Co-Founder, Head Instructor

Jack Ferrick

Jack is an award-winning coach and instructor based in Northern Virginia, bringing more than 18 years of experience to the game. A former player at the United States Naval Academy and head coach at Osbourn Park High School for eight seasons, he has built a reputation for developing players at every level. Over the years, he has helped countless athletes, many of whom have gone on to succeed in high school, college, and beyond, grow both on and off the field.

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Still, Jack would be the first to shift the focus away from his resume. What matters most to him is the continued success of his players and alumni, and the lasting impact he has on their confidence, character, and love of the game.

Instructor

Jake Ascari

Jake, a Kettle Run High School graduate, went on to continue his playing career at West Virginia Wesleyan, where he further developed his skills and understanding of the game. A longtime product of the Catchers U® system, Jake grew up training within the program, giving him a unique perspective and deep connection to its philosophy and approach.

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Now as a coach, Jake brings a youthful, high-energy style that resonates with players of all ages. His enthusiasm, combined with his ability to clearly communicate and relate to young catchers and hitters, creates an engaging and positive training environment. Jake has quickly built a reputation for connecting with athletes, helping them grow in confidence and skill, and making a meaningful impact in a short amount of time.

Instructor

Anna Lonchar

Anna is a Patriot High School graduate who went on to play collegiately at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she was a standout catcher and third baseman. During her time at UMBC, she helped lead the program to three conference championships and appearances in the NCAA Regionals on the road to the Women’s College World Series. She later finished her collegiate career in the Big Ten at Purdue University as a starting catcher.

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While home from school, Anna also gave back to the game by coaching travel teams, sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of players. A product of Catchers U®, Anna credits the program for helping shape her into the player she became, and she’s excited to pass those same skills, experiences, and love of the game on to others.

Instructor

Garrett Pancione

Garrett is a proud graduate of The Highland School in Warrenton, VA, and continued his baseball career at Radford University and George Mason University before finishing his collegiate playing career at Ferrum College. As a longtime member of the Catchers U® family, Garrett developed through the program as both a youth and collegiate athlete, giving him a unique understanding of the player development journey and the dedication required to succeed at higher levels of the game.

Known for his toughness, work ethic, and leadership behind the plate, Garrett brings energy, professionalism, and a team-first mindset to every training session. He is passionate about helping athletes grow both on and off the field, emphasizing confidence, accountability, and a strong foundation of fundamentals. Whether working with young players just beginning their baseball journey or advanced athletes pursuing their next opportunity, Garrett's ability to connect with players and lead by example makes him an outstanding mentor and instructor.

Instructor

Jack Gagen

Jack is a proud graduate of Independence High School in Loudoun, VA, and is currently continuing his baseball career at Tusculum University, where he competes at a high level and hones his skills every day. Having trained both youth and collegiate athletes, Jack brings a unique perspective that blends the discipline of competitive play with an understanding of how to develop players of all ages.

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Known for his patience, dedication, and ability to connect with athletes, Jack focuses on helping players build not only their technical skills but also their confidence, work ethic, and love of the game. Whether working with beginners or more advanced players, he brings energy, insight, and a passion for coaching that inspires athletes to reach their full potential.

Instructor

Makayla Taylor

Makayla is a proud graduate of Colonial Forge High School in Stafford, VA, and is currently continuing her softball career at Marshall University. During her standout high school career, she earned recognition as a 2x Class 6 All-State selection, 2x All-Area honoree, 3x All-Region selection, and 4x All-Conference performer. Makayla also holds Colonial Forge program records for Career Hits, Career Home Runs, and Career Stolen Bases. Having trained as both a youth and collegiate athlete through Catchers U®, she understands the dedication, preparation, and mindset required to succeed at every stage of player development.

Known for her energy, positivity, and genuine care for the athletes she works with, Makayla has a unique ability to connect with players and make a lasting impact both on and off the field. She is passionate about helping young athletes build confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy the process of becoming better players. Whether leading by example, offering encouragement, or sharing her experiences as a collegiate athlete, Makayla brings enthusiasm, leadership, and a commitment to helping every player reach their full potential.

Instructor

Tyler Murray

Tyler is an elementary school PE teacher in Fairfax County who brings his passion for baseball and youth development to every player he coaches. He played high school baseball at Westfield High School before continuing his career at Shenandoah University, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the game.

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After college, Tyler returned to Westfield High School to coach, spending three seasons working closely with the catchers in the program and helping them develop the fundamentals, confidence, and mental approach needed to succeed. In addition, he has coached a local travel team for three years, mentoring young athletes, refining their skills, and fostering a love of the game. Tyler’s dedication, experience, and hands-on approach make him a trusted coach who inspires players to grow both on and off the field.

Instructor

Mikey Bonura

Mikey is a proud graduate of Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, VA, where he was a two-time team captain and established himself as a respected leader both on and off the field. A longtime Catchers U® athlete, Mikey developed through the program while refining his skills behind the plate and preparing for the next level of competition. He continued his baseball career at SUNY Oneonta, where he competes as a collegiate catcher and continues to expand his knowledge and understanding of the game.

Known for the incredible energy and enthusiasm he brings every day, Mikey has a natural ability to make a positive impact on everyone around him. His upbeat personality, passion for the game, and genuine excitement for helping others create an environment where athletes feel motivated, supported, and eager to learn. As a catcher, he understands the importance of leadership, communication, and preparation, and he works to instill those qualities in the players he coaches. Whether leading drills, providing instruction, or encouraging athletes through challenges, Mikey's positivity is contagious. His ability to connect with players, combined with his commitment to their growth and development, makes him an outstanding mentor and role model for athletes of all ages.

Instructor

Victor Nardone

Victor is a proud graduate of Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, VA, where he was a four-year member of the baseball program and served as a team captain. He continued his baseball career at Paul D. Camp Community College, helping the Hurricanes earn District and Regional Championships while making an appearance in the NJCAA World Series. Victor later finished his collegiate career at Arcadia University as a right-handed relief pitcher, gaining experience competing at multiple levels while developing a deep understanding of the pitching position.

Now serving as a pitching coach, Victor is passionate about helping athletes develop both on and off the mound. Known for his competitiveness, resilience, and willingness to adapt, his own journey as a player included transitioning from a traditional over-the-top delivery to a sidearm pitching slot, giving him unique insight into mechanics, pitch development, and the process of making adjustments to maximize performance. Victor is committed to helping pitchers build confidence, improve their command, and develop a repeatable approach to success. Whether working with young athletes learning the fundamentals or advanced players striving to reach the next level, he brings energy, knowledge, and a genuine investment in every athlete's growth and development.

Instructor

Matthew Boyd

Matthew is a proud graduate of Patriot High School in Bristow, VA, and recently completed his collegiate baseball career at the University of Mary Washington. A former Catchers U® athlete who trained with the program throughout middle school and high school, Matthew's baseball journey eventually led him to transition to pitching, where he developed into one of the top arms in the conference. During his collegiate career, he earned All-C2C Honorable Mention honors and was named C2C Pitcher of the Week twice, highlighted by standout performances against nationally ranked competition and some of the region's top programs.

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Now joining the Catchers U® staff as a pitching instructor, Matthew is excited to help the next generation of athletes develop both their skills and confidence on the mound. Known for his work ethic, attention to detail, and competitive mindset, he brings firsthand experience from every stage of player development—from youth baseball through collegiate competition. Whether working with beginning pitchers learning the fundamentals or advanced athletes looking to refine their mechanics and approach, Matthew is committed to creating a positive training environment that helps players reach their full potential while building a lasting love for the game.

Instructor

Logan Yi

Logan is a John Champe High School graduate from Aldie, VA, where he made his mark by setting the school record for highest batting average in a season and tying the record for most RBIs. He continued his baseball career at Washington College, a Division III program, where he earned First Team Centennial All-Conference and First Team All-Region (Rawlings/ABCA) honors while setting the school record for most hits in a single season. Logan later advanced to Division I baseball at Mount St. Mary’s University, competing at the highest collegiate level.

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Beyond his playing career, Logan has shared his knowledge and passion for the game through coaching at Loudoun South Little League, helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence, and love for baseball.

Instructor

Ben Riddick

Ben is a graduate of Osbourn Park High School in Prince William County, VA, and went on to play collegiate baseball at Chesapeake Community College, Lackawanna College, and Marymount University, excelling as both a pitcher and catcher. His diverse experience at multiple positions and competitive levels gives him a deep understanding of the game from every angle, allowing him to teach both the technical and strategic aspects of baseball.

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Beyond his playing career, Ben has dedicated himself to developing athletes at every stage, training youth and collegiate players alike. Known for his patience, attention to detail, and ability to connect with players, he focuses on helping athletes build confidence, refine their skills, and cultivate a true love for the game. Ben’s passion for teaching and his commitment to each player’s growth make him a trusted coach and mentor who inspires players to reach their full potential on and off the field.