Central California-based Unity-Nulick, which features Mike Nulick as the head coach, is part of Josh Johnson’s Unity organization and is making a name for itself in the 16U age group on the national scene.

Line Drive Media: What’s your athletics background, and how did you get to the point of leading the team/organization?

Mike Nulick: I grew up playing baseball, football and wrestling. I went on to play college football and spent three years playing for the All-Marine Corps football team. My coaching journey started with my son in baseball and football before transitioning into softball with both of my daughters.

Moving from coaching boys to coaching girls was definitely a learning curve, but the intensity, discipline and work ethic I developed through football have remained central to my coaching philosophy. Those are the same qualities I try to instill in every athlete I coach.

My son played college football and my oldest daughter is now in her third year of college softball, so I’ve spent many years navigating both the coaching and recruiting processes. Over time, I’ve fully immersed myself in the softball world and developed a genuine appreciation for the opportunities, relationships and challenges that come with it.

I also founded and ran the Madera County Legends baseball and softball organization for three years before handing it off to other motivated coaches. I’ve coached softball for more than 10 years now and I continue to enjoy the opportunity to develop athletes, build teams and help young people reach their potential.

LDM: When did the team/program start, and how and why did it come to be?

MN: For several years, we had been working toward establishing a high-level team in Central California that could compete with the best programs in the country.

In previous years, I had discussions with LeAndre Ricks of Unity-Ricks 18U, but we were never quite able to assemble the combination of talent and timing needed to compete at the level we envisioned.

At the end of 2025, several players expressed interest in joining the Unity organization and we felt the timing was finally right. With Coach Ricks’ guidance, we assembled our original group of 11 players.

From there, we quickly built a coaching staff and established a development structure that included speed and agility training and collaboration with Hailey Dolcini for pitcher development. We started with a streamlined, gritty and promising group of 11 athletes, who shared a common goal: compete at the highest level and prove we belonged there.

LDM: Where are you based, and where do your athletes come from?

MN: We’re based in Central California and the majority of our players come from the Central Valley with a few athletes from Northern California. We’re always open to adding players from other areas, who fit our culture and share our commitment to the team.

I’ve always had tremendous respect for athletes from the Central Valley. Many of our families have agricultural roots and that background often instills a strong work ethic, toughness and an appreciation for earning what you achieve.

There’s something special about these kids. They’re competitive, resilient and willing to put in the work. When they know a coach believes in them, they’ll go all out for that coach and their teammates. That mentality is a big part of who we are.