In early April, we asked our softball market to share with us a favorite club coach who has made an impact and, wow, did we get some great responses!

It’s crystal clear that there are a LOT of great coaches out there who are beloved by their players and families.

Periodically, we’ll share some of these responses to honor those men and women who are making a difference in the lives of others!

If you’d still like to share your experiences, feel free to do so by emailing Brentt.Eads@LineDriveMedia.com.

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Today, we spotlight Head Coach Ryan McCallum of Fury Platinum National 16U – McCullum, a team located in Virginia.

Star Class of 2028 right-handed pitcher and utility player Aubrey Vital—who was ranked in the Top 10 of the 2028 HOT 100 released in the Spring of 2025 (and will be updated this summer)—is from Belle Glade, Fla. and tells us about the impact Coach McCallum has made on her.

By way of introduction, Aubrey just finished her 2026 regular season with Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach, Fla.) and heads into district next week.v

In 20 games, she batted .417 and in the circle was outstanding with a 0.74 ERA and recorded 122 strikeouts in 85.2 innings to be named the Palm Beach Post Midseason Softball Player of the Year.

… and here’s some clips of Aubrey in action:

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When I think about my favorite coach, I don’t think about wins, stats, or championships.

I think about someone who shows up, believes in me, and cares about me even when no one is watching. That is exactly who Coach Ryan McCallum from Fury Platinum National – McCallum is to me.

What makes him so special is that he doesn’t just coach us during the season, he checks on us all the time. Even when we’re not playing, he makes sure we’re doing what we need to do, especially when it comes to getting recruited and preparing for our future.

That means a lot because it shows he cares about who we are becoming, not just how we play.

One of the moments I will never forget is when he surprised me by coming all the way from Virginia to Florida to watch one of my high school softball games. He didn’t have to do that, but he did.

That moment meant everything to me because it showed me how much he truly believes in me.

As a pitcher, he always talks to me after every inning, but instead of just telling me what to throw, he asks me what I’m seeing and what I think.

That makes me feel trusted and it makes me feel confident.

It makes me feel like my voice matters.

Coach Ryan plays a major role in our recruitment journey. There is so much work he does behind the scenes, connecting with college coaches, advocating for us, and creating opportunities, that we may not always see, but we know it’s happening.

Because of him, we feel supported, prepared, and confident as we take steps toward the next level.

Coach Ryan is more than just a coach to me—he’s someone who pushes me, supports me, and believes in me even when I doubt myself.

And sometimes, that belief is exactly what you need to keep going.

That’s why he will always be my favorite coach.

— Aubrey Vital/Belle Glade, Fla.