 3.81 ERA and 8 saves
- Won two championships:
- 2009 with the Quebec Capitales in the CANAM League
- 2012 with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the American Association
- Career best year was 2011 with the Lake Erie Crusers going 4-2 with a 1.42 ERA in 30 appearances while striking out 39 and walking 13 in 47 innings.
- Graduated from Florida International University in 2008.
EXPERIENCE
- 2004-’10 - JFK Iselin, varsity assistant
- 2011-’14 - Dunellen High School, head coach
- 2015-Present - Somerville High School, head coach
- 2020-Present - Diamond Jacks 11U, 12U, 14U and 15U teams.
- Banos was also an assistant coach at Dominican College, and a head coach for both New Brunswick AAABA and Edison Post 435.
EDUCATION
- Edison High School (1997)
- Dominican College, New York (2002)
EXPERTISE
Chris can focus on all areas fielding, hitting and pitching.
DID YOU KNOW?
Banos’ was named Courier News Baseball Coach of the Year after his 2018 Somerville High team won the NJSIAA Group 3 championship. He was an assistant coach at JFK-Iselin when that team won the Group 3 championship in 2009. As a sophomore at Edison in 1995, his team won the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament championship. As a player at Dominican, Banos earned several honors in 2001, including Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference 1st Team, CACC All-Tournament Team, NAIA All-Region 1st team, NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.
EXPERIENCE
- Played 5 years of professional ball
- Played collegiately at University of South Carolina
- Coached at Nova Southeastern Univ., 2011-2012
- Coached at Charleston Southern Univ., 2014-’16
- Coached Diamond Jacks since 2012
EDUCATION
- University of South Carolina, 2006
- Cooper City High School, Florida, 2002
EXPERTISE
A middle infielder by trade, Chris can instruct on all aspects of the game of baseball.
DID YOU KNOW?
Chris was drafted by the Minnesota Twins out of high school in 2002. He also works as a Realtor.
EXPERIENCE
- Coaching baseball since 2014
- Diamond Jacks 12U; Diamond Jacks 14U-through-18U, 2016-Present
EDUCATION
- Mariner High School, Cape Coral, Fla., 2011
- Mercer County Community College
- Concord University
EXPERTISE
Hitting instruction and all defensive positions in the field.
DID YOU KNOW?
During his high school years, Walter was twice an All-Southwest Florida League selection. His teams won three District championships in high school and two national championships in college.
EXPERIENCE
- Played 1987-'90 at Bridgewater-Raritan West
- Played 1990-'92 at Ramapo College
- Played 1992-'95 at Rowan University
- Coached 2013-Present - Diamond Jacks ages 10-through-13
EDUCATION
- Ramapo College 1990-'92
- Rowan University 1992-'95, Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
DID YOU KNOW?
Mark's 1989 Bridgewater-Raritan West team won a state baseball championship. Mark is an avid golfer and he enjoys spending time with his family.
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- 1989-’92 - Coach, Garden City Community College, Kansas
- 1992-’94 - Coach, Fort Scott Community College, Kansas
- 1994-’96 - Coach, George Mason University, Virginia
- 1996-’97 - Coach, Wilmington (DE) Blue Rocks, Single-A K.C. Royals
- 1998-’02 - Dird. of Player Development, Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
- 1999-’06 - Dir. of Player Dev., Hitting Instructor, 3B coach, Somerset Patriots
- 2002 - Graduated MLB Scout School
- 2003-’08 - Milwaukee Brewers Scout
- 2014 - Perfect Game 15U World Series Champions
- 2004-’09/2015-Present - Coach/Instructor at Diamond Nation
EXPERTISE
Ben’s expertise is in his hitting instruction for both baseball and softball.
DID YOU KNOW
Ben coached a Babe Ruth Baseball state and regional champion in Kansas in 1990. He was head coach of the Elkhart (Kansas) Dusters of the Jayhawks Summer League from 1990-’96.
Experience …
Diamond Nation coach/instructor, 1998-present
Played for Somerset Patriots, 2003-'06
Drafted by Chicago Cubs, 16th round in 1999
Played two years of Class A ball with the Cubs, 1999-'00
Old Dominion University, 1995-'99. Old Dominion Sports Hall of Fame, 2007
Cape Cod League, 1997
Education …
Old Dominion University, '01, Sports Management
Immaculata High School, 1995. Immaculata Sports Hall of Fame, 2011
Expertise …
Infield/Outfield/Hitting, all ages. Tony provides lessons in each area.
Did you know? …
Tony hit 37 home runs at Old Dominion, which is tied for school's all-time career record.
Tony was named to New Jersey's All-State team in both baseball and football at Immaculata.
Tony collects vintage football game-used items. He grew up on Duke Farms in Hillsborough, N.J.
EXPERIENCE
- Assistant coach, Somerville High School, 2019-Present
- Coach, Diamond Jacks, 2020-Present
- Head coach, Piscataway High School, 2010-'14
- Assistant coach, Piscataway High School, 2002-'09
EDUCATION
- Piscataway High School, graduated 1997
- The College of New Jersey, graduated 2001
EXPERTISE
Specializes in hitting/fielding.
DID YOU KNOW?
Jason earned First Team All-Red Division, First Team All-Area, First-Team All Middlesex County and First-Team All State Group 4 in 1997 at Piscataway. He played at The College of New Jersey in 1997-2000. He was an assistant coach at Piscataway High in 2003 when that team won the Greater Middlesex County Tournament championship. Jason was invited to several Major League tryouts.
Experience …
Pitched in 2011 for the Washington Nationals.
He was drafted out of Centenary College in 2006 by the Washington Nationals.
He’s provided lessons at Jack Cust Baseball Academy and Diamond Nation since 2007.
Clinician at Hackettstown High School.
Education …
Centenary College, 2006
Hackettstown High School, 2003.
Expertise …
All facets of pitching.
Coaching philosophy …
Work hard and have fun.
Coach Cole looks up to …
“My dad. He coached me from Little League and until seventh grade.”
Did you know? …
Cole played in parts of six minor league seasons before the Washington Nationals called him up to the major leagues in 2011. He had pitched 13.2 scoreless innings for Triple-A Syracuse to start the season. Cole continued to stay locked in when called up to the Nationals. He allowed just three runs in 14 innings over 12 games to produce a 1.93 ERA. He suffered a shoulder injury after a month in the major leagues and has been working his way back since. He was signed as a free agent by the Yankees last February and pitched this past summer for the Double-A Trenton Thunder.
No information yet
- 2020-present: Current Assistant Coach and Third Base coach of the Junior Varsity team at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, PA
- 2020-present : Head coach of the freshman baseball team at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, PA
- 2015 graduate of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA
- 2014 & 2015 - 2 time selection to Lehigh Valley Carpenter cup
- 2015 - 17 : Played Collegiately Albright College
coming soon
No information yet
Experience …
Drafted in the 25th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2001. “Tyrone Brooks is the scout who drafted me.”
Reached High-A ball with the Braves.
Played seven years in the Atlantic League for Camden Riversharks and Somerset Patriots.
Hitting coach and third base coach for Somerset Patriots, 2010-‘12.
Diamond Nation – Providing lessons and coaching teams, 2006-present.
Education …
University Nebraska, 2001
Shasta Jr. College, California, 1999-‘00 – AA Criminal Justice
Burney Jr./Sr. High School, 1998
Expertise …
Catching and hitting, all ages.
Did you know? …
Travis’ senior class at Burney High had just 42 students. “Actor Craig T. Nelson (Poltergeist) taught at my high school in 1969.” Travis was the leadoff hitter his freshman year at Shasta Junior College. He played high school football and was named Second Team All Northern Section of California as a defensive back. He holds two football records at his high school; he intercepted 14 passes in one season and kicked a 47-yard field goal, the longest in school history. “I almost went to college as a kicker.”
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- Played baseball at Immaculata High School, 1989-’92
- Played baseball in junior college (1993-’94) and at Francis Marion University, 1994-’96
- Coached Hunterdon Pride softball, 2017-’19
- Coached Bridgewater American Legion baseball, 2003-’05
- Coached Bridgewater Baseball 12U, 2001-’03
- Current Finch’s Aces coach
EDUCATION
- Immaculata High School, graduated 1992
- Francis Marion University, graduated 1997
EXPERTISE
Al has coached all facets of softball and baseball.
DID YOU KNOW?
Al was an All-Somerset County and All-State selection at Immaculata in 1991 and ‘92. He was named to the First Team All-America in junior college. Figalora enjoys watching sports, traveling and spending time with his family.
EXPERIENCE
- 1989-’92 - Coach, Garden City Community College, Kansas
- 1992-’94 - Coach, Fort Scott Community College, Kansas
- 1994-’96 - Coach, George Mason University, Virginia
- 1996-’97 - Coach, Wilmington (DE) Blue Rocks, Single-A K.C. Royals
- 1998-’02 - Dird. of Player Development, Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
- 1999-’06 - Dir. of Player Dev., Hitting Instructor, 3B coach, Somerset Patriots
- 2002 - Graduated MLB Scout School
- 2003-’08 - Milwaukee Brewers Scout
- 2014 - Perfect Game 15U World Series Champions
- 2004-’09/2015-Present - Coach/Instructor at Diamond Nation
EXPERTISE
Ben’s expertise is in his hitting instruction for both baseball and softball.
DID YOU KNOW
Ben coached a Babe Ruth Baseball state and regional champion in Kansas in 1990. He was head coach of the Elkhart (Kansas) Dusters of the Jayhawks Summer League from 1990-’96.
coming soon
EXPERIENCE
- Finch’s Aces 12U and 14U, Diamond Nation, 2021-to-Present
- Clinton Twp. Middle School softball coach, 2015-to-Present
- Jersey Fusion, Washington, N.J., assistant coach 2009-’11
EDUCATION
- Centenary University, Hackettstown, N.J., MA Reading Literacy, 2011
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, BA Business Management, 2010
- Immaculate Conception High School, Lodi, NJ, graduated 2006
DID YOU KNOW?
Kelly teaches 7th/8th grade resource room math at Clinton Twp. Middle School. She also likes to hike, bake and do crafts. Gallo was ranked No. 9 academically in her high school class.
coming soon
Experience …
Finch’s Aces Director of Softball Operations, 2008-’17.
Wagner College - Holds record for doubles in a single season. Top five all-time at Wagner in games played, at-bats, hits, doubles, RBI and total bases, 2004-’08.
Hunterdon Central High School - First Team All-State pitcher, 2003 & ’04. All-Hunterdon/
Warren, 2002, ‘03 & ‘’04. Player of the Year, 2004.
Education …
B.S. Business Marketing, Wagner College 2004-’08
Hunterdon Central Regional High School ‘00- ‘04
Expertise …
Pitching, fielding & hitting, all ages
Did you know? …
Ami is very artsy. “My favorite thing outside of softball is doing homemade projects and graphic design. Oh, and I still live my softball dreams through competitive slowpitch! Can’t hang the cleats up yet!” Ami started all four years at Division 1 Wagner, playing in 201 games. She set the career doubles record in 2008. She was an All-Northeast Conference selection and an NEC All-Tournament team honoree. Iwicki creates all the marketing materials we see in all of our daily programs. At Hunterdon Central, Ami’s teams won two sectional championships and posted a 73-11-1 record in 2002-’04. She owns the Hunterdon Central record for strikeouts in a game (20) and is second with 195.1 innings pitched in a season.
EXPERIENCE
- Four-year starter at J.P. Stevens High School, 2014-’18
- Played for NJ Intensity, 2013-’15
- Played for 18U East Coast Elite, 2016-’18
- Four-year starter Adelphi University, 2018-’22
- Coached Finch’s Aces 10U, 14U, 16U 2020-to-Present
- Pitching clinics, North Edison Blue Devils, 2016-’18
EXPERTISE
Ashley has great strengths in the areas of pitching, hitting and defense. “I have a passion for learning both in softball and all things science,” says Ashley, who describes herself as kind of a nerd. “My job as a coach isn’t just helping my players to be successful. It’s also to teach them as many life skills as possible in order to be great, kind people who excel at whatever they choose to do.”
EDUCATION
- J.P. Stevens High School, graduated 2018
- Adelphi University, B.S. in Biology, 2022
DID YOU KNOW
Ashley hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to give Adelphi the 2022 NE-10 Conference championship. That talented Adelphi team went on to win the East Region championship and advance to the Division II National Championships in Denver, Colorado. Lombardi’s Adelphi teams won four straight conference championships during her career. At J.P. Stevens, Ashley was named a Third Team All-State pitcher in 2018. Lombardi is an Andrologist for the Institute of Reproductive Medicine And Science. "I work in Reproductive Medicine/fertility."
EXPERIENCE
- Four-year varsity third baseman for J.P. Stevens High School, 2011-2015
- Played two years of collegiate softball at Montclair State University, 2015-2016
- Coached Finch’s Aces 10U,12U and is currently the 16U head coach.
- Head Coach of J.P. Stevens softball, 2021-2022.
- Volunteer assistant coach at Seton Hall University, 2021
- New Providence Middle School Head Coach 2018-2020
EDUCATION
- J.P. Stevens High School, 2011-’15
- Montclair State University, B.A. in Justice Studies, 2015-’19
- National and State Certified EMT, 2021
DID YOU KNOW?
Amanda is a twin, as is her assistant coach and younger sister, Ashley. Ashley has an identical twin sister named Emily. Amanda has a fraternal twin sister named Samantha.. “If I am not out on the softball field, I am working as a Patient Care Coordinator for the Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Science. And I am an EMT for On Time Transportation.
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- Three-year starter and catcher at North Hunterdon High School, 2014-’17
- Played first base at Wheaton College, Illinois
- Played for Lehigh Valley Legends and the NJ Cheetahs
- Head coach of the Finch’s Aces 12U, 2022
EDUCATION
- North Hunterdon High School, 2014-’17
- Wheaton College, 2017-’21, degree in Elementary Special Education
EXPERTISE
Melissa’s depth of experience makes her valuable coaching corner infield play, catching and hitting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Meiners earned Second Team All-Conference her senior season at Wheaton College. She was named Conference (CCIW) Player of the Week four times. At North Hunterdon, Melissa batted .429 her senior year, was named Second Team All-Area and a Lehigh Valley Player of the Week. Melissa’s players call her “Coach Chips.” She is an 8th Grade science teacher in Lopatcong, N.J. Meiners is busy planning her wedding for April, ‘23.
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- Played catcher at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 1991-’94
- Coached baseball and softball at various levels since 2002
- Coached the Finch’s Aces 11U, 12U and 13U since 2020
EDUCATION
- Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 1994
- Raritan Valley Community College, 1995-’96
EXPERTISE
Russo provides instruction on all facets of softball, including catching.
DID YOU KNOW?
Russo’s Finch’s Aces teams have won six tournament championships and had five runner-up finishes. “Better than the tournament victories, I’ve gotten to see these young ladies grow as people off the field,” he said. David has three daughters and a son. His youngest daughter hopes to be an Ace when she turns 9 in 2023. Russo also enjoys playing golf.
Coming Soon
EXPERIENCE
- Played baseball at J.P. Stevens High School, 2011-’15
- Assistant baseball coach at J.P. Stevens, 2020
- Coaches Finch’s Aces 16U Premier
EDUCATION
- J.P. Stevens High School, graduated 2015
- Middlesex County College, graduated 2017, Fire Science degree
DID YOU KNOW?
Drew played football and winter track at JP Stevens. He became a volunteer firefighter in 2015 and has been a career firefighter since 2020.
EXPERIENCE
Three-year varsity player at Hillsborough High School.
Four-year player and two-year captain at Ramapo College.
EDUCATION:
Ramapo College - Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, 2020
Assistant Coach, Finch's Aces 18U, 14U and 12U teams, Jan. 2022-to-Present.
COACHING EXPERTISE:
Infield, outfield, hitting band base running.
DID YOU KNOW?: Carly made Second Team All Skyland Conference as a junior at Hillsborough. Her 2017 Ramapo College team was a Division 3 regional champion and New Jersey Athletic Conference champions. Carly suffered a back injury her junior year of college and lost much of her senior year to the COVID pandemic.
Carly does creative media work with the Aces and surrounding high school teams, including game photos, media day photos and graphic designs. She also work full time as a marketing manager for a tech company in Princeton.
Experience …
Drafted in the 11th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2000.
Played for Danville in the Appalachian League and the Braves’ rookie team in the Gulf Coast League, 2001
Hitting Coordinator, Diamond Nation, 2008-Present
Assistant varsity coach, North Hunterdon High School (N.J.), 2011
Head coach, Immaculata High School (Somerville, N.J.), 2013-Present
Education …
Kean University, B.A. History, 2012
Immaculata High School, 2000
Expertise …
Hitting, first base and outfield
Did you know? …
Kevin was named First Team All-State by The Star-Ledger in 1999 and 2000. He hit 33 home runs in his high school career, which set a state record. His 16 home runs in 2000 also set a state record. Those records have since been broken. Hillsborough’s Tim Fedroff broke the state record with 34 home runs in a career that ended in 2006. Former Super 17 player Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels) broke the state’s single season record when he hit 18 home runs in 2009 for Millville. Cust’s Immaculata teams never lost a Somerset County Tournament game during his four-year varsity career. Kevin loves basketball, plays in a heavy metal band and speaks Spanish fluently.
Experience
- Former Head Baseball Coach at Hunterdon Central Regional High School from 2000-2016.
- Inducted into the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014.
- His Central teams won over 30 Championships including three NJ State Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2016 as well as 4 Sectional Championships and numerous County, Conference and Invitational Tournament Championships.
- Named Coach of the Year multiple times including the NFHS New Jersey Coach of the Year, the Northeast Region Coach of the Year and the nj.com Coach of the Year as well as numerous other publications.
- He holds the Hunterdon Central Career Wins Record with 314 and his 2009 team has the school record for most wins in a season after going 29-1.
- Former Director of Baseball Operations at Diamond Nation until 2016.
Education
- Rider University – Masters in Education
- The College of New Jersey – B.S. in Health and Physical Education
- The College of New Jersey – B.S. in Corporate Fitness
Expertise
- Hitting, Infield, Outfield and Team Building
Experience …
Coach, instructor, Diamond Nation, Flemington, 2010-Present
Head Coach, Diamond Jacks 10U and 11U teams, 2012-‘13
Head coach, Hunterdon Central summer team 2010 – 2013
Varsity assistant coach, Hunterdon Central High School, 2009-’10
Head coach, Hunterdon Central Junior American Legion 2007-‘10
Elementary School Teacher, New Brunswick – 2010-Present
Education …
Felician College (NJ), 2009
Hunterdon Central High School, 2005.
Expertise …
Fielding, infield and outfield, and hitting
Did you know? …
Mike broke the single season hits and doubles records and career doubles record at Hunterdon Central High School his senior year in 2005. Mike was assistant varsity coach at Hunterdon Central in 2009. That Red Devils team won the NJSIAA Group 4 championship and finished No. 1 in the state.
EXPERIENCE
- Kansas State assistant coach, 2019
- St. John’s assistant coach, 2018
- Oklahoma undergrad assistant coach, 2016
- Starting shortstop, University of Oklahoma, 2014-’15
- Starting shortstop, Howard Junior College, 2013
- University of North Carolina, 2012
EDUCATION
- Hunterdon Central Reg. High School, 2011
- UNC/Howard JC/Oklahoma Univ.
- Oklahoma Univ., 2016 grad
EXPERTISE
- Infield fielding, hitting, base running.
DID YOU KNOW
Josh was selected by the New York Mets in the 2011 MLB Draft. He went 4-for-4 with a HR as a sophomore in the 2009 NJSIAA Group 4 final, triggering Hunterdon Central’s victory over Randolph and its second straight state championship.
Josh is Hunterdon Central’s all-time hits and home runs leader.
Experience …
Drafted in the 25th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2001. “Tyrone Brooks is the scout who drafted me.”
Reached High-A ball with the Braves.
Played seven years in the Atlantic League for Camden Riversharks and Somerset Patriots.
Hitting coach and third base coach for Somerset Patriots, 2010-‘12.
Diamond Nation – Providing lessons and coaching teams, 2006-present.
Education …
University Nebraska, 2001
Shasta Jr. College, California, 1999-‘00 – AA Criminal Justice
Burney Jr./Sr. High School, 1998
Expertise …
Catching and hitting, all ages.
Did you know? …
Travis’ senior class at Burney High had just 42 students. “Actor Craig T. Nelson (Poltergeist) taught at my high school in 1969.” Travis was the leadoff hitter his freshman year at Shasta Junior College. He played high school football and was named Second Team All Northern Section of California as a defensive back. He holds two football records at his high school; he intercepted 14 passes in one season and kicked a 47-yard field goal, the longest in school history. “I almost went to college as a kicker.”
Quick Facts …
- Drafted by the Florida Marlins in 2003
- Pitched 6 seasons of Minor League Baseball posting 25 career wins with a 3.81 ERA and 8 saves
- Won two championships:
- 2009 with the Quebec Capitales in the CANAM League
- 2012 with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the American Association
- Career best year was 2011 with the Lake Erie Crusers going 4-2 with a 1.42 ERA in 30 appearances while striking out 39 and walking 13 in 47 innings.
- Graduated from Florida International University in 2008.
EXPERIENCE
- 2004-’10 - JFK Iselin, varsity assistant
- 2011-’14 - Dunellen High School, head coach
- 2015-Present - Somerville High School, head coach
- 2020-Present - Diamond Jacks 11U, 12U, 14U and 15U teams.
- Banos was also an assistant coach at Dominican College, and a head coach for both New Brunswick AAABA and Edison Post 435.
EDUCATION
- Edison High School (1997)
- Dominican College, New York (2002)
EXPERTISE
Chris can focus on all areas fielding, hitting and pitching.
DID YOU KNOW?
Banos’ was named Courier News Baseball Coach of the Year after his 2018 Somerville High team won the NJSIAA Group 3 championship. He was an assistant coach at JFK-Iselin when that team won the Group 3 championship in 2009. As a sophomore at Edison in 1995, his team won the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament championship. As a player at Dominican, Banos earned several honors in 2001, including Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference 1st Team, CACC All-Tournament Team, NAIA All-Region 1st team, NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.
EXPERIENCE
- Played 5 years of professional ball
- Played collegiately at University of South Carolina
- Coached at Nova Southeastern Univ., 2011-2012
- Coached at Charleston Southern Univ., 2014-’16
- Coached Diamond Jacks since 2012
EDUCATION
- University of South Carolina, 2006
- Cooper City High School, Florida, 2002
EXPERTISE
A middle infielder by trade, Chris can instruct on all aspects of the game of baseball.
DID YOU KNOW?
Chris was drafted by the Minnesota Twins out of high school in 2002. He also works as a Realtor.
EXPERIENCE
- Coaching baseball since 2014
- Diamond Jacks 12U; Diamond Jacks 14U-through-18U, 2016-Present
EDUCATION
- Mariner High School, Cape Coral, Fla., 2011
- Mercer County Community College
- Concord University
EXPERTISE
Hitting instruction and all defensive positions in the field.
DID YOU KNOW?
During his high school years, Walter was twice an All-Southwest Florida League selection. His teams won three District championships in high school and two national championships in college.
EXPERIENCE
- Played 1987-'90 at Bridgewater-Raritan West
- Played 1990-'92 at Ramapo College
- Played 1992-'95 at Rowan University
- Coached 2013-Present - Diamond Jacks ages 10-through-13
EDUCATION
- Ramapo College 1990-'92
- Rowan University 1992-'95, Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
DID YOU KNOW?
Mark's 1989 Bridgewater-Raritan West team won a state baseball championship. Mark is an avid golfer and he enjoys spending time with his family.
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- 1989-’92 - Coach, Garden City Community College, Kansas
- 1992-’94 - Coach, Fort Scott Community College, Kansas
- 1994-’96 - Coach, George Mason University, Virginia
- 1996-’97 - Coach, Wilmington (DE) Blue Rocks, Single-A K.C. Royals
- 1998-’02 - Dird. of Player Development, Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
- 1999-’06 - Dir. of Player Dev., Hitting Instructor, 3B coach, Somerset Patriots
- 2002 - Graduated MLB Scout School
- 2003-’08 - Milwaukee Brewers Scout
- 2014 - Perfect Game 15U World Series Champions
- 2004-’09/2015-Present - Coach/Instructor at Diamond Nation
EXPERTISE
Ben’s expertise is in his hitting instruction for both baseball and softball.
DID YOU KNOW
Ben coached a Babe Ruth Baseball state and regional champion in Kansas in 1990. He was head coach of the Elkhart (Kansas) Dusters of the Jayhawks Summer League from 1990-’96.
Experience …
Diamond Nation coach/instructor, 1998-present
Played for Somerset Patriots, 2003-'06
Drafted by Chicago Cubs, 16th round in 1999
Played two years of Class A ball with the Cubs, 1999-'00
Old Dominion University, 1995-'99. Old Dominion Sports Hall of Fame, 2007
Cape Cod League, 1997
Education …
Old Dominion University, '01, Sports Management
Immaculata High School, 1995. Immaculata Sports Hall of Fame, 2011
Expertise …
Infield/Outfield/Hitting, all ages. Tony provides lessons in each area.
Did you know? …
Tony hit 37 home runs at Old Dominion, which is tied for school's all-time career record.
Tony was named to New Jersey's All-State team in both baseball and football at Immaculata.
Tony collects vintage football game-used items. He grew up on Duke Farms in Hillsborough, N.J.
EXPERIENCE
- Assistant coach, Somerville High School, 2019-Present
- Coach, Diamond Jacks, 2020-Present
- Head coach, Piscataway High School, 2010-'14
- Assistant coach, Piscataway High School, 2002-'09
EDUCATION
- Piscataway High School, graduated 1997
- The College of New Jersey, graduated 2001
EXPERTISE
Specializes in hitting/fielding.
DID YOU KNOW?
Jason earned First Team All-Red Division, First Team All-Area, First-Team All Middlesex County and First-Team All State Group 4 in 1997 at Piscataway. He played at The College of New Jersey in 1997-2000. He was an assistant coach at Piscataway High in 2003 when that team won the Greater Middlesex County Tournament championship. Jason was invited to several Major League tryouts.
Experience …
Pitched in 2011 for the Washington Nationals.
He was drafted out of Centenary College in 2006 by the Washington Nationals.
He’s provided lessons at Jack Cust Baseball Academy and Diamond Nation since 2007.
Clinician at Hackettstown High School.
Education …
Centenary College, 2006
Hackettstown High School, 2003.
Expertise …
All facets of pitching.
Coaching philosophy …
Work hard and have fun.
Coach Cole looks up to …
“My dad. He coached me from Little League and until seventh grade.”
Did you know? …
Cole played in parts of six minor league seasons before the Washington Nationals called him up to the major leagues in 2011. He had pitched 13.2 scoreless innings for Triple-A Syracuse to start the season. Cole continued to stay locked in when called up to the Nationals. He allowed just three runs in 14 innings over 12 games to produce a 1.93 ERA. He suffered a shoulder injury after a month in the major leagues and has been working his way back since. He was signed as a free agent by the Yankees last February and pitched this past summer for the Double-A Trenton Thunder.
No information yet
- 2020-present: Current Assistant Coach and Third Base coach of the Junior Varsity team at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, PA
- 2020-present : Head coach of the freshman baseball team at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, PA
- 2015 graduate of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA
- 2014 & 2015 - 2 time selection to Lehigh Valley Carpenter cup
- 2015 - 17 : Played Collegiately Albright College
coming soon
No information yet
Experience …
Drafted in the 25th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2001. “Tyrone Brooks is the scout who drafted me.”
Reached High-A ball with the Braves.
Played seven years in the Atlantic League for Camden Riversharks and Somerset Patriots.
Hitting coach and third base coach for Somerset Patriots, 2010-‘12.
Diamond Nation – Providing lessons and coaching teams, 2006-present.
Education …
University Nebraska, 2001
Shasta Jr. College, California, 1999-‘00 – AA Criminal Justice
Burney Jr./Sr. High School, 1998
Expertise …
Catching and hitting, all ages.
Did you know? …
Travis’ senior class at Burney High had just 42 students. “Actor Craig T. Nelson (Poltergeist) taught at my high school in 1969.” Travis was the leadoff hitter his freshman year at Shasta Junior College. He played high school football and was named Second Team All Northern Section of California as a defensive back. He holds two football records at his high school; he intercepted 14 passes in one season and kicked a 47-yard field goal, the longest in school history. “I almost went to college as a kicker.”
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- Played baseball at Immaculata High School, 1989-’92
- Played baseball in junior college (1993-’94) and at Francis Marion University, 1994-’96
- Coached Hunterdon Pride softball, 2017-’19
- Coached Bridgewater American Legion baseball, 2003-’05
- Coached Bridgewater Baseball 12U, 2001-’03
- Current Finch’s Aces coach
EDUCATION
- Immaculata High School, graduated 1992
- Francis Marion University, graduated 1997
EXPERTISE
Al has coached all facets of softball and baseball.
DID YOU KNOW?
Al was an All-Somerset County and All-State selection at Immaculata in 1991 and ‘92. He was named to the First Team All-America in junior college. Figalora enjoys watching sports, traveling and spending time with his family.
EXPERIENCE
- 1989-’92 - Coach, Garden City Community College, Kansas
- 1992-’94 - Coach, Fort Scott Community College, Kansas
- 1994-’96 - Coach, George Mason University, Virginia
- 1996-’97 - Coach, Wilmington (DE) Blue Rocks, Single-A K.C. Royals
- 1998-’02 - Dird. of Player Development, Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
- 1999-’06 - Dir. of Player Dev., Hitting Instructor, 3B coach, Somerset Patriots
- 2002 - Graduated MLB Scout School
- 2003-’08 - Milwaukee Brewers Scout
- 2014 - Perfect Game 15U World Series Champions
- 2004-’09/2015-Present - Coach/Instructor at Diamond Nation
EXPERTISE
Ben’s expertise is in his hitting instruction for both baseball and softball.
DID YOU KNOW
Ben coached a Babe Ruth Baseball state and regional champion in Kansas in 1990. He was head coach of the Elkhart (Kansas) Dusters of the Jayhawks Summer League from 1990-’96.
coming soon
EXPERIENCE
- Finch’s Aces 12U and 14U, Diamond Nation, 2021-to-Present
- Clinton Twp. Middle School softball coach, 2015-to-Present
- Jersey Fusion, Washington, N.J., assistant coach 2009-’11
EDUCATION
- Centenary University, Hackettstown, N.J., MA Reading Literacy, 2011
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, BA Business Management, 2010
- Immaculate Conception High School, Lodi, NJ, graduated 2006
DID YOU KNOW?
Kelly teaches 7th/8th grade resource room math at Clinton Twp. Middle School. She also likes to hike, bake and do crafts. Gallo was ranked No. 9 academically in her high school class.
coming soon
Experience …
Finch’s Aces Director of Softball Operations, 2008-’17.
Wagner College - Holds record for doubles in a single season. Top five all-time at Wagner in games played, at-bats, hits, doubles, RBI and total bases, 2004-’08.
Hunterdon Central High School - First Team All-State pitcher, 2003 & ’04. All-Hunterdon/
Warren, 2002, ‘03 & ‘’04. Player of the Year, 2004.
Education …
B.S. Business Marketing, Wagner College 2004-’08
Hunterdon Central Regional High School ‘00- ‘04
Expertise …
Pitching, fielding & hitting, all ages
Did you know? …
Ami is very artsy. “My favorite thing outside of softball is doing homemade projects and graphic design. Oh, and I still live my softball dreams through competitive slowpitch! Can’t hang the cleats up yet!” Ami started all four years at Division 1 Wagner, playing in 201 games. She set the career doubles record in 2008. She was an All-Northeast Conference selection and an NEC All-Tournament team honoree. Iwicki creates all the marketing materials we see in all of our daily programs. At Hunterdon Central, Ami’s teams won two sectional championships and posted a 73-11-1 record in 2002-’04. She owns the Hunterdon Central record for strikeouts in a game (20) and is second with 195.1 innings pitched in a season.
EXPERIENCE
- Four-year starter at J.P. Stevens High School, 2014-’18
- Played for NJ Intensity, 2013-’15
- Played for 18U East Coast Elite, 2016-’18
- Four-year starter Adelphi University, 2018-’22
- Coached Finch’s Aces 10U, 14U, 16U 2020-to-Present
- Pitching clinics, North Edison Blue Devils, 2016-’18
EXPERTISE
Ashley has great strengths in the areas of pitching, hitting and defense. “I have a passion for learning both in softball and all things science,” says Ashley, who describes herself as kind of a nerd. “My job as a coach isn’t just helping my players to be successful. It’s also to teach them as many life skills as possible in order to be great, kind people who excel at whatever they choose to do.”
EDUCATION
- J.P. Stevens High School, graduated 2018
- Adelphi University, B.S. in Biology, 2022
DID YOU KNOW
Ashley hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to give Adelphi the 2022 NE-10 Conference championship. That talented Adelphi team went on to win the East Region championship and advance to the Division II National Championships in Denver, Colorado. Lombardi’s Adelphi teams won four straight conference championships during her career. At J.P. Stevens, Ashley was named a Third Team All-State pitcher in 2018. Lombardi is an Andrologist for the Institute of Reproductive Medicine And Science. "I work in Reproductive Medicine/fertility."
EXPERIENCE
- Four-year varsity third baseman for J.P. Stevens High School, 2011-2015
- Played two years of collegiate softball at Montclair State University, 2015-2016
- Coached Finch’s Aces 10U,12U and is currently the 16U head coach.
- Head Coach of J.P. Stevens softball, 2021-2022.
- Volunteer assistant coach at Seton Hall University, 2021
- New Providence Middle School Head Coach 2018-2020
EDUCATION
- J.P. Stevens High School, 2011-’15
- Montclair State University, B.A. in Justice Studies, 2015-’19
- National and State Certified EMT, 2021
DID YOU KNOW?
Amanda is a twin, as is her assistant coach and younger sister, Ashley. Ashley has an identical twin sister named Emily. Amanda has a fraternal twin sister named Samantha.. “If I am not out on the softball field, I am working as a Patient Care Coordinator for the Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Science. And I am an EMT for On Time Transportation.
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- Three-year starter and catcher at North Hunterdon High School, 2014-’17
- Played first base at Wheaton College, Illinois
- Played for Lehigh Valley Legends and the NJ Cheetahs
- Head coach of the Finch’s Aces 12U, 2022
EDUCATION
- North Hunterdon High School, 2014-’17
- Wheaton College, 2017-’21, degree in Elementary Special Education
EXPERTISE
Melissa’s depth of experience makes her valuable coaching corner infield play, catching and hitting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Meiners earned Second Team All-Conference her senior season at Wheaton College. She was named Conference (CCIW) Player of the Week four times. At North Hunterdon, Melissa batted .429 her senior year, was named Second Team All-Area and a Lehigh Valley Player of the Week. Melissa’s players call her “Coach Chips.” She is an 8th Grade science teacher in Lopatcong, N.J. Meiners is busy planning her wedding for April, ‘23.
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- Played catcher at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 1991-’94
- Coached baseball and softball at various levels since 2002
- Coached the Finch’s Aces 11U, 12U and 13U since 2020
EDUCATION
- Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 1994
- Raritan Valley Community College, 1995-’96
EXPERTISE
Russo provides instruction on all facets of softball, including catching.
DID YOU KNOW?
Russo’s Finch’s Aces teams have won six tournament championships and had five runner-up finishes. “Better than the tournament victories, I’ve gotten to see these young ladies grow as people off the field,” he said. David has three daughters and a son. His youngest daughter hopes to be an Ace when she turns 9 in 2023. Russo also enjoys playing golf.
Coming Soon
EXPERIENCE
- Played baseball at J.P. Stevens High School, 2011-’15
- Assistant baseball coach at J.P. Stevens, 2020
- Coaches Finch’s Aces 16U Premier
EDUCATION
- J.P. Stevens High School, graduated 2015
- Middlesex County College, graduated 2017, Fire Science degree
DID YOU KNOW?
Drew played football and winter track at JP Stevens. He became a volunteer firefighter in 2015 and has been a career firefighter since 2020.
EXPERIENCE
Three-year varsity player at Hillsborough High School.
Four-year player and two-year captain at Ramapo College.
EDUCATION:
Ramapo College - Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, 2020
Assistant Coach, Finch's Aces 18U, 14U and 12U teams, Jan. 2022-to-Present.
COACHING EXPERTISE:
Infield, outfield, hitting band base running.
DID YOU KNOW?: Carly made Second Team All Skyland Conference as a junior at Hillsborough. Her 2017 Ramapo College team was a Division 3 regional champion and New Jersey Athletic Conference champions. Carly suffered a back injury her junior year of college and lost much of her senior year to the COVID pandemic.
Carly does creative media work with the Aces and surrounding high school teams, including game photos, media day photos and graphic designs. She also work full time as a marketing manager for a tech company in Princeton.
Experience …
Drafted in the 11th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2000.
Played for Danville in the Appalachian League and the Braves’ rookie team in the Gulf Coast League, 2001
Hitting Coordinator, Diamond Nation, 2008-Present
Assistant varsity coach, North Hunterdon High School (N.J.), 2011
Head coach, Immaculata High School (Somerville, N.J.), 2013-Present
Education …
Kean University, B.A. History, 2012
Immaculata High School, 2000
Expertise …
Hitting, first base and outfield
Did you know? …
Kevin was named First Team All-State by The Star-Ledger in 1999 and 2000. He hit 33 home runs in his high school career, which set a state record. His 16 home runs in 2000 also set a state record. Those records have since been broken. Hillsborough’s Tim Fedroff broke the state record with 34 home runs in a career that ended in 2006. Former Super 17 player Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels) broke the state’s single season record when he hit 18 home runs in 2009 for Millville. Cust’s Immaculata teams never lost a Somerset County Tournament game during his four-year varsity career. Kevin loves basketball, plays in a heavy metal band and speaks Spanish fluently.
Experience
- Former Head Baseball Coach at Hunterdon Central Regional High School from 2000-2016.
- Inducted into the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014.
- His Central teams won over 30 Championships including three NJ State Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2016 as well as 4 Sectional Championships and numerous County, Conference and Invitational Tournament Championships.
- Named Coach of the Year multiple times including the NFHS New Jersey Coach of the Year, the Northeast Region Coach of the Year and the nj.com Coach of the Year as well as numerous other publications.
- He holds the Hunterdon Central Career Wins Record with 314 and his 2009 team has the school record for most wins in a season after going 29-1.
- Former Director of Baseball Operations at Diamond Nation until 2016.
Education
- Rider University – Masters in Education
- The College of New Jersey – B.S. in Health and Physical Education
- The College of New Jersey – B.S. in Corporate Fitness
Expertise
- Hitting, Infield, Outfield and Team Building
Experience …
Coach, instructor, Diamond Nation, Flemington, 2010-Present
Head Coach, Diamond Jacks 10U and 11U teams, 2012-‘13
Head coach, Hunterdon Central summer team 2010 – 2013
Varsity assistant coach, Hunterdon Central High School, 2009-’10
Head coach, Hunterdon Central Junior American Legion 2007-‘10
Elementary School Teacher, New Brunswick – 2010-Present
Education …
Felician College (NJ), 2009
Hunterdon Central High School, 2005.
Expertise …
Fielding, infield and outfield, and hitting
Did you know? …
Mike broke the single season hits and doubles records and career doubles record at Hunterdon Central High School his senior year in 2005. Mike was assistant varsity coach at Hunterdon Central in 2009. That Red Devils team won the NJSIAA Group 4 championship and finished No. 1 in the state.
EXPERIENCE
- Kansas State assistant coach, 2019
- St. John’s assistant coach, 2018
- Oklahoma undergrad assistant coach, 2016
- Starting shortstop, University of Oklahoma, 2014-’15
- Starting shortstop, Howard Junior College, 2013
- University of North Carolina, 2012
EDUCATION
- Hunterdon Central Reg. High School, 2011
- UNC/Howard JC/Oklahoma Univ.
- Oklahoma Univ., 2016 grad
EXPERTISE
- Infield fielding, hitting, base running.
DID YOU KNOW
Josh was selected by the New York Mets in the 2011 MLB Draft. He went 4-for-4 with a HR as a sophomore in the 2009 NJSIAA Group 4 final, triggering Hunterdon Central’s victory over Randolph and its second straight state championship.
Josh is Hunterdon Central’s all-time hits and home runs leader.
Experience …
Drafted in the 25th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2001. “Tyrone Brooks is the scout who drafted me.”
Reached High-A ball with the Braves.
Played seven years in the Atlantic League for Camden Riversharks and Somerset Patriots.
Hitting coach and third base coach for Somerset Patriots, 2010-‘12.
Diamond Nation – Providing lessons and coaching teams, 2006-present.
Education …
University Nebraska, 2001
Shasta Jr. College, California, 1999-‘00 – AA Criminal Justice
Burney Jr./Sr. High School, 1998
Expertise …
Catching and hitting, all ages.
Did you know? …
Travis’ senior class at Burney High had just 42 students. “Actor Craig T. Nelson (Poltergeist) taught at my high school in 1969.” Travis was the leadoff hitter his freshman year at Shasta Junior College. He played high school football and was named Second Team All Northern Section of California as a defensive back. He holds two football records at his high school; he intercepted 14 passes in one season and kicked a 47-yard field goal, the longest in school history. “I almost went to college as a kicker.”
Quick Facts …
- Drafted by the Florida Marlins in 2003
- Pitched 6 seasons of Minor League Baseball posting 25 career wins with a 3.81 ERA and 8 saves
- Won two championships:
- 2009 with the Quebec Capitales in the CANAM League
- 2012 with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the American Association
- Career best year was 2011 with the Lake Erie Crusers going 4-2 with a 1.42 ERA in 30 appearances while striking out 39 and walking 13 in 47 innings.
- Graduated from Florida International University in 2008.
EXPERIENCE
- 2004-’10 - JFK Iselin, varsity assistant
- 2011-’14 - Dunellen High School, head coach
- 2015-Present - Somerville High School, head coach
- 2020-Present - Diamond Jacks 11U, 12U, 14U and 15U teams.
- Banos was also an assistant coach at Dominican College, and a head coach for both New Brunswick AAABA and Edison Post 435.
EDUCATION
- Edison High School (1997)
- Dominican College, New York (2002)
EXPERTISE
Chris can focus on all areas fielding, hitting and pitching.
DID YOU KNOW?
Banos’ was named Courier News Baseball Coach of the Year after his 2018 Somerville High team won the NJSIAA Group 3 championship. He was an assistant coach at JFK-Iselin when that team won the Group 3 championship in 2009. As a sophomore at Edison in 1995, his team won the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament championship. As a player at Dominican, Banos earned several honors in 2001, including Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference 1st Team, CACC All-Tournament Team, NAIA All-Region 1st team, NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.
EXPERIENCE
- Played 5 years of professional ball
- Played collegiately at University of South Carolina
- Coached at Nova Southeastern Univ., 2011-2012
- Coached at Charleston Southern Univ., 2014-’16
- Coached Diamond Jacks since 2012
EDUCATION
- University of South Carolina, 2006
- Cooper City High School, Florida, 2002
EXPERTISE
A middle infielder by trade, Chris can instruct on all aspects of the game of baseball.
DID YOU KNOW?
Chris was drafted by the Minnesota Twins out of high school in 2002. He also works as a Realtor.
EXPERIENCE
- Coaching baseball since 2014
- Diamond Jacks 12U; Diamond Jacks 14U-through-18U, 2016-Present
EDUCATION
- Mariner High School, Cape Coral, Fla., 2011
- Mercer County Community College
- Concord University
EXPERTISE
Hitting instruction and all defensive positions in the field.
DID YOU KNOW?
During his high school years, Walter was twice an All-Southwest Florida League selection. His teams won three District championships in high school and two national championships in college.
EXPERIENCE
- Played 1987-'90 at Bridgewater-Raritan West
- Played 1990-'92 at Ramapo College
- Played 1992-'95 at Rowan University
- Coached 2013-Present - Diamond Jacks ages 10-through-13
EDUCATION
- Ramapo College 1990-'92
- Rowan University 1992-'95, Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
DID YOU KNOW?
Mark's 1989 Bridgewater-Raritan West team won a state baseball championship. Mark is an avid golfer and he enjoys spending time with his family.
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- 1989-’92 - Coach, Garden City Community College, Kansas
- 1992-’94 - Coach, Fort Scott Community College, Kansas
- 1994-’96 - Coach, George Mason University, Virginia
- 1996-’97 - Coach, Wilmington (DE) Blue Rocks, Single-A K.C. Royals
- 1998-’02 - Dird. of Player Development, Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
- 1999-’06 - Dir. of Player Dev., Hitting Instructor, 3B coach, Somerset Patriots
- 2002 - Graduated MLB Scout School
- 2003-’08 - Milwaukee Brewers Scout
- 2014 - Perfect Game 15U World Series Champions
- 2004-’09/2015-Present - Coach/Instructor at Diamond Nation
EXPERTISE
Ben’s expertise is in his hitting instruction for both baseball and softball.
DID YOU KNOW
Ben coached a Babe Ruth Baseball state and regional champion in Kansas in 1990. He was head coach of the Elkhart (Kansas) Dusters of the Jayhawks Summer League from 1990-’96.
Experience …
Diamond Nation coach/instructor, 1998-present
Played for Somerset Patriots, 2003-'06
Drafted by Chicago Cubs, 16th round in 1999
Played two years of Class A ball with the Cubs, 1999-'00
Old Dominion University, 1995-'99. Old Dominion Sports Hall of Fame, 2007
Cape Cod League, 1997
Education …
Old Dominion University, '01, Sports Management
Immaculata High School, 1995. Immaculata Sports Hall of Fame, 2011
Expertise …
Infield/Outfield/Hitting, all ages. Tony provides lessons in each area.
Did you know? …
Tony hit 37 home runs at Old Dominion, which is tied for school's all-time career record.
Tony was named to New Jersey's All-State team in both baseball and football at Immaculata.
Tony collects vintage football game-used items. He grew up on Duke Farms in Hillsborough, N.J.
EXPERIENCE
- Assistant coach, Somerville High School, 2019-Present
- Coach, Diamond Jacks, 2020-Present
- Head coach, Piscataway High School, 2010-'14
- Assistant coach, Piscataway High School, 2002-'09
EDUCATION
- Piscataway High School, graduated 1997
- The College of New Jersey, graduated 2001
EXPERTISE
Specializes in hitting/fielding.
DID YOU KNOW?
Jason earned First Team All-Red Division, First Team All-Area, First-Team All Middlesex County and First-Team All State Group 4 in 1997 at Piscataway. He played at The College of New Jersey in 1997-2000. He was an assistant coach at Piscataway High in 2003 when that team won the Greater Middlesex County Tournament championship. Jason was invited to several Major League tryouts.
Experience …
Pitched in 2011 for the Washington Nationals.
He was drafted out of Centenary College in 2006 by the Washington Nationals.
He’s provided lessons at Jack Cust Baseball Academy and Diamond Nation since 2007.
Clinician at Hackettstown High School.
Education …
Centenary College, 2006
Hackettstown High School, 2003.
Expertise …
All facets of pitching.
Coaching philosophy …
Work hard and have fun.
Coach Cole looks up to …
“My dad. He coached me from Little League and until seventh grade.”
Did you know? …
Cole played in parts of six minor league seasons before the Washington Nationals called him up to the major leagues in 2011. He had pitched 13.2 scoreless innings for Triple-A Syracuse to start the season. Cole continued to stay locked in when called up to the Nationals. He allowed just three runs in 14 innings over 12 games to produce a 1.93 ERA. He suffered a shoulder injury after a month in the major leagues and has been working his way back since. He was signed as a free agent by the Yankees last February and pitched this past summer for the Double-A Trenton Thunder.
No information yet
- 2020-present: Current Assistant Coach and Third Base coach of the Junior Varsity team at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, PA
- 2020-present : Head coach of the freshman baseball team at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, PA
- 2015 graduate of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA
- 2014 & 2015 - 2 time selection to Lehigh Valley Carpenter cup
- 2015 - 17 : Played Collegiately Albright College
coming soon
No information yet
Experience …
Drafted in the 25th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2001. “Tyrone Brooks is the scout who drafted me.”
Reached High-A ball with the Braves.
Played seven years in the Atlantic League for Camden Riversharks and Somerset Patriots.
Hitting coach and third base coach for Somerset Patriots, 2010-‘12.
Diamond Nation – Providing lessons and coaching teams, 2006-present.
Education …
University Nebraska, 2001
Shasta Jr. College, California, 1999-‘00 – AA Criminal Justice
Burney Jr./Sr. High School, 1998
Expertise …
Catching and hitting, all ages.
Did you know? …
Travis’ senior class at Burney High had just 42 students. “Actor Craig T. Nelson (Poltergeist) taught at my high school in 1969.” Travis was the leadoff hitter his freshman year at Shasta Junior College. He played high school football and was named Second Team All Northern Section of California as a defensive back. He holds two football records at his high school; he intercepted 14 passes in one season and kicked a 47-yard field goal, the longest in school history. “I almost went to college as a kicker.”
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- Played baseball at Immaculata High School, 1989-’92
- Played baseball in junior college (1993-’94) and at Francis Marion University, 1994-’96
- Coached Hunterdon Pride softball, 2017-’19
- Coached Bridgewater American Legion baseball, 2003-’05
- Coached Bridgewater Baseball 12U, 2001-’03
- Current Finch’s Aces coach
EDUCATION
- Immaculata High School, graduated 1992
- Francis Marion University, graduated 1997
EXPERTISE
Al has coached all facets of softball and baseball.
DID YOU KNOW?
Al was an All-Somerset County and All-State selection at Immaculata in 1991 and ‘92. He was named to the First Team All-America in junior college. Figalora enjoys watching sports, traveling and spending time with his family.
EXPERIENCE
- 1989-’92 - Coach, Garden City Community College, Kansas
- 1992-’94 - Coach, Fort Scott Community College, Kansas
- 1994-’96 - Coach, George Mason University, Virginia
- 1996-’97 - Coach, Wilmington (DE) Blue Rocks, Single-A K.C. Royals
- 1998-’02 - Dird. of Player Development, Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
- 1999-’06 - Dir. of Player Dev., Hitting Instructor, 3B coach, Somerset Patriots
- 2002 - Graduated MLB Scout School
- 2003-’08 - Milwaukee Brewers Scout
- 2014 - Perfect Game 15U World Series Champions
- 2004-’09/2015-Present - Coach/Instructor at Diamond Nation
EXPERTISE
Ben’s expertise is in his hitting instruction for both baseball and softball.
DID YOU KNOW
Ben coached a Babe Ruth Baseball state and regional champion in Kansas in 1990. He was head coach of the Elkhart (Kansas) Dusters of the Jayhawks Summer League from 1990-’96.
coming soon
EXPERIENCE
- Finch’s Aces 12U and 14U, Diamond Nation, 2021-to-Present
- Clinton Twp. Middle School softball coach, 2015-to-Present
- Jersey Fusion, Washington, N.J., assistant coach 2009-’11
EDUCATION
- Centenary University, Hackettstown, N.J., MA Reading Literacy, 2011
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, BA Business Management, 2010
- Immaculate Conception High School, Lodi, NJ, graduated 2006
DID YOU KNOW?
Kelly teaches 7th/8th grade resource room math at Clinton Twp. Middle School. She also likes to hike, bake and do crafts. Gallo was ranked No. 9 academically in her high school class.
coming soon
Experience …
Finch’s Aces Director of Softball Operations, 2008-’17.
Wagner College - Holds record for doubles in a single season. Top five all-time at Wagner in games played, at-bats, hits, doubles, RBI and total bases, 2004-’08.
Hunterdon Central High School - First Team All-State pitcher, 2003 & ’04. All-Hunterdon/
Warren, 2002, ‘03 & ‘’04. Player of the Year, 2004.
Education …
B.S. Business Marketing, Wagner College 2004-’08
Hunterdon Central Regional High School ‘00- ‘04
Expertise …
Pitching, fielding & hitting, all ages
Did you know? …
Ami is very artsy. “My favorite thing outside of softball is doing homemade projects and graphic design. Oh, and I still live my softball dreams through competitive slowpitch! Can’t hang the cleats up yet!” Ami started all four years at Division 1 Wagner, playing in 201 games. She set the career doubles record in 2008. She was an All-Northeast Conference selection and an NEC All-Tournament team honoree. Iwicki creates all the marketing materials we see in all of our daily programs. At Hunterdon Central, Ami’s teams won two sectional championships and posted a 73-11-1 record in 2002-’04. She owns the Hunterdon Central record for strikeouts in a game (20) and is second with 195.1 innings pitched in a season.
EXPERIENCE
- Four-year starter at J.P. Stevens High School, 2014-’18
- Played for NJ Intensity, 2013-’15
- Played for 18U East Coast Elite, 2016-’18
- Four-year starter Adelphi University, 2018-’22
- Coached Finch’s Aces 10U, 14U, 16U 2020-to-Present
- Pitching clinics, North Edison Blue Devils, 2016-’18
EXPERTISE
Ashley has great strengths in the areas of pitching, hitting and defense. “I have a passion for learning both in softball and all things science,” says Ashley, who describes herself as kind of a nerd. “My job as a coach isn’t just helping my players to be successful. It’s also to teach them as many life skills as possible in order to be great, kind people who excel at whatever they choose to do.”
EDUCATION
- J.P. Stevens High School, graduated 2018
- Adelphi University, B.S. in Biology, 2022
DID YOU KNOW
Ashley hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to give Adelphi the 2022 NE-10 Conference championship. That talented Adelphi team went on to win the East Region championship and advance to the Division II National Championships in Denver, Colorado. Lombardi’s Adelphi teams won four straight conference championships during her career. At J.P. Stevens, Ashley was named a Third Team All-State pitcher in 2018. Lombardi is an Andrologist for the Institute of Reproductive Medicine And Science. "I work in Reproductive Medicine/fertility."
EXPERIENCE
- Four-year varsity third baseman for J.P. Stevens High School, 2011-2015
- Played two years of collegiate softball at Montclair State University, 2015-2016
- Coached Finch’s Aces 10U,12U and is currently the 16U head coach.
- Head Coach of J.P. Stevens softball, 2021-2022.
- Volunteer assistant coach at Seton Hall University, 2021
- New Providence Middle School Head Coach 2018-2020
EDUCATION
- J.P. Stevens High School, 2011-’15
- Montclair State University, B.A. in Justice Studies, 2015-’19
- National and State Certified EMT, 2021
DID YOU KNOW?
Amanda is a twin, as is her assistant coach and younger sister, Ashley. Ashley has an identical twin sister named Emily. Amanda has a fraternal twin sister named Samantha.. “If I am not out on the softball field, I am working as a Patient Care Coordinator for the Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Science. And I am an EMT for On Time Transportation.
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- Three-year starter and catcher at North Hunterdon High School, 2014-’17
- Played first base at Wheaton College, Illinois
- Played for Lehigh Valley Legends and the NJ Cheetahs
- Head coach of the Finch’s Aces 12U, 2022
EDUCATION
- North Hunterdon High School, 2014-’17
- Wheaton College, 2017-’21, degree in Elementary Special Education
EXPERTISE
Melissa’s depth of experience makes her valuable coaching corner infield play, catching and hitting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Meiners earned Second Team All-Conference her senior season at Wheaton College. She was named Conference (CCIW) Player of the Week four times. At North Hunterdon, Melissa batted .429 her senior year, was named Second Team All-Area and a Lehigh Valley Player of the Week. Melissa’s players call her “Coach Chips.” She is an 8th Grade science teacher in Lopatcong, N.J. Meiners is busy planning her wedding for April, ‘23.
No information yet
EXPERIENCE
- Played catcher at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 1991-’94
- Coached baseball and softball at various levels since 2002
- Coached the Finch’s Aces 11U, 12U and 13U since 2020
EDUCATION
- Bridgewater-Raritan High School, 1994
- Raritan Valley Community College, 1995-’96
EXPERTISE
Russo provides instruction on all facets of softball, including catching.
DID YOU KNOW?
Russo’s Finch’s Aces teams have won six tournament championships and had five runner-up finishes. “Better than the tournament victories, I’ve gotten to see these young ladies grow as people off the field,” he said. David has three daughters and a son. His youngest daughter hopes to be an Ace when she turns 9 in 2023. Russo also enjoys playing golf.
Coming Soon
EXPERIENCE
- Played baseball at J.P. Stevens High School, 2011-’15
- Assistant baseball coach at J.P. Stevens, 2020
- Coaches Finch’s Aces 16U Premier
EDUCATION
- J.P. Stevens High School, graduated 2015
- Middlesex County College, graduated 2017, Fire Science degree
DID YOU KNOW?
Drew played football and winter track at JP Stevens. He became a volunteer firefighter in 2015 and has been a career firefighter since 2020.
EXPERIENCE
Three-year varsity player at Hillsborough High School.
Four-year player and two-year captain at Ramapo College.
EDUCATION:
Ramapo College - Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, 2020
Assistant Coach, Finch's Aces 18U, 14U and 12U teams, Jan. 2022-to-Present.
COACHING EXPERTISE:
Infield, outfield, hitting band base running.
DID YOU KNOW?: Carly made Second Team All Skyland Conference as a junior at Hillsborough. Her 2017 Ramapo College team was a Division 3 regional champion and New Jersey Athletic Conference champions. Carly suffered a back injury her junior year of college and lost much of her senior year to the COVID pandemic.
Carly does creative media work with the Aces and surrounding high school teams, including game photos, media day photos and graphic designs. She also work full time as a marketing manager for a tech company in Princeton.