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Noroton Wrestling Joins BVSA for Youth Training

Noroton Wrestling brings skill-building, structure, and community to fill a major gap in local wrestling.

Norwalk, CT — April 9, 2025 — Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy (BVSA) proudly welcomes Noroton Wrestling, a nonprofit organization founded by Bill & Cliff to expand the community of youth athletes with year-round training. 

Noroton Wrestling was established due to a noticeable fall in local wrestling programs following the COVID-19 pandemic. “There were few wrestling clubs left in Lower Fairfield County, specifically Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford”, said Cliff. “We wanted to create a facility where kids could get training all year and truly be part of a wrestling club.”

As business owners and parents to young wrestlers, Bill and Cliff bring their passion to their mission. Bill developed an interest in wrestling during high school in New Jersey. Cliff’s interest in the sport grew through his sons, Lincoln and Christian, and he quickly saw wrestling’s value beyond competition.

Noroton Wrestling is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes wrestling in Southwestern Connecticut. They cater to kids from second grade through high school. Their program is unique due to its location and age-specific programs, including:

  • A Kids Program (ages 4–7)
  • Elementary school program for kids up to 5th grade
  • Middle and High School training
  • Options for beginners through advanced athletes

During the season, they focus on folkstyle wrestling, and in the spring season, they offer freestyle, Greco-Roman, and folkstyle. Their training includes three weekly practices (90 minutes each), seasonal clinics, and private coaching. This summer, they will host their first set of clinics featuring top clinicians and dedicated sessions for the women’s wrestling community.

“We hope to provide more kids with access to the sport, especially during the off-season,” said Bill. “That’s when strength, confidence, and real progress happen.”

Partnering with Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy (BVSA) provides a big boost by offering amenities, including a front desk, shared resources, a cafe and a massive sports community. It’s a great addition to the building filling the vacancy of the Instant Replay Sporting Goods store front. 

“We are thrilled to have Noroton Wrestling join us in our efforts to develop young athletes..  Our experience with Cliff, Bill and team over the last few months has been fantastic. From day one, they’ve demonstrated exceptional organization, professionalism, and a strong commitment to developing athletes.. Their practices are well-structured, their coaches deeply engaged, and the energy they bring to the facility is contagious. We’re proud to support their continued growth and to have them as part of our athletic community.” – Frank Ramppen, Managing Partner of BVSA. 

The Noroton Wrestling program is further supported by Evolution Physical Therapy & Fitness, which operates on-site and specializes in working with athletes. Evolution offers expert-led strength training, injury prevention, and recovery services, giving wrestlers access to the same performance-focused care used by top-level competitors.

Looking forward, Noroton Wrestling is preparing to launch its first summer clinic series, with high-profile clinicians who have marquee names. They also hope to have more summer clinics for women’s wrestling, which is in high demand. 

To learn more about Noroton Wrestling, visit https://www.norotonwrestling.com/ or reach out via email (info@norotonwrestling.com).

 

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Colin Zeller – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Colin Zeller Athlete of the Month

BVSA is thrilled to announce Colin Zeller as the First County Bank Athlete of the Month for April. A standout lacrosse midfielder at Greenwich High School, Colin’s dedication, leadership, and passion for the game make him a true embodiment of athletic excellence.

A Lacrosse Journey Rooted in Family

Colin’s connection to lacrosse began early, inspired by his father, Brian, who played for the Maryland Terrapins in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Growing up a devoted Terps fan, Colin was immersed in the sport but initially focused on baseball until 6th grade, when lacrosse became his true calling. A multi-sport athlete, he played football through his freshman year and ran cross-country as a sophomore, building a versatile athletic foundation that fuels his success today.

A Record of Excellence

Colin’s on-field achievements are remarkable. He recently surpassed 100 career goals at Greenwich High School, cementing his status as a prolific scorer. A two-time First Team All-FCIAC and All-State selection, Colin has also served as a two-time captain of the Greenwich High School lacrosse team, leading with poise and determination. In September 2023, during his junior year, he committed to Yale University, drawn to its exceptional academic and athletic opportunities despite interest from other top programs. Looking ahead, Colin envisions himselfd winning a D1 NCAA National Championship with the Bulldogs, inspired by his father’s experience as a two-time national championship runner-up with Maryland.

Beyond the Field

Off the field, Colin’s versatility shines. Known as a local “stick doctor,” he strings 3-5 lacrosse sticks per week for athletes across Greenwich, showcasing his generosity and community connection. He also plays the clarinet in the Greenwich High School Band, balancing athletic pursuits with artistic expression. Academically and athletically, Colin is determined to maximize his Yale experience, excelling in the classroom and on the field.

Inspired by Resilience

Colin’s greatest role model is his twin brother, Brady, a cancer survivor who overcame a bone cancer diagnosis in 2nd grade that impaired his left leg. Despite this, Brady excelled as a rower with Greenwich Crew, earning a medal at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta. Brady’s resilience has profoundly shaped Colin’s mindset, reinforcing that hard work and determination can conquer any challenge.

Elevating His Game with Evolution Training

Through his training with Evolution Physical Therapy, Colin has significantly improved his quick first-step explosiveness, a critical asset for a midfielder. This development has enhanced his ability to outmaneuver defenders, absorb contact, and drive to the goal while also contributing to injury prevention. His commitment to training is unmatched, as he consistently pushes himself to improve both physically and mentally.

“Colin epitomizes what a high-level Division I lacrosse recruit should be. He lives in the building up to 6 days a week in the off-season. He’s always early to every session. He gives maximum intent and effort into everything we do. Whether it’s the warm-up, a sprint, a lift, or even a corrective exercise, this guy is locked in and focused throughout his whole time inside the facility. More so, it has been incredible watching him grow and become a leader and a student of the weight room. When he trains during team workouts with Greenwich High School’s lacrosse team, he’s running the full team dynamic warm-up on his own and coaching up his teammates. I think what truly separates Colin apart from the typical lacrosse athlete is his want to understand and learn the science behind what we’re doing. He’s always asking the ‘why,’ and implementing it. He’s truly become an extension of the coaching staff inside the weight room. Colin leaves no room for doubt why he’s going to be playing lacrosse at Yale next year. Our staff is fortunate to work with Colin and have him be a part of our Evolution and BVSA Family.”

Michael Statuti - Director of Performance at Evolution Physical Therapy

A Student of the Game

Colin’s drive stems from a deep love for lacrosse and an unrelenting desire to improve. Whether training with Coach Statuti or practicing wall ball at the local train station, he embraces the daily grind with enthusiasm. His curiosity sets him apart—always seeking to understand the science behind his training, he applies this knowledge to elevate his performance and mentor his teammates. As a leader, Colin runs the team’s dynamic warm-ups during workouts, coaching his peers with the same focus he brings to his own development. When faced with setbacks, he quickly shifts focus to the next play, learning from mistakes without dwelling on them.

A Bright Future

Colin Zeller’s journey is one of passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment. As he prepares to take his talents to Yale, BVSA and First County Bank are honored to celebrate him as April’s Athlete of the Month. Congratulations, Colin, on your outstanding achievements and inspiring story! 

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Santino Rosso Named First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Santino Rosso Athlete of the Month

Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy is proud to name Santino Rosso as the First County Bank Athlete of the Month! Originally from Rochester, NY, he attended Hofstra University, starting every season of his collegiate career.  While there, he definitely left his mark in the program’s record books: 4th all-time in hits (200+), 3rd all-time in doubles (48),  9th all-time in RBIs (133), 2022 CAA Champion, 2024 Team Captain. 

His hard work and drive have led him to pursue professional aspirations. Last summer he competed in the MLB Draft league with the Trenton Thunder; and recently he signed to play for the Evansville Otters in the Frontier League this season. 

“... It's been a joy to watch him work, improve and compete this offseason at BVSA. Tino clearly loves the game and plans on playing for a very long time. He's got an electric energy that draws you in and it is going to be great watching him take his career to the next level.”

Anthony Conte

Santino’s experience and passion for the game make him an awesome coach to young athletes. Whether he’s training the next generation or working on his own game, he embodies the dedication and love for the game, we all strive for at the academy. 

Congrats, Santino! We’re proud to have you at BVSA and can’t wait to watch your career continue!

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Bolton Family Is Named First County Bank Athlete of the Month

At Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy, we celebrate hard work, dedication, and the love of the game—and this month, we’re thrilled to highlight a family that embodies all three. For 13 years, Roger Bolton has trained at BVSA to prepare for his annual trip to the Cincinnati Reds Fantasy Camp. What started as a personal tradition has now grown into a full family affair, with his daughter Taylor and sons John and Tim joining him in their training. Watching them put in the work together year after year has been an incredible experience, and their most recent trip to Fantasy Camp was nothing short of special.

The Boltons didn’t just participate at camp—they stood out. Their energy, effort, and love for the game caught the attention of former MLB players and coaches, earning them the prestigious Gold Belt—an award given not just for outstanding performance, but for playing the game the right way. Their respect for the game, commitment to their teammates, and passion for competition made them a model group of players.

The Twins

John and Tim, both former high school varsity baseball players, were dominant throughout the week. They each hit over .500, leading their team to the semifinals with their speed, heads-up baserunning, and game-changing defensive plays. Whether it was making dramatic diving catches or setting the tone with their energy, they proved to be impact players on and off the field.

Taylor

Taylor, a former high school softball captain, proved she belonged among the best. She played exceptional defense at second base and in the outfield, making key plays throughout the week. Though she hit some sharp line drives that found defenders, her approach at the plate and presence on the field were undeniable. As one of only three women among the 150+ campers, she made an impression with both her talent and leadership.

Roger

Roger, the leader of the Bolton crew, commits to an annual training schedule at BVSA to get himself ready for Fantasy Camp. His dedication has paid off—not only has he been inducted into the Reds Fantasy Camp Hall of Fame, but he’s also built a legacy of baseball in his family. His passion, perseverance, and commitment to improving every year make him an inspiration to us at BVSA.

The Bolton family’s story is one of bonding, tradition, and love for the game. Whether they’re training at BVSA or competing in Arizona, their dedication and excitement for baseball is something we truly admire.

Congratulations to Roger, Taylor, John, and Tim Bolton, our First County Bank Athletes of the Month! We can’t wait to see them back at BVSA preparing for another unforgettable Fantasy Camp next year.

Fantasy Camp Breakdown Credit: Roger Bolton Medium Article 

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Celebrating Excellence: Lady Titan’s Seniors Named First County Bank Athlete of the Month

First County Bank Athlete of the Month Lady Titans

At Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy, we take immense pride in the growth and accomplishments of our athletes. This month, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on a group of exceptional young women who have been integral parts of the Lady Titans program. As they prepare to embark on their college journeys, we want to celebrate their time with us and the bright futures that lie ahead!

Brianna Cardona (BRI BRI)

Brianna, affectionately known as “Bri Bri,” joined the Lady Titans program at the age of 12. From day one, she has been a beacon of team spirit—always cheering, laughing, and having a great time with her teammates. On the field, Bri is a versatile player, excelling as a pitcher, first baseman, and occasionally in right field. Her dedication is unmatched; she can often be found at BVSA putting in extra work, whether it’s hitting, working out, or just getting more reps.

This summer, Bri faced 275 batters, giving up 59 hits and ending the season with an impressive 3.9 ERA. We are incredibly proud of all Bri has accomplished as a Lady Titan and can’t wait to see her continue her academic and athletic career at Western New England!

Yael Everett (YA YA)

Another original member of the Lady Titans, Yael “Ya Ya” Everett, has been with the program since she was 12. A formidable pitcher and strong middle infielder, Yael brings a fierce “don’t mess with me” attitude to the mound that has made her a force to be reckoned with. This summer, she faced 201 batters, giving up only 40 hits, striking out 61, and finishing the season with an outstanding 3.60 ERA. Additionally, as a switch hitter, she ended the season with a .396 batting average.

Yael has been a cornerstone of the Lady Titans, and we know she will continue to excel at Hamilton College next year. We can’t wait to see her crush it on the field and in the classroom.

Aurora Levesque (Roary)

Aurora, known as “Roary,” joined the Lady Titans 16U team with no prior experience on a travel team. Despite this, she quickly became an essential part of the team, primarily as a catcher, but also playing outfield or first base when needed. This summer, Roary led the team in hitting, boasting a .426 batting average, 17 RBIs, and 8 doubles.

Beyond her stats, Roary is known for her sarcastic humor and dry, monotone cheering voice, bringing a unique energy to the team. Whether working out or getting extra hitting reps at BVSA, she has shown incredible dedication. We are thrilled to see Roary continue her athletic and academic journey at Springfield College.

Lauren Davis (Dave)

Lauren “Dave” Davis has been a key player for the Lady Titans for three years. As a utility player, she demonstrated incredible versatility, playing every position except catcher. Dave’s cool, calm, and collected personality made her a reliable presence on the field. This summer, she maintained a .325 batting average and was a defensive powerhouse, committing only one error.

We are excited to see what the future holds for Dave as she continues her softball career at Williams College. Her contributions to the Lady Titans have been invaluable, and we know she will make a significant impact at the next level.

Abby Seeberger

Abby joined the Lady Titans two years ago, but it feels like she has been part of the team forever. Primarily playing third base, Abby also stepped up to catch when needed. She ended the summer season with a .310 batting average, consistently delivering clutch hits when the team needed them most. Known for her aggressive base running and fearless approach to taking the extra base, Abby has been an all-around incredible teammate. Her energy and spirit, from pumping up the team with EDM music to dancing before games, have been infectious.

Although Abby will not be playing softball in college, we are excited to see her tear it up in club sports at Fordham University. Her journey with the Lady Titans may be ending, but her impact on the team will be felt for years to come. 

Thank you!

These five outstanding athletes have left an indelible mark on the Lady Titans program. We are so proud of their accomplishments, both on and off the field, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve in the next chapters of their lives. Thank you, Bri, Yael, Roary, Dave, and Abby, for your dedication, hard work, and the unforgettable memories you’ve created at BVSA. We wish you all the best as you continue your journeys!

Stats and Image Credit: Elizabeth “Beezer” Joseph

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Diego Miranda – Coach of the Month of July

Diego Miranda

Diego Miranda is a seasoned professional coach for JA Elite Soccer Academy. He brings passion and experience to his role in nurturing young soccer talent. His journey begins from a budding player in Ecuador to a respected coach in the United States.

Early Years and Education

Diego Miranda’s journey started in Quito, Ecuador. He sharpen his skills in the youth system of DU which is one of the top professional soccer clubs in the country. His commitment and talent paved the way for a major opportunity when he moved to the US in 2004.
He earned a coveted soccer scholarship to Dominican College in New York. There he played NCAA Division II soccer from 2005 to 2008. His contributions were vital in securing CACC Championships from the college during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He showcased his power and talent both on and off the field.
In 2009, Diego graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He demonstrated his ability to balance academic distinction with athletic achievement.

Coaching Career and Achievements

Diego’s coaching journey started in 2014 when he joined JA Elite Soccer. He had U.S. Soccer Federation National ‘F’, 4v.4, and 11v.11 grassroots coaching licenses. He started a mission to deliver his knowledge and passion for soccer to the next generation and young soccer players. He also completed the USSF Coaching Youth Module and had a US Futsal Federation coaching license which showed his dedication to continuous learning.
His approach goes above and beyond technical skills. He also emphasizes physical fitness, teamwork, and mental resilience. Moreover, he is committed to the well-being of his players which is underscored by his First Aid/CPR certification.

Impact at JA Elite Soccer Academy

At JA Elite Soccer Academy, Diego plays an important role in shaping the soccer program of the academy. He aims to deliver a supportive and disciplined environment where athletes can thrive. Additionally, he is focused on improving individual skills and also emphasizes the importance and respect of game and sportsmanship.
JA Elite has seen notable achievements under his guidance. He also makes sure that everyone gets personalized attention to maximize their potential.

Mentorship and Future Goals

Other than coaching, Diego Miranda serves as a mentor and role model for striving young athletes. His journey from Ecuador to the US is an inspiration that hard work and dedication can unlock various opportunities for you in the sports world.
He continues to grow as a coach and explore new techniques and ways to amplify his coaching arsenal. Moreover, he ultimately wants to nurture talent, have a love for the game, and prepare the upcoming generation for soccer stars both on and off the field.
Through his comprehensive approach, he continues to shape the future of soccer at JA Elite Soccer Academy!

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Celebrating Excellence: Jeremy Matamis Named First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Jeremy Matamis

We are thrilled to honor Jeremy Matamis as our First County Bank Athlete of the Month for May.  This second consecutive month that a Stamford High School Lacrosse player has received this honor. This the first time we’ve had teammates recognized in back to back months, since we have started the FCB Athlete of the Month in May of 2018.  

Jeremy Matamis, a senior at Stamford High School, is a stellar student-athlete. He is a National Honor Society member with a weighted GPA of 4.70, consistently achieving high honor roll while taking all AP, honors, and University of Connecticut dual enrollment courses. His commitment to academics is truly exceptional.

On the lacrosse field, Jeremy has been a standout player. As a four-year member of Stamford’s varsity lacrosse team and a two-year captain, he has led his team to new heights. This season, he surpassed the school’s season scoring record and played a pivotal role in the Black Knights’ historic state tournament victory, defeating Conard 9-8. Jeremy was named Stamford’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and an FCIAC scholar-athlete in 2023. Additionally, he was a three-year member of the varsity football team. 

Jeremy’s contributions extend beyond athletics. He tutors K-5 students at Rogers International School, serves as an editor for Stamford High School’s news publication, and volunteers as a youth lacrosse coach. His dedication to helping others and his leadership skills are evident in everything he does.

Mike Nazzaro, Jeremy’s coach, praises his work ethic, attitude towards training, and teamwork. “Jeremy leads by example, always giving 110% in practice and games. His commitment to his teammates and his positive attitude make him a role model for younger players,” says Coach Nazzaro.

This fall, Jeremy will attend the University of Connecticut to study Biological Sciences, where he will undoubtedly continue to excel.

Jeremy Matamis embodies the qualities we celebrate at Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy: academic excellence, athletic prowess, and a commitment to community service. Congratulations, Jeremy, on this well-deserved recognition. We are excited to see all you will achieve in the future!

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Celebrating Excellence: Ben Coutant Named First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Ben Coutant

At Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy, we take pride in recognizing the exceptional athletes who exemplify dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. This month, we’re thrilled to announce that the First County Bank Athlete of the Month is none other than Ben Coutant, a standout lacrosse player whose remarkable achievements and leadership on and off the field make him a deserving honoree.

Breaking Records and Leading the Way
Ben Coutant, a senior at Stamford High School (SHS), has made waves in the lacrosse community with his outstanding performance this season. As the leading scorer for the Black Knights, Ben has broken the school’s record for the most points in a season, propelling his team to an impressive 12-4 record. With state playoffs on the horizon, Ben’s contributions have been instrumental in the Black Knights’ success, showcasing his prowess and dedication to the sport.

Commitment Beyond the Season
Ben’s commitment to lacrosse extends beyond the high school season. He is an active member of the CT City Lacrosse team, where he continues to hone his skills and compete at a high level during the off-season. This dedication to continuous improvement highlights Ben’s passion for the sport and his drive to excel.

Leadership and Teamwork
As a captain of the SHS lacrosse team, Ben exemplifies leadership both on and off the field. His coach, Mike Nazzaro, speaks highly of Ben’s work ethic and attitude towards training. “Ben leads by example, always giving 110% in practice and games,” says Coach Nazzaro. “His commitment to his teammates and his positive attitude make him a role model for younger players.”

Ben’s leadership is not just about his performance but also his ability to inspire and motivate his teammates. His dedication to teamwork and his willingness to support and encourage others have been key factors in the Black Knights’ successful season.

Looking Ahead
With state playoffs approaching, Ben Coutant and the Black Knights are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting culmination to an already remarkable season. Ben’s record-breaking achievements, combined with his unwavering dedication and leadership, set a high standard for his peers and future athletes.

We are proud to celebrate Ben’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing his continued success both on and off the field. Congratulations, Ben, on being named the First County Bank Athlete of the Month. Your hard work, talent, and sportsmanship are truly inspiring!

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Grant Perconte – First County Bank March Athlete of the Month

Grant Perconte

Grant Perconte has a passion and dedication to his favorite sport of baseball. He embodies the spirit of teamwork and perseverance. When asked what motivates him to excel in baseball, Grant simply answers “My passion for the game and my teammates. We all have each other’s backs.” This camaraderie fuels Grant’s drive to constantly push himself to new heights, both on and off the field.

One pivotal factor in Grant’s journey has been his involvement with BVSA. Under the mentorship of Coach Frank Ramppen, Grant has blossomed into a formidable athlete, both physically and mentally. “Coach Frank has helped me grow into a better player in every aspect,” Grant reflects. “He has made me feel so much more confident in myself.”

Frank had some words of his own when asked about Grant. “Grant is one of the most amazing young players I have ever had the pleasure to work with. His passion and dedication are at such a high level, but what really makes him different from so many other young players is his understanding of the fundamentals and mechanics of the game and his ability to listen to instruction and make adjustments. I often find myself stopping and saying to myself, am I actually going to say this to a 10 year old? I fear that I’m going to teach above his head but I think that’s impossible. It’s amazing! Grant is so deserving of this award, great job Grant.”

Through his years on the diamond, Grant has learned invaluable lessons. “Sometimes things don’t go right in baseball, but if you don’t do anything to change that, it will never get better,” he shares.

When asked about his biggest inspiration in the world of sports, Grant’s answer is unwavering: his father. “My dad taught me the fundamentals of baseball and has been an incredible coach for our team,” he says with admiration.

Looking ahead, Grant’s aspirations in baseball are clear. “I want to play for as long as I can,” he asserts. “I would love to play in college.”

Grante Perconte – March Athlete of the Month

Balancing athletic commitments with other responsibilities is a priority for Grant. “Baseball is awesome, but before I practice, I get my schoolwork done,” he explains. This discipline proves his dedication to both his academic and athletic pursuits.

For aspiring athletes at BVSA, Grant offers simple advice. “My advice is to be confident that you can get better,” he says. “You may not hit the ball 100mph, but step by step you can become the player you want to be.”

Reflecting on his journey thus far, Grant takes pride in his achievements. “My greatest accomplishments in baseball have been with my team when we won States and got to the Regional finals, and when we won the Hudson Valley League.” he says with a smile. 

As Grant Perconte continues to carve his path in the world of baseball, his unwavering passion, coupled with his commitment to excellence, ensures that his journey will be nothing short of extraordinary.

 

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From No College Offers to Top D2 in NE10 Conference

College baseball wasn’t on Zach’s mind until he got to his senior year of high school. At this point he hasn’t played in a varsity game until he reached his senior season. His freshman through junior year he was undersized, had a choppy swing, below average speed on the bases, and lacked arm strength in the field. However, in his junior year of high school Covid hit and he saw this as an opportunity, making the best out of a bad situation. He would spend hours in his garage and on the field working to fix his swing, his fielding, and on his arm strength. He also took the opportunity to put on 15 lbs and was even fortunate enough to grow 3 inches in the process. He even started taking hitting lessons with one of his local hitting coaches – who was the same coach that cut him from his middle school baseball team – and really started to move in the right direction. He ended up hitting just shy of .400 his senior season and made all conference as the team’s shortstop.
The same hitting coach reached out to a college coach in the area and was willing to give him a shot, but made no promises that he would see any playing time. Taking a chance, he decided to play baseball at a JUCO in Connecticut, UConn Avery Point. He started his college career weighing in at just 165 lbs but managed to find a way into the starting lineup. Zach slashed .317/.422/.439 in his two years and it was now time for him to transfer out and find a new home. He is now playing at the number one ranked school in the NE10 conference for 2024; Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, waiting for his Junior season to start back up in the spring.

Original Assessment

Coming into house Zach expressed more of a pushy swing than a rotational swing, exhibiting a little bit of a one piece swing (as seen below). This caused inefficient sequencing throughout the swing which could result in his low exit velocity and struggle to pull the ball in the air properly. We also noticed that his current weight was relatively low considering his size, and his strength numbers in the gym weren’t where they needed to be on top of that.

Zach Mascaro First Swing

K-Vest Data

While using K-Vest we were able to verify that his body was out of sequence and he showed improper timing throughout the swing. His pelvis was over coiling compared to his torso, forcing his pelvis to rotate much farther creating an improper timing for loading separation in the swing. We also found that he was expressing too much torso forward bend at heel strike, making it difficult for him to adjust to pitches higher in the zone.
This caused Zach to have more of a one piece swing as he wasn’t giving his body enough time to sequence properly and accelerate each segment one piece at a time. This created a lack of adjustability in his swing and also limited the amount of power that he could create throughout the swing

Batted Ball Data

In his batted ball data there were a few things that stood out to us:

  • His peak exit velocity was relatively low
  • He didn’t have the ability to drive the ball far
  • He has very good control of the barrel
  • Makes plus contact + great vision at the plate

Blast Data

  • His average bat speed was low
  • Peak bat speed was low (69.6)
  • This caused a low expected peak exit velocity; and evidently a low peak exit velocity

Post Assessment

Through capturing how the body, bat, and ball moves throughout his swing we could make a clear plan going forwards. Through his batted ball report we were able to see that he was best at hitting pitches up in the zone, which also matches his attack angle through the zone. From knowing this we knew that landing at high pitch posture was a must, making sure that he was always ready to hit his best pitch. With that we decided to also get him to have more of a neutral load between his pelvis and torso so we could improve the timing of his separation throughout the swing. It was also a must for him to gain bat speed along the way so he could hit the ball harder and gain more production from his at bats

New K-Vest Data:

Through specific drill work we were able to get Zach to have more of a neutral load allowing his pelvis to gain more ground at first move. This was huge as it allowed him to be more rotational, thus letting his swing be more adjustable, but it also helped improve his bat speed as he was able to move efficiently.
After putting in the work for the past two months his batter ball numbers increased all around the board
  • Peak Exit Velocity 96.3 mph (+5.3 mph)
  • Average Exit Velocity 85.6 mph (+3.4 mph)
  • Peak Distance 356 ft. (+35 ft)
  • Peak Bat Speed 73.6 mph (+4 mph)
  • Average Bat Speed 68.7 mph (+3.4 mph)
This was all done without access to bat speed trainers (as he trains outside of the facility) or any other tools we have in house and he was still able to make major strides forward. However, it doesn’t just stop there. Another huge improvement that he made was found in the gym. He now stands at 185 lbs (20 added pounds) and increased strength along the way. His front squat went from 225 to 310lbs and his bench press went from 185 to 240 lbs. It’s safe to say that he doesn’t want to leave anything on the table by the time his spring season comes around.

With the ability to see objective feedback, Zach is fully bought into the process. He explained to
me that having the data “helps him buy in 100% because it’s just objective evidence. I feel like
hitting is so subjective nowadays because everybody has their own viewpoint. And for me I’m
kinda a headcase so I tend to question if I’m getting better or not. But this gives me objective
evidence that what we’re doing is working and I’m getting better and I’m starting to feel a lot
better as well.”

He will have an exciting season to say the least. With plus speed on the bases and with his newly added power at the plate combined with his plus contact should make for an exciting season to say the least.

Train at Bobby Valentine's Sports Academy

By Tyler Restivo