Next Pitch Academy

06/21/2026

My favorite catcher never caught me in a college game.

You’ll never find his name in a box score.

My favorite catcher has always been my dad. ❤️

Before I ever stepped into a college circle, before the wins, the awards, or the Hall of Fame, there was my dad.

A former college pitcher himself, he understood the game—but more importantly, he understood me.

He worked three jobs to give me opportunities he never had. Yet no matter how long his day had been, he never complained he was too tired to catch me.

Some nights he would get off work at 8:00 and rush to make it to my lesson by 8:30. Other days he’d race home before dark so we could throw in the driveway before the sun went down.

Bucket after bucket.

Pitch after pitch.

He was always there.

Looking back, I don’t remember every bullpen or every lesson.

But I remember exactly how he made me feel.

I felt supported.

I felt believed in.

When I doubted myself, he never did.

He constantly reminded me that I had a God-given gift and encouraged me to keep chasing my dreams, even when I wasn’t sure I could.

And when my softball journey eventually took me farther than I ever imagined, he always told me that watching the joy I experienced through this game was one of the greatest blessings of his life.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the greatest gift he gave me wasn’t the 15+ hours a week he dedicated to coaching my teams.

It wasn’t the countless hours of catching.

It was his time, his sacrifices, and his unwavering belief in me.

Happy Father’s Day to every dad, grandpa, and bucket dad.

Your daughter may not remember every lesson you taught her.

But she’ll never forget how you made her feel.

My Dad’s wedding speech will always hold a special place in my heart: https://youtu.be/L69lldMoBGQ?is=_Ca8Hj5GKJWVdN_P

06/17/2026

Happy Birthday to our amazing hitting coach, Sarah Gray-Belcon! 🎉🥎

Sarah is truly one of the best hitters I have ever had the privilege of playing with. Her knowledge of the game, passion for helping athletes grow, and dedication to every player she coaches are second to none. The love she has for softball and for developing the next generation of players shines through in everything she does.

Please join us in wishing Sarah a very happy birthday if you see her this week! 🎂💙

06/10/2026

Amen! So grateful for all the coaches and teachers in my daughters’ lives. The time and passion they pour into them is greatly appreciated!

Coaching youth sports is more than working on batting orders, field positions, and designing plays.

It’s more than managing schedule changes and coordinating with other coaches, league officials, and parents.

It’s more than carting around game bags, buckets of balls, and extra equipment everywhere you go.

It’s more than taking phone calls and answering emails from parents while on vacation, during a lunch break, or at a birthday party.

It’s more than scheduling time with your family and date nights with your spouse around tournaments, games, and practices.

It’s more than volunteering countless hours of your free time for the benefit of the kids.

It’s more than spending time learning what motivates each player and how to coach in a way that brings out their best.

It’s more than trying to let the passive-aggressive (and sometimes outwardly aggressive) comments from parents and spectators roll off your back.

It’s more than trying to find a way to balance fun with learning.

It’s more than finding the strength to be the team’s cheerleader when everyone’s hopes are dashed.

It’s more than a winning season.

So much more.

The truth is, we need those coaches more than we need wins.

We need those coaches who make our kids feel seen.

We need those coaches who can support our kids as they learn important life lessons.

We need those coaches who can help our kids find confidence when it’s nowhere to be found.

We need those coaches who can model winning humbly and losing gracefully.

We need those coaches who are willing to donate their time, hearts, and souls to our kids.

We need those coaches who are willing to step up to the plate, take the field, and run onto the court no matter the price.

Because it’s about so much more.

Shared with permission from Changing Perspectives with Jenni Brennan

06/06/2026

Next Pitch Academy T-Shirt Order Form is live! 🎉

Gear up and represent Next Pitch Academy in style!

We’re placing a mass order for our academy t-shirts, and we’ve got multiple colors and sizes available! Order form closes on June 22 and shirts will be available for pickup by July 13!

Gear up and represent Next Pitch Academy in style! We’re placing a mass order for our academy t-shirts, and we’ve got multiple colors and sizes available so everyone can find their perfect fit. Whether you're at lessons, games, or just out and about, these shirts are a great way to show your NPA...

06/06/2026

Softball Pitching Lessons Now Open – Spots Will Go Fast!

I’m excited to announce that Jaelyn Watts will be offering pitching lessons this summer!

Jaelyn is a Rochester High School standout, 2026 CS8 Player of the Year nominee, and has trained with me for nearly a decade. She brings a strong foundation in the same mechanics and drills I teach, along with real, current game experience that makes her incredibly relatable—especially for younger pitchers just getting started.

If your athlete is looking to build confidence, learn the right fundamentals, and grow in the circle, this is a great opportunity.

📅 Lesson Details
• Dates: June 9 – August 20, 2026
• 30-minute private lessons
• $30 per session
• Location: 1215 Bunn St., Springfield (near UIS softball fields)

👉 Individual time slots are available through the signup below.
👉 We highly recommend booking multiple weeks to lock in your preferred time each week.

Ready to Get Started in the Circle? We’re excited to open up sign-ups for pitching lessons with Jaelyn Watts—a high school standout, Rochester High School graduate/incoming college pitcher, and 2026 CS8 Player of the Year nominee. Jaelyn has trained under Tina Buck-Harth for nearly a decade, dev...

06/02/2026

💯 Could not agree more!

06/02/2026

First broken bat at Next Pitch!

Sarah Gray-Belcon must have been throwing the heater that night! 🔥

05/27/2026

Not only did Jaelyn Watts throw a gem of a game, but hit this bomb in the 9th! 💣I could not be more proud of her! Have a senior season will ya?!

05/16/2026

I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭 This is what it’s all about!