Next up on the ABCA Podcast, we’re highlighting another of our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year with John Knott, head coach at Mount San Antonio College and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC Pacific Association Division Coach of the Year.

Knott guided Mt. SAC to a historic season in 2025, capturing the 3C2A Championship for the first time in 60 years. The Mounties finished with an incredible 45-6 record, including 22-2 in conference play, cementing themselves among the best teams in the country.

Since taking over the program in 2016, Knott has built Mt. SAC into a consistent contender, carrying over his winning pedigree from Bonita High School, where he led the team to its first CIF Championship since 1951 and six straight league titles from 2009–2014.

In this episode, Knott reflects on his program-building approach, the culture behind Mt. SAC’s title run, and lessons learned from both the high school and college levels.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

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This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Jim Koerner, USA Baseball’s Director of Player Development. In his role, Koerner oversees on-field programming for six national teams and three national development programs.

Since taking over the position in 2021, Koerner has brought a wealth of coaching experience from his time leading and assisting collegiate programs at North Carolina Central University, University of Buffalo, Marshall University, Monmouth University, and Medaille University.

In this episode, Koerner shares practical development tips from training approaches to mental skills and long-term growth that can help players, coaches, and parents at any level.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

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Next up on the ABCA Podcast, we spotlight another ABCA/ATEC Coach of the Year—Joe Giummule, head coach at Jupiter High School (FL) and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC High School Division I Coach of the Year.

In his first season at Jupiter, Giummule led the Warriors all the way to the Florida Class 7A state championship game, falling just short in a tight 3-2 battle against national powerhouse Stoneman Douglas.

With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Giummule has earned a reputation as a true program builder, having led and developed teams at Taravella, Deerfield Beach, Coral Glades, Sebastian River, South Broward, and Pompano Beach. In this episode, he reflects on his coaching journey, the keys to establishing a winning culture, and his guiding mantra of being “Fair and Consistent.”

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

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This week on the ABCA Podcast, we continue highlighting our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year with Josh Raney, head coach at Blanchard High School (OK) and the 2025 ABCA/ATEC High School Division III National Coach of the Year.

Raney has been at the helm for 19 seasons and has built one of the premier programs in Oklahoma high school baseball. His Blanchard Lions have captured four state titles in the last 10 years, including a dominant 35-1 run in 2025 that ended with the Oklahoma 4A State Championship.

Known for his philosophy of mastering the fundamentals and being elite at the small things that win games, Raney has compiled a career record of 510-122. With this honor, he becomes the second Oklahoma coach to receive this award, joining ABCA Hall of Famer Larry Turner.

This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.
Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.
And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”
Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.
If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.
Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

It’s that time of year on the ABCA Podcast when we spotlight our ABCA/ATEC Coaches of the Year, and this week we’re joined by Chris Roof, the 2025 ABCA/ATEC High School Division II Coach of the Year.

Roof has served as head coach at Governor Livingston High School (NJ) for the past 25 years and has built a powerhouse program in the Garden State. After capturing the New Jersey State Championship in 2024, his squad followed it up with a perfect 28-0 season in 2025, securing back-to-back state titles in dominant fashion.

In this episode, Roof shares the foundation of his program’s success, his leadership philosophy, and how he’s impacted baseball in New Jersey beyond just the field.

Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
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Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is Zach Sorensen, Mental Performance Coach for the Cincinnati Reds.

A former three-time All-American at Wichita State and second-round MLB Draft pick by the Cleveland Guardians, Sorensen brings a unique perspective shaped by his own professional playing career and his deep passion for helping athletes master the mental game.

After 10 years as a pro player, Sorensen transitioned into medical sales before rediscovering his purpose in performance coaching. He’s since worked with the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and now the Reds, helping athletes train their minds like they train their bodies.

Sorensen is also the host of The Hard 90 Podcast, where he shares strategies for maximizing mindset, and he's currently collaborating with Pison on a cutting-edge cognitive training app for athletes.

This episode dives into what it takes to perform mentally at the highest level and how coaches can better equip their players with the tools to succeed beyond mechanics.

Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

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This week on the ABCA Podcast, we sit down with Clint Hurdle, longtime MLB manager and current hitting and bench coach for the Colorado Rockies.

Hurdle has been part of professional baseball since 1977, serving the game as a player, coach, and manager over the past five decades. Hurdle spent 17 seasons as a Major League manager—leading both the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, and totaling nearly 1,300 career wins.

This conversation flows into discussions on leadership, resilience, player connection, and the deeper lessons that come from a lifetime in baseball.

Hurdle also delivered a phenomenal presentation at the 2025 ABCA Convention, which you can go back and watch now in the Videos section of the app or online in the ABCA Video Library. It’s well worth your time and full of the same energy, perspective, and honesty he brings to this episode.

Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

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This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Brad Neffendorf, head coach of LSU Shreveport, who just led his program to a historic and unprecedented season. Under Neffendorf’s leadership, the Pilots went a perfect 59-0, capturing the first national title in school history.

It marked the third NAIA World Series appearance for Shreveport during Neffendorf’s tenure and the fourth consecutive Red River Athletic Conference regular season title. As expected, the accolades followed: Neffendorf was named ABCA/ATEC NAIA National Coach of the Year, the College Baseball Foundation (Skip Bertman Award), Perfect Game, and NAIA Ball.

In this episode, Neffendorf breaks down the culture, preparation, and mindset behind the perfect run, and how he’s built a consistent NAIA powerhouse since taking over in 2019.

Also be sure to check out the July/August issue of Inside Pitch Magazine (mailing soon!)—Coach Neffendorf is on the cover with an even more in-depth interview on this once-in-a-lifetime season!

Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits
Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

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We’re back to one-on-one interviews this week on the ABCA Podcast with a true coaching veteran—Dave Serrano, head coach at Johnson University and one of the most respected baseball minds in the game.

Serrano’s journey through college baseball spans over three decades and includes stops at some of the game’s premier programs: Tennessee, Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine, West Virginia, and Cal State Northridge. He got his start in 1988 under George Horton at Cerritos College and went on to become the 2007 Baseball America National Coach of the Year after leading UC Irvine to the College World Series.

Now with over 600 career wins as a head coach, Serrano is in the midst of a remarkable turnaround at Johnson University. After taking over a 5-win program in 2023, he’s led the team to back-to-back record-breaking seasons in both single-season and conference wins.

In this episode, Serrano reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the lessons he’s carried from Omaha to his current rebuild, and what it takes to lead with both passion and purpose.

Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits

Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

X/Twitter: https://x.com/abca1945

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abca1945

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABCA1945

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we recorded in Cary, North Carolina at the NCAA Division II World Series. We sat down with all eight head coaches who led their teams to this year’s championship stage to discuss postseason preparation, team culture, and the experience of competing at the highest level in Division II baseball.

Featured in this episode: Brad Baldwin (Northwood University),  Brent Porche (UT Tyler),  Chris Langan (Felician University),  John Kochmansky (East Stroudsburg University),  Adam Skonieczki (Lenoir-Rhyne University),  Joe Schaeffer (Northwest Nazarene University),  Kyle Crookes (University of Central Missouri),  Joe Urso (University of Tampa).

Huge congratulations to Joe Urso and the University of Tampa on capturing their second consecutive National Championship, winning seven games in eight days in an incredible postseason run!

Recruiting is time-consuming — but what if you could filter through the noise and find the right players in minutes for FREE? With ProLook, athletes create detailed profiles with verified stats, academics, and highlight videos, so you can search for exactly what you need and connect with top talent instantly. And it's FREE for college coaches. Download ProLook today to start searching for your next recruit among many other coaches features. Available for both Apple and Android devices. For more info visit www.ProLook.app.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

Download & Subscribe to the Podcast:
https://abca.castos.com
https://www.abca.org/podcast

Online: https://www.abca.org

ABCA Member Benefits: https://www.abca.org/benefits
Become a Member: https://www.abca.org/apply

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