LINE DRIVE’S TOP 50 NATIONAL CLUB COACHES

Line Drive Media put together a list of the Top 50 National Club Coaches.

Here are #’s 10-1:

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10. KC Jackson, Impact Gold-Jackson:

KC Jackson has been one of the premier coaches in the Southwest and in the nation and his program has developed D1 prospects and top national club teams in the 2000s. His program has won PGF national championships (PGF 10U Premier in 2018, PGF 18U Premier in 2010) twice and finished as runner-ups (PGF 14U Platinum in 2021, PGF 12U Platinum in 2019, PGF 12U Premier in 2016) three times. They won an Alliance 12U Tier 1 in 2022 and and they finished as runner-ups (Alliance 18U Tier 3 in 2025 Alliance 16U Tier 1 in 2025, Alliance 16U Tier 1 in 2023, Alliance 16U Tier 3 in 2023)four times. His 18U team placed #7 at 18U Tier 1 Alliance Nationals last summer. “KC Jackson did an amazing job preparing me for the college level, while keeping the game fun,” Sam Houston State OF/C Sophia Lundstrom said. “Everything from our practices and workouts to the competition we played made the transition into college ball much easier. He helped me with my mental game a lot in my time with Impact Gold, reminding me to celebrate the little successes.” Texas A&M-bound OF Reagan Rohrlich said Jackson’s experience has helped her. “I’ve played for Coach KC for the past two years,” Rohrlich said. “He has been around the game for a long time and I’ve learned a lot from him. He always has a story to tell — some serious and some funny, but there is always a lesson to take away. Coach KC constantly pushes us physically and mentally (both in games and during our 10-hour weekend practices), holds us to the highest standard and never lets us settle. I believe playing for Coach KC has helped shape me and my teammates into being stronger players and people and will help us be as prepared as possible to begin our college careers.”

9. Ryan Taylor, Aces Fastpitch Club:

Since he founded the Aces Fastpitch Club in 2011, Ryan Taylor’s organization has produced All-Americans, WCWS participants, countless D1 prospects and pro players. Taylor’s program has won an 18U Tier 1 Alliance national championship in 2025 and finished as runner-ups (Alliance 18U Tier 1 in 2023, Alliance 14U Tier 2 in 2022) twice. “Ryan Taylor has played a big role in my growth as a hitter,” Nebraska-bound 3B/1B Kali Bogart said. “He’s really good at breaking things down so adjustments make sense and he always helps me feel confident stepping into the box. His biggest strength is understanding hitting mechanics while also helping players trust themselves and their approach at the plate. I’ve never met someone that explains hitting as well as coach Ryan!”

8. Kevin Shelton, Texas Glory-Shelton:

Kevin Shelton is the founder of the Texas Glory, one of the top organizations in the Southwest and nation. He currently coaches Texas Glory’s premier 18U team, but he works with all age groups. His program won the Alliance Nationals national championship (Alliance 16U Tier 1 in 2024, Alliance 16U Tier 1 in 2023, Alliance 14U Tier 2 in 2023) three times and finished as runner-up (Alliance 12U Tier 1 in 2024, Alliance 18U Tier 2 in 2022) twice. They also reached the 16U Premier Nationals title game in 2012. Texas Glory was #5 at 18U Alliance Nationals in 2011. “Coach Kevin Shelton is the kind of coach who pays close attention to every detail, making sure nothing is overlooked,” Florida-bound 3B/SS Kennedy Bradley said. “He focuses on preparing his players for the next level. Every drill and correction has a purpose, even if it’s not always obvious right away. He can be stubborn about how he does things, sticking to his system no matter what. But at the end of the day, it all comes from a good place because he genuinely wants his players to succeed. He helps the game slow down mentally by simplifying the game over all to little games in itself. He’s very easy to talk to, making it comfortable to ask questions and learn from him. I’ve been grateful to be a part of his coaching and will miss playing for him.”

7. Bill Conroy, Beverly Bandits Premier-Conory:

Bill Conroy has built the Beverly Bandits’ organization into the premier program in the Midwest and one of the top organizations in the country with seven PGF national championships and eight PGF Nationals runner-up finishes. “Bill Conroy is an incredible leader and gives back to more girls and the sport of softball than anyone I’ve ever seen before, all with the motivation to help them achieve their dream of playing at the next level!” said Big 10 analyst Sydney Supple, a former Beverly Bandits and Northwestern player. “He’s got a great eye in terms of managing games and putting together competitive rosters year after year.” They have won PGF 14U Platinum (2022), PGF 12U Premier (2021), PGF 16U Premier (2019), PGF 18U Premier (2017), PGF 16U Premier (2017), PGF 16U Premier (2016) and PGF 16U Premier (2013) national championships and finished as runner-ups at PGF Nationals for PGF 14U Premier (2025), PGF 18U Premier (2023), PG 16U Premier (2022). PG 14U Premier (2022), PGF 10U Premier (2022), PG 10U Premier (2018), PGF 16U Premier (2015) and PGF 16U Premier (2014). “I would say his ability to get our girls recruited,” Bandits coach Tony Michalski said of Conroy’s expertise. “He has a knack for putting our girls on the big stage at the right time and in front of the right coaches! He genuinely cares about all the girls and will do whatever it takes to get them recruited.”

6. Marty Tyson, Corona Angels-Tyson:

Marty Tyson, a former Chicago Cubs draft pick, founded the Corona Angels in 1998 and has developed them into one of the premier organizations in So Cal and in the nation, producing D1 prospects, All-Americans and WCWS champions. They produced PGF national champions (PGF 10U Premier in 2019, PGF 14U Premier in 2018, PGF 14U Premier in 2014) three times and finished as runner-ups (PGF 18U Premier in 2017, PGF 14U Premier in 2016, PGF 18U Premier in 2014, PGF 16U Premier 2012, PGF 14U Premier 2011, PGF 16U Premier in 2010) six times. The Corona Angels won Alliance national championships (Alliance 14U Tier 2 in 2024, Alliance 14U Tier 1 in 2021, Alliance 12U Tier 1 in 2021) three times and finished as runner-ups (Alliance 18U Tier 1 in 2024, PGF 14U Tier 1 in 2024, Alliance 10U in 2023, Alliance 16U Tier 1 in 2021) four times. They finished #5 at 18U Tier 1 Alliance and #3 at 14U Tier 1 Alliance last summer. “If we’re talking ball, his area of expertise is the swing/hitting, but he’s able to apply his depth of knowledge to pitching and the game overall,” said Utah Talons (of the AUSL) RHP Megan Faraimo, a three-time All-American and WCWS champion at UCLA and former PGF national champion for the Corona Angels. “He has a great understanding of baseball/softball and I think what may separate him from other coaches is his gift for educating his players effectively. His system, which has been built upon for years, pairs quality information and application with encouragement that comes in the form of high standards and guidance towards mental toughness. Ask any Corona Angel from any era how to win a championship, and everyone will have the same answer. And that answer has and will always be right: pitching, defense, clutch hitting. In that order!! The records show that the system works. If you can take the tone, the message will take you far. He isn’t afraid to hold his players accountable because he believes in potential. Understanding that, playing for him becomes an empowering experience. Pride, authenticity and growth mindset are the qualities that come to mind when I think of Tyson and the program he’s built.
He is grounded in who he is and what he stands for and as a player, but more importantly as a woman, that was the most valuable thing he ever taught me.”

5. Tony Rico, Firecrackers Select-Rico/Brashear:

Tony Rico is considered the “Yoda” of club softball because of his vast knowledge and coaching skills. He coaches the Firecrackers’ top 18U team and runs the organization. His organization has won nine PGF national championships (PGF 12U Platinum in 2023, PGF 18U Platinum in 2018, PGF 16U Platinum in 2017, PGF 14U Platinum in 2017, PGF 18U Premier in 2016, PGF 16U Platinum in 2016, PGF 18U Platinum in 2015, PGF 12U Premier in 2012, PGF 16U Premier in 2011) and reached the finals (PGF 18U Premier in 2012, PGF 18U Premier in 2011) twice. They also won an Alliance national championships (Alliance 16U Tier 2) in 2025 and reached the finals (Alliance 14U Tier 2 in 2025, Alliance 12U Tier 2 in 2024, Alliance 14U Tier in 2021) three times. “Tony is the cream of the crop. He shows you what the standard of excellence for your career looks like and it’s something I carried with me into my collegiate and professional years,” said Lauren Chamberlain, a former three-time All-American and WCWS champion at Oklahoma and former Firecrackers. “The mindset he instills is everything.”

4. Scott Smith, Texas Bombers Gold-Smith:

Scott Smith has grown the Texas Bombers organization into the premier program in the Southwest and one of the top in the country. The Texas Bombers have won Alliance Nationals (Alliance 16U Tier 3 in 2025, Alliance 14U Tier in 2025, Alliance 14U Tier 3 in 2025, Alliance 12U Tier 2 in 2025, Alliance 18U Tier 1 in 2024, Alliance 14U Tier 1 in 2024, Alliance 18U Tier 3 in 2023, Alliance 16U Tier 2 in 2023, Alliance 14U Tier 1 in 2022) nine times and finished as runner-up at Alliance Nationals (Alliance 18U Tier 1 in 2025, Alliance 16U Tier 3 in 2025, Alliance 14U Tier 2 in 2024, Alliance 18U Tier 1 in 2022, Alliance 16U Tier 2 in 2022, Alliance 18U Tier 1 in 2021, Alliance 18U Tier 2 in 2021) seven times. They finished as runner-up at PGF 16U Premier Nationals in 2019. Smith’s team was #2 at 18U Tier 1 Alliance Nationals last summer. “Scott is a phenomenal coach, who has been doing this at a high level for a long time. One of the things that separates him is his commitment to growth — he continues to evolve right along with the game of softball, which has changed so much even in just the past five years,” Texas Bombers coach Kristi Malpass said. “He’s always looking for ways to improve the organization and that directly translates into better development for our players. He’s a strong leader and that matters. Players trust him, they follow him and they believe in what he’s building. He does an especially great job with the older athletes, helping prepare them for the next level while teaching them to truly understand the game at a higher level. He has played in more national championship games than most coaches — you don’t get there by luck. That kind of experience comes from consistency, preparation and knowing how to lead at the highest level.”

3. Rocky Thompson, Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier:

Rocky Thompson has developed a reputation for his coaching experience and building the Birmingham Thunderbolts into the top program in the Southeast and one of the premier organizations in the country. His program has won nine national championships (PGF 18U Premier in 2024, PGF 14U Platinum in 2024, PGF 10U Premier in 2024, PGF 14U Premier in 2023, PGF 10U Premier in 2023, PGF 18U Premier in 2022, PGF 14U Premier in 2022, PGF 12U Premier in 2019, PGF 16U Premier in 2018) and finished as runner-up (PGF 12U Premier in 2025, PGF 14U Platinum in 2023, PGF 12U Premier in 2022, PGF 14U Platinum in 2021, PGF 16U Platinum in 2017, PGF 14U Platinum in 2017, PGF 10U Premier in 2017, PGF 14U Platinum in 2016) eight times. His team was #3 at PGF 18U Premier Nationals last summer. “Coach Rocky brings an impressive background and deep knowledge of the game of softball,” 2027 RHP Georgia Chancellor said. “With years of experience and a strong understanding of strategy, fundamentals, and player development, he knows how to bring out the best in every athlete. Beyond his expertise, he is a powerful motivator, who inspires confidence, encourages hard work and builds a team culture rooted in belief, discipline and heart. Players leave not only better at softball, but stronger in character because of their leadership. Even with him being such a great coach on the field, he’s an even better person off the field.”

2. David Mercado, Athletics Mercado-Smith:

David Mercado has built Athletics Mercado into the premier organization in the country since starting it in 2017 after leaving the So Cal Athletics organization. Mercado’s program has won PGF 16U Premier (2025), PGF 14U Premier (2025), PGF 14U Platinum (2025), PGF 14U Premier (2024), PGF 12U Platinum (2022), PGF 12U Platinum (2021), PGF 18U Premier (2019) national championships and finished as runner-up at PGF Nationals at PGF 18U Platinum (2025), PGF 18U Premier (2024), PGF 14U Platinum (2024), PGF 10U Premier (2024), PGF 12U Platinum (2021), PGF 14U Platinum (2019), PGF 16U Premier (2018) and PGF 16U Premier (2017). His program won Alliance national championships at Alliance 18U Tier 2 (2024), Alliance 10U (2023), Alliance 16U Tier 2 (2022), Alliance 18U Tier 1 (2021) and Alliance 12U Tier 1 (2021) and finished as runner-up at Alliance 14U Tier 1 Nationals (2022). “Coach Dave is the type of coach you miss when you’re not playing for,” Oklahoma-bound MIF/OF Ki’ele Ho-Ching said. “He’s hard on us, but it’s out of love. He cares about how his team looks and how we do of course, but most importantly he cares about our mental and physical health. He preaches taking care of our minds and bodies to make sure we are always in a good space not only for softball, but just in life in general. Coach Mark (Smith) and Coach (Brian) Tidd are the same way. Athletics Mercado coaches as a whole are the right coaches to play under 110 percent. They push us to be the best version of ourselves on and off the field and I’m super grateful for them. They are like our dads and coaches in one, also our friends in a way, too. We can joke with them and they’ll joke back. Instead of the environment being strict, it’s fun and enjoyable. We not only are able to get better at what we do, but we have so much fun while doing so and they make sure of it. They respect their players and we respect them!” Mercado also led So Cal Athletics’ teams to national championships at PGF 14U Premier (2016) and PGF 12U Premier (2014).

1. Mike Stith, OC Batbusters-Stith:

Mike Stith has a reputation as one of the top coaches in So Cal and in the nation and, as the head of the OC Batbusters, has developed the Batbusters into one of the premier organizations in the nation. “He’s one of the best in the game,” Florida OF Taylor Shumaker said. “Look at the players he has coached. You won’t see another Mike Stith in this sport. Not only does he coach us to be great players, but great people as well. He puts us in a position to succeed in high-pressure situations without feeling the pressure. (He’s a) top tier human being and top tier coach.” The Batbusters have won eight PGF national championships (PGF 14U Platinum in 2019, PGF 18U Premier in 2015, PGF 14U Premier in 2015, PGF 12U Premier in 2015, PGF 18U Premier in 2014, PGF 18U Premier in 2014, PGF 14U Premier in 2011, PGF 16U Premier in 2010) and finished as runner-ups (PGF 18U Premier in 2018, PGF 14U Platinum in 2018, PGF 12U Platinum in 2018, PGF 18U Platinum in 2017, PGF 14U Premier in 2017, PGF 16U Platinum in 2014, PGF 16U Premier in 2013, PGF 14U Premier in 2013) eight times. “Coach Mike is the old school that this game needs and what makes training so enjoyable,” Oklahoma OF Kai Minor said. “There’s always a new challenge when it comes to playing with him, but ultimately it made everyone better no matter what their role was on the team. You could ask any alumni that came from Coach Mike’s team and nothing but the truth and respect would be said is what he instilled in us. I would say his expertise is being a professional and playing the game. He isn’t a rah rah type of guy because he knows what needs to get done and he loves what he does.” They have won Alliance national championships (Alliance 12U Tier 1 in 2025, Alliance 18U Tier 3 in 2024, Alliance 12U Tier 1 in 2024, Alliance 18U Tier 1 in 2023, Alliance 14U Tier 1 in 2023, Alliance 18U Tier 1 in 2022, Alliance 18U Tier 2 in 2022, Alliance 14U Tier 2 in 2022, Alliance 10U Tier 1 in 2022, Alliance 18U Tier 2 in 2021, Alliance 14U Tier 2 in 2021) 11 times and finished as runner-ups (Alliance 18U Tier 2 in 2025, Alliance 12U Tier 2 in 2024, Alliance 18U Tier 3 in 2023, Alliance 12U Tier 1 in 2023, Alliance 14U Tier 2 in 2021, Alliance 12U Tier 1 in 2021, Alliance 10U Tier 1 in 2021) seven times. “Coach Mike Stith is honestly one of the best coaches I’ve ever been around,” BYU-bound C Taylor Cowsill said. “His biggest strength is developing hitters and helping players become complete offensive threats as well as fine-tuned players in the field, but it goes way beyond just swings and fielding. He really focuses on the little details and making sure we understand the game, not just play it. What stands out the most is how much he pushes you to be your best every single day. He holds everyone to a really high standard and at times it’s tough, but it’s also what makes his players so prepared for the next level. You learn how to be consistent, disciplined and mentally strong, which is huge when you’re trying to compete in college. He also creates a super competitive environment where everyone is working hard and pushing each other. It’s not just about talent, it’s about effort, attitude and accountability. Because of that, you’re not only improving as a player, but also growing as a person. I think that’s what makes him so respected. He doesn’t just develop great athletes, he helps build confident, strong and resilient people, who are ready for whatever comes next.” Stanford-bound OF Kale’a Tindal said Coach Stith has the same goals as the players. “Coach Mike is the kind of coach who has the same goals for his players as we have for ourselves,” Tindal said. “Not only has he given us the tools we need to develop as athletes, but he has also helped to set us up for success at the next level. Personally, Coach Mike has also taught me the importance of being intentional, being relentless with our goals and staying level-headed regardless of the outcomes of a game. Through his coaching, he has helped me develop an understanding of what it means to be honest and committed to something. On the field, this looks like getting quality reps in the cages and lifting on a regular basis. Off the field, it looks like sticking to one’s word and speaking with clarity.”

— Carlos Arias, Line Drive Media (Follow Carlos on Instagram @los_stuff)