NCSA Baseball Recruiting Coaches

Andy Drake

CoachAndyDrake@ncsasports.org | 312-624-7445 | Calvin College

I am a former head baseball coach and recruiting coordinator at the college level and have worked to help thousands of baseball players and their families through the recruiting process while here at NCSA. I also spent 10 years as a high school teacher, baseball coach, and athletic director, so I am able to use lots of experiences on all sides of the process to help families through this journey. I am still involved in baseball in many ways: coaching 9U travel baseball, helping run local baseball camps, and hosting local summer collegiate league baseball players in my home.

My childhood was spent growing up in Ohio, so I am a Buckeye born and raised. I also love rooting on my Cleveland sports teams. My college years were spent at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After spending some time coaching college baseball in the Philadelphia area, I ended up back in Michigan where I currently live and work from home in the Kalamazoo area.

I was a kid that was not recruited out of high school and had to make my own way to find an opportunity. I only had two at-bats on the varsity team in my junior year of high school, so don’t ever let your experiences, coaches, or anything else keep you from achieving your dreams. Control what you can control—your attitude, work ethic, being a good teammate, etc.—and if you do that, you can play college baseball.

Ray Napientek

CoachRNapientek@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4644 | North Central College

I joined NCSA to provide families with help in the recruiting process. I enjoy college athletics but, more importantly, I know the importance of a college education. Being able to help guide families in the recruiting process is very rewarding. I understand the commitment it takes to be recruited. Recruiting is an exciting time in a student-athletes’s life.

My background allows me to be an excellent resource for NCSA families. I spent four seasons as a Division III baseball player at North Central College. I earned All-Conference honors while helping our team to two conference championships in my four seasons. I then went on to coach one season at North Park University, a Division III school in Chicago. I had the honor to coach at St. Patrick High School in Chicago, my alma mater, and was part of the runner-up in the state championship game. My next nine seasons were spent at the Division I level. I worked at Northern Illinois University and Chicago State in many different roles.

Spending time as a pitching coach, recruiting coordinator and associate head coach allowed me to view recruiting from a few different angles and understand the recruiting process on a whole different level. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and can usually be found at the Chicago Blackhawks’ game.

Davide Harris

CoachDHarris@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4629 | Lawrence University

As my high school playing days were counting down, I knew a few things: I wasn’t going to go pro (or Division I for that matter), I loved the game and I had a drive to continue my career. Playing at Lawrence University, a Division III school in Appleton, Wisconsin, shaped me into the person I am today. I was able to put together a solid career there and came out with two Silver Slugger awards, a Gold Glove, an MVP, and named to an All-American team my senior season. Besides the unforgettable memories I made on and off the field with my teammates, I also received an excellent education at a strong liberal arts university. Education is always something I want my kids to search for in this process to help them find the best fit. After I graduated, I had numerous sports experiences before NCSA working for companies like Perfect Game and the San Diego Padres which really have helped me feel comfortable in my current role here. I came to NCSA for this job because I strongly believe in honest evaluation, and I want to do everything in my power to help kids who are at a crucial stage in their lives. My favorite part about working at NCSA is being the connection piece between the student-athlete and the college coach. Giving that kid the tools to succeed in recruiting is something I believe can really translate as they grow up through college and beyond. I feel valuable with the work I do for my family and have a great sense of fulfillment as we close out a tough process together.

Kris Holtzleiter

CoachKHoltzleiter@ncsasports.org |312-579-2540 | Indiana Wesleyan University

I attended Indiana Wesleyan University, where I played as a pitcher and outfielder. After Indiana Wesleyan, I spent time in Law Enforcement, as I was starting my coaching career. I spent two seasons as a high school baseball coach, before starting my college coaching career. I have spent seven years coaching college baseball including five seasons as the recruiting coordinator and pitching coach for Indiana Wesleyan. I left Indiana Wesleyan in August of 2021 to start my own travel baseball organization, as well as take a high school head coaching job. I began working for NCSA in September of 2021 as a profile evaluator, before being promoted to Recruiting Coach in January of 2022.

I live in Hartford City, Indiana with my wife and two children. My favorite part of working at NCSA is helping athletes navigate the recruiting journey and seeing them find their right fit.

Pat O'Malley

CoachPOMalley@ncsasports.org | 312-638-4848 | Rockford University

I was a 4-year collegiate baseball player at Oakton Community College and Rockford University. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and minored in Coaching. I have coached at the High School (Freeport High School), Travel Ball (Fastball USA), American Legion (Elk Grove Post 690), and College level (Rock Valley College). I received Dean’s List honors as a senior and was honored as a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Scholar. My favorite part about working for NCSA is being able to help student-athletes find a college home. When I am not working at NCSA, I like to go to Chicago and watch my favorite baseball team, The Chicago Cubs.

NCSA is something I wish I would have known about as a player. As a college coach, it was the start of every day at my office desk. NCSA changes lives, and I believe that it gives student-athletes the ability to chase their dreams. This job for me is so rewarding, and I look forward to connecting with parents and student-athletes every day. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I watched dozens of players with talent, and good grades end up not playing at the college level. I believe with the help of NCSA, these same players that never got the chance to play would be some of our best success stories. With that being said, if you are aspiring to play ball at the college level, NCSA couldn’t be a better first step for a family.

Shawn Pynn

CoachSPynn@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4615 | Gannon University

I am originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I played two years of junior college baseball at Genesee Community College before transferring to Gannon University. Playing at the junior college and NCAA DII level was an excellent overall experience. In hindsight, I was fortunate to have a career-ending injury that enabled me to start my coaching. Over the last 12 years, I have coached at the professional, elite summer league, NCAA DII, and NAIA levels, both as a head coach and assistant. The experience and knowledge of the recruiting process I utilize on a daily basis to help families I work with in their recruiting efforts. Not many individuals have coached at a number of levels, and I love for our families to benefit from my experiences in college recruiting.

As a former college head coach, my staff and I would attempt to offer scholarships to a select group of students each year. Recruiting isn’t an easy task at smaller colleges, but using NCSA as a college coach was a huge help. Working at NCSA gives me the opportunity to help many more potential student-athletes achieve their dream of competing at the college level. As a coach, the greatest joy is seeing student-athletes excel on and off the field. NCSA has given me the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of hundreds of students each year. This is the true joy of college athletics.

Geoff Schaab

CoachGSchaab@ncsasports.org | 312-205-7484 | Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

I joined NCSA because I genuinely loved the recruiting process as a coach and really embraced helping to educate families and recruits on the process as it related to them. I also take great pride in making sure that respective student-athletes find a school that is the right fit for them and the university. My background affords me to be a great source to NCSA families as it relates to collegiate baseball recruiting and in talking about professional real-world experiences.

I spent four seasons as an NCAA Division II college baseball player at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, sadly the university dropped the baseball program upon completion of my senior year. I then worked for 13 years for the U.S. Government as an Intelligence Analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency and a Senior Sanctions Investigator with the Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C. It was during that time my passion for baseball and specifically coaching really took shape and I earned the opportunity to take on multiple coaching and leadership roles with the Northern Virginia FCA Baseball program.

I subsequently gave up my D.C. career and landed a position as Assistant Baseball Coach at Dakota State University (NAIA) and then was quickly appointed to the Head Baseball Coach role for three seasons. During my free time, I enjoy fishing, traveling, being outdoors, and rooting for the Atlanta Braves.

Joshua VanMeter

CoachJVanMeter@ncsasports.org | 312-216-5704 | Salem University

I am a graduate of Salem University in West Virginia where I was a two-sport athlete. I played baseball and golf while also receiving my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. I was blessed to build friendships and create memories through athletics that will last a lifetime.

I have spent the last five years coaching high school and college baseball. My journey began in western Maryland at Mountain Ridge High School before moving to New Bern, North Carolina. Following three years with New Bern High School, I was fortunate to have an opportunity to work at Lenoir Community College as the Infield & Hitting Coach as well as serve the role of Recruiting Coordinator. I was able to learn so much from that experience and grow as a coach, mentor, and leader on the diamond. I have since moved on to Winston-Salem where I am the Head Baseball Coach at West Stokes High School.

The opportunities I have been afforded through sports are what led and aligned me with NCSA. The most rewarding part of working at NCSA is knowing my company is truly making a difference in the lives of student-athletes and their families every day.

Cameron Beattie

CoachCBeattie@ncsasports.org | 872-895-0300 | Emerson College

Back in 2015, I had the privilege of using NCSA to get recruited to play college baseball. I was about to graduate from Seton Catholic High School in Arizona and was way behind my competition. I received some Division 2 offers but mainly Division 3. It wasn’t until after graduation that I heard from a small Division 3 school in Boston, Massachusetts through my NCSA profile.

The school was Emerson College. I immediately committed after receiving my offer and spent the next 4 years of my life going to school in the biggest college town in the country. I studied Journalism, Sports Communications, and Business, while still getting to continue playing the game I love. I loved my time at Emerson building friendships that will last a lifetime while getting to call the amazing city of Boston home for a while.

It was a little too cold back East for me so I made the decision to move back to the desert and to join NCSA because of everything it did for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for NCSA so it is only fitting that I give back and try to help other student-athletes get the same opportunity as me. It is an honor to be a part of this great organization!

Mark Pappas

CoachMPappas@ncsasports.org | 872-264-4550 | Salem University

I had the opportunity to play 4 years of Division 1 baseball and 2 years of professional in an independent league. My collegiate coaching experience includes 2 years at the d3 level as well as 12 years at the d1 level where I was a recruiting coordinator for the last 5. I joined NCSA to help players and families make the most of the recruiting process and be on their team to offer guidance. I reside in Northern New Jersey with my wife and daughter.

Ryan Shay

CoachRShay@ncsasports.org | 312-216-5704 | Bowling Green State University

I was a four-year starting shortstop at Bowling Green State University. During my four years, I won two regular season Conference Championships and during those two years, I was named 1st Team All-Conference and All-Mideast Region at shortstop. After my playing career at BGSU, I played for one year in the Frontier League with the Oakland County Cruisers as a middle infielder. After playing, I received my Master’s Degree and then I went on to coach at BGSU for 8 years including 3 as the Recruiting Coordinator. While coaching is a great experience being able to work with young student-athletes, I believe helping high school student-athletes get recruited will be very rewarding.

The best part about working for NCSA is going to be helping high school students and their families realize their dream of playing Division 1 baseball. I recently helped a junior softball player through her recruiting experience, and it was a great experience and I hope to continue that with NCSA! I am also looking forward to joining the NCSA team and getting to know all of the other great people working here.

When I am not working at NCSA, I like to play golf and spend time with my wife and two kids! We reside in Boerne, TX, and have 3 dogs. We enjoy family time at the park, going to the Zoo/Sea World and just being together at home.

Shawn Kahre

CoachSKahre@ncsasports.org | 872-213-6870| Kentucky Wesleyan College

I am a Baseball Recruiting Coach as a part of the NCSA team. I was born in Tsukuba, Ibaraki prefecture, Japan, and raised in Vincennes, IN. I was a multi-sport athlete in high school which included baseball, basketball, and tennis. After high school, I went to play college baseball which included two years of baseball at Vincennes University (Juco), and two years at Kentucky Wesleyan College. I had a chance to play one year of professional baseball right after college. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Kentucky Wesleyan College in Fitness & Sports Management.

After my playing days were over, I immediately began my college baseball coaching career. I made stops at Vincennes University (IN), Ellsworth Community College (IA), Florida Southern College, and Wabash Valley College (IL) while having the chance to coach in a few summer leagues – Northwoods League and NECBL. I also became an Associate Scout for the Texas Rangers when I began my coaching career.

The most rewarding part of working for NCSA is getting the opportunity to make a positive impact in helping young student-athletes reach their goals and follow their dreams.

Tyler Mattoon

CoachTMattoon@ncsasports.org | 872-246-3038 | Tompkins Cortland Community College

I was a Junior College pitcher for Tompkins Cortland Community College from 2012-2013. Once I was done playing at the Junior College level, I started my coaching career becoming the Varsity Baseball Coach at Groton Central School from 2013 to 2016. In 2016 I heard Wells College was starting a baseball program, so I reached out to the coach asking if he was looking for a volunteer coach which then led me to becoming the head assistant for the next 6 seasons at the college. I work with every aspect of the game from coaching pitchers, infield, and hitting. The biggest accomplishment that I had as a coach at Wells College was the program finishing 3rd in the conference in our 3rd season as a program, which we were really two plays away from winning our conference tournament (still haunts me to this day).

My favorite part about working at NCSA is the ability to help student-athletes find their dream school to play and get a degree. Recruiting was my favorite aspect of being a college coach just watching films and talking to families even if I knew Wells College was not a fit for them. Outside of working at NCSA, my favorite things to do is hikes with my family from local nature trails to mountains in the Adirondacks, traveling, cooking, and smoke meat. Also, anytime I can get to watch a sporting event that is a win.

Benito Mendizabal

CoachBMendizabal@ncsasports.org | 312-205-7502 | University of Pittsburgh

I was fortunate to play baseball at 2 different Division 2 schools during my time in college, Seton Hill University and Eckerd College before suffering a hip injury that ended my playing career. What seemed like a curse turned out to be a blessing because I immediately went into my coaching career and realized my true passion was coaching and working with young athletes to achieve their dream of playing in college.

I began my coaching career at the high school level, while I wrapped up my undergraduate degree. After I graduated, I was fortunate enough to coach at Ave Maria University, an NAIA school. I then went on to coach at 2 Division 2 universities, Wheeling University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I am excited to continue to work with athletes to help them find their path in the difficult world of college recruiting.

Tyler Helms

CoachTHelms@ncsasports.org | York University

I joined NCSA as a Baseball Recruiting Coach in 2023, following nine years as an Assistant Baseball Coach at the college level. I served as an Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL), and at Sterling College (Sterling, KS) after beginning my coaching career at my alma mater, York University (York, NE).

The most exciting part of my job with NCSA is the opportunity to continue to connect with and work with athletes and families, and share my expertise to help guide prospective students through the recruiting process.

I live in the Chicago suburbs with my wife and our daughter.