Baseball Coach, Life Coach
Coaching has always been a part of who I am. Even early on, I was the friend people turned to for honest, wise, and thoughtful guidance. I took that responsibility seriously then, and I still do today. From a young age, I’ve had a strong moral compass and sense of right and wrong, and over time, my values have only deepened through my relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, my life and coaching is rooted in biblical truth and grounded in a desire to love others well.
My life verse, Colossians 3:23, says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” That verse is more than a motto—it’s the foundation of how I live and coach. I believe my purpose isn’t about me; it’s about using the gifts God has given me to serve others and make a lasting impact for His Kingdom.
As a coach, I strive to lead with integrity, compassion, wisdom, and encouragement. I’m loyal, trustworthy, kind, empathetic, warm, and approachable—someone people feel comfortable with. I’m also passionate about excellence in everything I do, bringing energy, fun, and a little joy (often in the form of singing or dancing!) to every practice, tournament or session across from someone. I’m grateful for the unique gifts and experiences God has created in me that I use to help others and love them well. It’s a privilege to coach another, in life or on the baseball field.
My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve walked through deep trauma and, by God’s grace, found healing on the other side. Those experiences have shaped me and now allow me to coach with greater empathy and understanding. I’ve learned firsthand how difficult it can be to support someone through pain if you haven’t walked a similar path yourself. That’s why 2 Corinthians 1:4 resonates so deeply with me: “…who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” My heart for ministry is the same heart I bring to coaching - a youth athlete, or an adult brother or sister in Christ.
As a former athlete, I know what it takes to give 110%. I understand the game—especially baseball—and how to develop young athletes both on and off the field. I combine skill development with character-building, faith, and fun. I’m the coach who mixes in a little music, laughter, and joy while still pushing for excellence.
The boys I coach know me as Coach Kelly—the one who sees their potential, believes in them, and brings out their very best.
Read more about my role as the assistant coach on the Dawgs team in the Instagram post and feel free to follow along with our team! We are excited to have a rebranding coming soon!
My coaching experience has led me to whispers in my heart to pursue becoming a life coach. I plan to remain prayerful through this journey and obedient to follow where I sense the presence of the Lord guiding me. Stay tuned.
The birth of our Spirit-led 110 program
When we were in the first phase of starting up a travel baseball team, I was driving alone in my car and praying about how God would want me to be a part of this team. I honestly didn’t think I had the time or margin to incorporate coaching in my life. But, in an answer to my prayers, God provided a vision as clear as day, and that vision has shaped the foundation of our team’s elite status.
Like the movie, A Beautiful Mind, a sequence of sketches began to appear in my mind, like someone writing on a whiteboard, and an entire elite-level philosophy came to life in that moment that I knew would be our guiding light: “110 at Practice”
I remember coming home and sharing with Derrick how excited I was to have received whatever gift this was. I had to sketch it out immediately on a piece of paper and explain what I heard the Lord share with me. This is what I sketched out…
“110 @ Practice” and in Life
Here is what came to me: Most players play in the "safe zone" because that's where they are comfortable and don't fear failure. The problem with the safe zone is just that - it's safe. Safe serves us well for making smart percentage plays in games but growth won't occur from the safe zone. That's why we incorporate "110 @ practice". The more reps we make in this zone, the more we grow and the more confidence we gain for tournament play. We believe in muscle memory and that the effort put forth in practice will be what our bodies remember in tournaments. So, we have designated practices as a safe place to try new things, tall push limits, and attack at 110% effort! Diving for the hard hit line drive, sprinting for the pop up, bolting like lightning through first hase, or pitching with the eye of the tiger - these are all examples of 110! We will never get upset with a player for going 110 after a ball and missing.
So far, it’s been such a motivator for our team, coaches and the boys. We have fun with it and reward 110 effort by ringing a cowbell and making a big celebration out of it. When this happens, the boys watching want a piece of the fun so they push themselves hard to achieve a 110 celebration, as well! It’s contagious in the best ways. Not only has this been super fun but it’s also been an extremely effective coaching tool! Thank you, Jesus, for this help and gift!
I believe that 110 is not just about effort, it’s about mindset. I believe you can live with a Spirit of Excellence and do all things well if you put your mind to it. I believe that just like on the baseball field, in life, if you don’t push yourself out of your comfort zone, you will never grow. And I believe that the way you do anything is how you do everything. I feel the LORD is guiding me to take 110 Life further, perhaps in my life coaching call. Stay tuned to find out how.
It’s Missional - “Because of Baseball”
Because of baseball, we miss a lot of Sundays attending and serving in our church. Thankfully, I know we are missed when we aren’t there and I know we are being prayed over and for and that feels great.
Because of baseball, we are also making opportunities to be light bearers and bring Jesus to the ballfields where there are a lot of young people (and older folks) who need this good news.
Church is important, there is no doubt, but it’s not the only place you can access Jesus or the good news of the gospel.
Our team is doing a new thing. We are on mission. It’s not just baseball here, it’s all for God’s glory.
After inviting and pumping up the opposing teams for our pregame prayer huddle on the mound, we were stared at and yes, some of those boys (maybe coaches, too) thought we might just be a little strange. “Why are they being so nice? We are their competitors…” They didn’t know you could do this. They didn’t know you can love like this.
That’s the good news! We have Jesus and anyone else who is interested, who maybe also wants a little taste of whatever this is, can have it to! It’s available for ALL!!!!
One kid came up to Derrick after the second game’s prayer huddle, looked him straight in the eyes, shook his hand with a firm gentleman’s grip and thanked him. He said. “No, really. THANK YOU for this display of sportsmanship. I mean it!”
This boy represents the others who didn’t speak up. We all just want to be loved. Most of us don’t know what that looks like. He recognized it.
While huddling and dropping to a knee, I begin these prayer huddles by saying, “Guys. We are all brothers and sisters here. We are all here for one reason and that’s to glorify God.” Rings are great, for sure, but it’s all God! We may not always win the rings, but we can always leave the field as winners because we played for Team Jesus!
And we may not be in church but Jesus is with us and he goes where we go.
When we care for the other team, encourage them, lift them up like brothers, we are doing something different. Some think it’s a little strange but others are curious about this new thing!
Because of baseball, the Lord has given me content to write sports devotions and we’ll have a group of boys meeting to discuss Jesus on the ballfield!
Because of baseball, we can show these boys (and parents and coaches) a new way! You can be friendly and encourage one another AND competitive.
Because of baseball, we can love and serve others well outside the church.
Because of baseball, we have this opportunity to do a new thing.
And it’s Because of Jesus, we do it all.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:19
Creative Resources
Because of baseball, I’ve also been taken out of my creative comfort zone and pushed myself to create new content for our team. Here’s a few examples of what I’ve created:
Powerful, professional tools and resources shared with our coaching staff, the families of the team, and other teams interested in incorporating these elements into their program
All of the posts and reels for our social media presence in a fun and engaging way that highlight our team’s elite status, fun environment, and inviting culture
Fun posters and baseball cards through editing programs
Functional stationary for the team to use, and for individuals to use
Additionally, I’ve created relevant, sports-related Christian devotionals for our team that we share with the boys who are interested in growing their faith (it’s optional)
Engaging drills that help each boy develop their skills
The Whole Athlete Program that incorporates mind, body, and spirit into the growth and development of our team
Individual player development plans that help meet each player where they are and outline a plan for growing
