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Meet our coaching team.

Mario Jimenez

Mario Jimenez

Baseball & Softball Academy Director

My Story:

As an 18 year old graduate, I had little hope for a future in baseball. After working out for 25 different schools, I was told that there was no opportunity for me to play at the next level. Finally one school said yes. Eventually, God turned that experience into a pro career. God allowed that struggle in my life so that I could relate to players who are going through the same uncertainty in their career.

Professional Background:

  • Baseball Director at Inspiration Academy (IA) since 2014
  • Hitting Consultant for Professional players from 14 different MLB teams
  • Clients include a National League Rookie of the Year, World Baseball Classic MVP award winner and two first round picks in the MLB Draft
  • Led Inspiration Academy to two State Championship in 2018-2019
  • General Manager and Director of Hitting at Bardo’s Diamond Sports in Parker, Colorado
  • Coached at IMG Baseball Academy from 2001-2011
  • Played professionally in the Continental League
  • Assistant coach and Recruiting coordinator at Palm Beach Atlantic University under Baseball Hall-of-Famer Gary Carter
Anne Gerwitz

Anne Gerwitz

Varsity Head Coach

Coming into my first year at Inspiration Academy, I genuinely feel that I am right where God wants me. Growing up, Baseball and Softball have always been a huge part of my life. Playing Baseball from the time I could walk with my brothers to playing softball all five years of college, attending a JUCO in Maryland for two years, and finishing my career at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I have been blessed with this opportunity to teach history and coach within a program dedicated to player development that enables student-athletes to achieve their full potential. Sharing my passion for softball with these girls has already made such a big impact on me. With work ethic and dedication, I have already watched these girls develop and grow as a team; I am excited to watch them continue and compete at a high level this upcoming season.

Professional Background:

  • Bachelor’s of Arts in History
  • Master of Education 
  • Played four years of Collegiate Softball with the last two at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 
  • NFCA All-Region Second Team 
  • D2 All-Region Second Team 

 

Hunter Barnes

Hunter Barnes

Varsity Assistant Coach

This year I have enjoyed getting closer with God and helping others through sharing my testimony. Also softball is going well, we are super excited to open the season the Lakewood Ranch on Feb. 21st. I’m ready to see the girls in action and for them to showcase all the hard work the have put into the off-season. 

Professional Background:

  • Middleburg High School Softball Coach    2020-2021
  •  Pro Impact Softball Coach                          2020-2021

 

Brian Commerford

Brian Commerford

Strength & Conditioning Coach

My Story:

I came to IA because it combines two things that I am very passionate about, strength training and leading others toward Jesus. I came to faith in college where I got involved with Athletes in Action, a sports ministry. My wife Natalie and I were heavily involved in the AIA ministry though out our time at Hendrix and then we joined part time field staff for AIA for 2 years at Arkansas Tech.

Professional Background:

  • Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and Education from Hendrix College
  • Masters in Science in Strength and Conditioning from Arkansas Tech University
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • Certified by United States Weightlifting Level 1 (USAW)
  • NCSA Strength of America Award 2020-2023
  • At Arkansas Tech University he served as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the baseball, cheer, and dance teams from 2016 to 2018, assisted with football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and golf.

It Takes The Whole Team!

The IA’s Softball Acadamy works in partnership with IA’s Baseball Academy to enhance your athlete’s position-specific training.  Click on the link below for more coach bios.

Photo Credits: Billy D Photography & Christina Cassidy

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