PLAYMAKERS – Joplin

Mark brings over 20 years of coaching experience, ranging from high school to professional levels. His journey includes invaluable mentorship from pitching expert Tom House. As a player, Mark’s talent was recognized nationally, ranking among the top 100 by Baseball America in 1997 as a switch-hitting catcher. Despite tempting offers, such as a third-round selection by the Houston Astros, Mark opted for a full scholarship at Long Beach State under the guidance of Coach Dave Snow. However, faced with adversity due to two major car accidents, Mark persevered, undergoing rehabilitation at Shasta College in Redding, CA. He then seized another opportunity with a full scholarship to the University of San Diego, under the tutelage of Rich Hill (now at the University of Hawaii). Despite his promising trajectory in baseball, Mark made a significant life pivot, relinquishing his scholarship mid-semester to pursue ministry and transition into coaching high school baseball. His dedication lies in player development, emphasizing the cultivation of both the heart and mind, a philosophy echoed by the timeless words of Yogi Berra: “90% of the game is half mental.”

Coach Alex has extensive experience with pitchers of all age groups. Her goal is to help players learn basic skills to transform them into elite, well-rounded pitchers. 

Alex enjoys teaching fundamentals, spins, conditioning drills & mental aspects of the game.

In her Senior year at Rogers State University, Alex played for Andrea Vaughan where she went 15-7. Brake was named Heartland Conference Pitcher of the Week 3X, helping the team reach their first-ever Regional tournament.  

Coach Sidnie teaches with high energy & positivity. She teaches techniques required to be an effective hitter!

As a current collegiate player, Sidnie provides comprehensive instruction by showing students appropriate hitting and slapping methods with clear instruction.

In 2021, Hurst appeared in 40 games for Missouri Southern, starting 31 games. She was named on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. With Sidnie’s help, the Lions ranked 1st in double plays turned, stolen bases per game, triples & triples per game, 2nd in double plays per game, hit-by-pitches and sacrifice bunts.

Coach Leighton provides detailed guidance to players! Her goal is to enable students to maximize power and work towards improving their comfort level on the field. 

As a current collegiate player, Leighton’s demonstrative teaching style facilitates an easy player-coach connection.

In 2021, Leighton appeared in 46 games, starting in 44 across the infield. She finished the season with .325 batting average. Her defense was strong with 106 putouts and 35 assists.

Withers was named Honorable Mention All-MIAA Team as a Utility Player.

Coach Nicole specializes in hitting mechanics. She also has a significant experience in pitching, outfield and corner infield.

Hudson is a member of the US National Softball Team. After making Team USA, she competed the Summer 2013 at the World Cup of Softball. Team USA won silver after facing Canada and Japan. During the tournament, Nicole hit .500 with two RBIs. She helped the team win a gold medal in the Pan American Games in San Juan, where she hit .467 with a home run & six RBIs!

 By playing at the highest level, she offers valuable insight for physical & mental components of the game.

With a long history in pro baseball, Coach Kash helps players improve their skills physically and mentally. His techniques provide players the tools they need to practice and perform effectively.

In 1982, Beauchamp began his pro career with the Pioneer League Champion Medicine Hat Blue Jays. He earned All-Star honors after hitting .320 and playing defense in center field.

Beauchamp was promoted to the South Atlantic League in 1983 where he played with Cecil Fielder, Jose Mesa, Pat Borders, Fred McGriff and David Wells.

In 1984 Beauchamp was again promoted to the Carolina League. He was the MVP of the Carolina League All-Star game by going 5-6 with two triples and a HR with 5 RBI. Beauchamp was voted by Baseball America as the Best Defensive Outfielder and Outfielder with the Best Arm.

After his promotion to AA for playoffs, Kash hit .400 at the end of the season. He had a clutch 2 out bases clearing triple in game two of the playoffs. Beauchamp spent the rest of his career between AA and AAA with the Blue Jays, Braves, Giants, Reds, and A’s organizations.

Coach Aaron is a pitching coach for Missouri Southern State University! He specializes in pitching, but offers valuable lessons in hitting and fielding too.

By pairing informational lessons with instruction, Aaron provides players with guidance that is easy to understand and apply.

Coach Clay is a three-year starter and current coach at Missouri Southern! Coach uses his player experience along with hitting drills and tips learned at MSSU to help players improve while making them feel comfortable and confident.

Coach Kyle is a transfer from Illinois where he also offered lessons to multiple players. As a two-year JuCo World Series First Team All American, Kyle has the skills and can provide players beneficial instruction.

Coach Troy has seven years of experience pitching for professional baseball! He is knowledgeable in physical and mental baseball development, specifically in elite pitching. Troy is also experienced in baseball strength & conditioning!

Using a comprehensive system, Troy’s detailed instruction gives players extensive insight to grow & become better.

During Troy’s pro ball career, he played for the Houston Astros (Minor League), LA Angels (Major & Minor Leagues), Arizona Diamondbacks (Major & Minor Leagues) and the Sugarland Skeeters!