Hitting Lessons in Huntington Beach

Fred Hanker

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS, CATCHING LESSONS, THROWING, INFIELD/OUTFIELD

Fred is a 25 year veteran of playing, scouting, coaching and managing baseball and fastpitch softball. After a successful baseball career at Lakewood High School, he played four years at Cal State Dominguez Hills. He currently holds 12 school hitting records, was voted All CCAA four times, and All West Regional two times. In the 1987 MLB draft, Hanker was drafted by the Oakland A’s organization in the 31st round. He has also accumulated over 20 years of fast pitch playing against top notch competition.

Coach Miggy

AREAS OF EXPERTISE - HITTING AND FIELDING

Coach Miggy is a former college athlete who graduated from Georgetown College, KY on an athletic scholarship. He currently plays Pro/Amateur baseball, and is the head Varsity Hitting coach at Poly High School.

He promotes strong values of sportsmanship, respect, hustle, and good attitude. Being a high school coach for 3 years he knows what next level coaches are looking for and steers his athletes in the right direction. From beginner to advanced, he works with all ages. Shoot him a text and check out his website for more information.

Fa Leilua

AREA OF EXPERTISE — HITTING AND FIELDING LESSONS

Mississippi State

Arizona State University (ASU)

Coaching Philosophy

"My ultimate goal for these young athletes is to provide them with tools that will help them build their own identity both as a player and as a person. My focal point as a hitting instructor is to work the basic fundamentals that come together into a correct bat path, as well as building new attributes and strengths from the ground up—including legs, hips, core, and hand-eye-coordination." 

COLLEGIATE AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• 2016 - PAC-12 All - Freshman Team Honors

• 2016 – NFCA All – West Region Team

• 2017 - NFCA All-West Region Honors

• 2019 - NFCA All-America Second Team

• 2019 - Softball America All-America Second Team

• 2019 - NFCA All-South Region First Team

• 2019 - First Team All-SEC 

• 2019 - Puerto Vallarta College Challenge All-Tournament Team

• 2021 - NFCA All-Region Third Team 1B

• 2016-2021 – Hit 70 Collegiate Career Home Runs

• 2020 – Woman of the Year Nominee 

Mark Brooks

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS, FIELDING & THROWING LESSONS

Mark is the founder of Art of Baseball Productions. He attended Bethune-Cookman University where he played for two years as the starting second baseman.

Currently, Mark Brooks gives roughly 1,000 personal hitting lessons a year and is a sponsor of Long Beach Little League.

Marco Soto

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS, CATCHING LESSONS & PITCHING LESSONS

Hello my name is Marco Soto and I’m the owner of Soto Custom Gloves. I played college ball at Long Beach City, before competing in the professional Mexican Leagues for 10 years. That decade was a great time in my life and I learned a ton about the game from all of the elite coaches that I had the pleasure of playing under. Now, I enjoy every opportunity to transfer this knowledge to the next generation of ballplayers and help them reach their goals.

Natalie Alvarez

AREA OF EXPERTISE - HITTING LESSONS AND CATCHING LESSONS

Former D1 Student Athlete at Ohio University.

The goal I set for my clients is to deepen their knowledge and respect of their game and to educate them in the process of becoming student athletes at a higher level. I aim to optimize my students performance both on and off the field by focusing on the basic fundamentals of hitting, building strength both as a hitter and catcher, the mental aspect of the game and the intricate process of getting recruited and pursuing an education.

High School Achievements:

• A 2015 graduate from Millikan High School in Long Beach

• Earned MVP 2011-2012

• 2nd Team All- Conference 2013-2014

• 1st Team All League 2014-2015

College Achievements:

• Recorded a .441 slugging percentage and a .993 fielding percentage with 277 putouts and 20 assists in the 2018-19 season

• 2018 MAC Tournament Champions

• NCAA Regional Appearance in 2018

• Named MAC East Player of The Week in 2017

Kamau Neighbors

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS & FIELDING LESSONS

My name is Kamau Neighbors, I am 22 years old and am a Student-Athlete at California State Northridge and a Long Beach City Alumni. I am a 4.0 student and was in the top 10% of my school academically.

Athletically I am a switch-hitting middle infielder. I have thousands of volunteer hours helping and training kids of all ages at the MLB Youth Academy for both baseball and softball. Though I myself am still learning things about the game daily, I have been able to witness the works of baseball legends and the works of former Major/Minor League players.

I am not here to change anyone's swing into my own, but yet find what feels natural to each individual, and make that natural swing dangerous and consistent. As far as fielding goes, footwork and smooth hands are key, I will help improve quickness and fluidity among each individual that I have the honor of giving lessons to.

If you are interested and or have any questions feel free to contact me and I will get back to you ASAP! I am so excited to help develop upcoming athletes. See other flyer for availability and pricing.

Kerry Dienelt

AREA OF EXPERTISE - CATCHNG, HITTING, AND FIELDING LESSONS

2X OLYMPIAN (2 BRONZE MEDALS)
3X NCAA CHAMPION
3X HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
(ISF, AUST & NT)

Kerry’s softball career began at 6 years old, in a small city in Australia called Darwin, aka the “Outback”. Kerry began playing tee-ball with the local softball club named South Darwin and started on representative teams at the age of 9. She represented her city and state teams and at 15 years old represented Australia in the U/19 World Series held in North Dakota. Kerry also represented Australia in the U/19 World Series in 1987 held in Oklahoma.

In September, 1987, Kerry departed Darwin, Australia to pursue a softball scholarship at U.C.L.A. At U.C.L.A, she was a member of the 1988, 1989 and 1990 (“3-peat”) college World Series Championship teams. In 1990, she was invited to the White House and met the President, George Bush. Kerry was selected as a 4-time All-College World Series Team, 3 times at 1st base and her senior year at catcher. Kerry was the Graduate Assistant Coach in 1992, and the team also won the National Championship. Kerry graduated from U.C.L.A. in June, 1992, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Kerry competed on ASA circuit in 1989 with the California Diamonds and then after her collegiate career, with the California Commotion from 1993 through 1995.

Throughout her days competing on the college and ASA circuit, Kerry continued to represent Australia from 1985 through 2000. She competed in 3 World Series; in 1990 (Illinois), in 1994 (Newfoundland) and 1998 (Japan). She was a member of the inaugural 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta. Kerry finished 7th on the batting average leaders in the world, with an average of .364 including 3 home runs. In 1998 she was elected captain of the Australian Team for the 1998 World Series and the 2000 Olympic Games. Kerry is a 2-time bronze medalist from the 1996 & 2000 Olympic Games. Kerry has a street named after her in Sydney, Australia. Kerry officially retired from the sport in September, 2000, after losing to the U.S.A. in the Bronze medal game. Her last at bat was against Lisa Fernandez where she earned the only base hit for Australia in the bronze medal game. At the completion of the game, Kerry left her cleats at home plate and the image captured in the L.A. Times. Since retiring Kerry has been inducted into 3 Hall of Fames; in 2003 the Northern Territory, in 2004 the Australian Softball Hall of Fame and in 2005 the International Softball Hall of Fame.

Marco Bates

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS · SPEED & AGILITY · OUTFIELD DEFENSE

Seasoned High-Level Baseball Player. Strategic Hitting Coach.

Marco Bates is a seasoned high-level baseball player who brings real-time experience, discipline, and passion to every session. Raised in San Bernardino, Marco worked his way up through NJCAA ball before earning opportunities at Hiram College and finishing his collegiate career at Providence Christian College — building his path through grit, not shortcuts.

As a coach, Marco takes a strategic approach to player development. His hitting lessons emphasize timing, hard contact, and two-strike toughness. Speed and agility sessions focus on quickness, body control, and explosive movement. Outfield defense training sharpens reads, routes, and decision-making under pressure.

Still actively competing, Marco is just as committed to giving back — working with players who love the game, want to grow, and show up ready to work.

Instagram: @MarcoHoncho

Mike Mora

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS, SLAPPING LESSONS, SHORT GAME

Mike is presently coaching at Whittier College. Prior to his arrival (2005-2007) Mike acted as the Head Coach of the Artesia High School Softball team and Assistant Varsity Softball Coach at Cerritos High School (2003-2005). Mike has been coaching competitive softball for over 18 years at age levels spanning 10U – 18U. Teams under Mike’s tutelage have been invited to ASA National Tournaments on ten occasions.

John Medina

AREAS OF EXPERTISE – HITTING LESSONS & SLAPPING LESSONS

Playing Experience:

John has 25 years of playing experience with the Southern California Fastpitch Association, Pacific Coast Softball League and Western Softball Congress. He was the leadoff hitter and played shortstop/second base for many teams, including the Lakewood Jets, Stout Tower Stars and Magna Plating of Burbank. John was one of the earliest and most successful “slappers” in Southern California Men’s Fastpitch Softball history.

Awards:

• 1994 ASA World Series Championship – Batting Champion – Average .595

• 1990 & 1993 Men’s Fastpitch “A” National Tournament – 1st Team All American

• 1994 ASA World Series Championship – 1st Team All American

• 1995 NAFA World Tournament – 1st Team All American

• 1995 International Softball Congress Tournament of Champions – MVP

• 5X All Star – Southern California Fastpitch Association

• 4X All Star – Pacific Coast Softball League

• 2X All Star – Western Softball Congress

Coaching Experience:

In addition to 15 years of coaching at the high school level, John has been an assistant for 16U and 18U competitive softball teams. He has been providing hitting/slapping lessons for over 15 years.

Eddie Davis

AREAS OF EXPERTISE — HITTING LESSONS & CATCHING LESSONS

COACHING IS A FRAME OF MIND.

Preparation and Planning leads to success. Setting and achieving goals are the most important life lessons that I try to convey to the students and athletes I instruct. Over 23 years coaching and instructing softball and football at all levels and ages, is what drives the passion to teach. This is achieved by enhancing skills of young adults, and empowering them through education and competitive interaction. The ultimate goal is to harness the willingness to learn in young adults and mold that into a student athlete that is well rounded and prepared for the next level of achievement. Hard work and dedication together makes success a reality, and enhancing those skills will bring success in any facet of life it is applied too.

The experience I bring is from the basic learning and education that I have developed and grown from my own personal experiences. From the beginning at Torrance Girls Softball and being a co-founder to the Mizuno Pride, I have learned and enhanced my coaching style trough many mentors and classes alike. Achieving Bronze, Silver and Gold coaching levels through ASA was mandatory many years ago, and that knowledge for me was the basis for the techniques I utilize today.

I have coached for USA Athletics for the last 8 years at all different levels assisting and developing a program I truly believe in, and that the program is going to grow young ladies to utilize their talents at possibly a college level. Success I saw through my own daughter as she achieved playing at a Division 1 collegiate level. There have been well over 100 young ladies and men that I have personally coached and achieved their goal of playing at a collegiate level.

This ethic is also achieved in Football as I have participated in high school football for the last 14 years and pursuing and winning of 2 California State Championships, and 7 LA City Titles has only attested to the fact of hard work and dedication contributing to true success. Playing a part in the young adult’s lives is how I measure my success, seeing them succeed and knowing that a part of what has been taught to them as a mentor and coach will only bring them to their own successes throughout their lives and understood through a positive lived lifestyle.

Larisa Villa

AREA OF EXPERTISE - HITTING AND FIELDING LESSONS

USA ATHLETICS ALUMNI & FORMER D1 STUDENT ATHLETE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (UIC), CLASS OF 2024

As a former division 1 athlete I am looking for athletes who are eager to learn as well as enhance their fundamentals of hitting and fielding. My goal is to refine their techniques/mechanics, build their confidence, and develop a strong work ethic. I aim to support each athlete's growth and inspire them to achieve and maximize their potential both on and off the field.

High School Achievements

• A 2020 graduate from La Habra High School

• Lettered all 4 years

• Defensive Player of the Year in 2019

College Achievements

• All-Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Team in 2023 & 2024

• 2024 Missouri Valley Conference All-Tournament Team

• College Sports Communicator’s (CSC) Academic All-District Team

• Led the team in hits (48), doubles (eight), second on the team in RBI (17) and third on the team in batting average (.296). Defensively, she maintained a .991 fielding percentage with 418 putouts and 111 assists.

Chloe Malau’ulu

AREA OF EXPERTISE - HITTING FIELDING

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

Career Highlights

• 2024/25: (New Zealand) National Fastpitch Series (NFS) Most Homeruns and RBI’s, NFS All-Series Team, NFS Auckland Comp Champions with the North Harbour Bandits

• 2023/24: Member of inaugural team for the Oklahoma City Spark (‘23), winnner of Association of Fastpitch Professionals (AFP) Champion Cup (’24)

• 2022: Selected for the East Coast All-Star team with College Sports Eval (CSE) College All- Star Series in Colorado 4th of July Tournament

Collegiate Highlights

• 2023: Third-team All-South Region, elected team captain for the second straight year, led the team with 15 multi-hit games and 10 multi-RBI games ... also led the team in hits, doubles (8), triples (4) and total bases (85)

• 2022: Second-team All-SEC, led the team in hits, doubles (12), triples (2) and stolen bases (7) ... tied for the SEC lead with seven outfield assists

• 2021: SEC All-Defensive Team - Right Field, scored the game-winning run a team-high 13 times, reached base in a career-best 28 straight games

• 2020: SEC Player of the Week - Mar.

Miranda Gomez

AREA OF EXPERTISE - PITCHING LESSONS

USA ATHLETICS ALUMNI & FORMER D1 STUDENT ATHLETE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (UIC), CLASS OF 2024

With huge passion and love for the game, I’m eager to share my knowledge and experience as a former division 1 athlete to help young pitchers develop their mechanics/ technique, build mental toughness and expand their love and knowledge for the game. My goal is to help inspire the next generation of athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field and help empower pitchers mentally and physically.

High School Achievements

• 2020 graduate from Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente

• Helped team to 3 straight championships in the Del Rey League

• Earned MVP in 2019

• Offensive Player of the Year in 2016

College Achievements

• 242 career innings pitched for UIC

• 2020 Horizon League Conference Tournament Champion

• NCAA Regional Appearance in 2020