Book Lessons with Coach Will

Hi I'm Will!

I've been around baseball for as long as I can remember. After playing throughout my life, I began my coaching journey working with the University of Tampa baseball program while I was in college. One opportunity led to another, and over the past seven years I've been fortunate to coach college baseball at the NJCAA D1, D2, & D3 level.

Along the way, I've spent three years learning under Coach Joe Urso at the University of Tampa, worked in MLB front offices, and currently coach at the college level. Those experiences have given me a unique perspective on player development, recruiting, and what it takes to succeed both on and off the field.

One thing that has shaped me as a coach is understanding what it's like to not always be the most talented player. I know firsthand that development isn't always linear, and that's why I value effort, consistency, and individualized coaching over a one-size-fits-all approach. My background in mental health counseling has also helped me better understand how each athlete learns, communicates, and gains confidence, allowing me to connect with players on a more personal level.

My favorite part of coaching isn't just seeing players improve—it's being part of their entire journey. The ups, the downs, the breakthroughs, and the setbacks are all part of the process, and I genuinely enjoy helping athletes and their families navigate that journey together.

I specialize in hitting, infield and outfield defense, recruiting, and mental skills. Whether you're learning the fundamentals, preparing for varsity, or working toward playing college baseball, each lesson is designed to help you improve in ways that translate to game performance.

My goal is to help you:

Become a more complete hitter who can drive the baseball to all fields.

Develop cleaner, more efficient defensive fundamentals.

Build confidence and a consistent mental approach.

Improve your baseball IQ and decision-making.

Understand the athletic development process and what coaches are looking for.

Above all, I want every athlete to leave each lesson feeling like they're a more complete, capable, and confident baseball player than when they walked in.

Every lesson is tailored to the individual athlete, but a typical session follows a structured progression designed to maximize both development and game transfer.

We begin with a 5-minute dynamic warm-up to get the body moving and activate the motor recruitment pathways needed for an efficient swing and athletic movement.

From there, we'll spend 10–15 minutes on tee work, building a routine that fits the athlete's specific needs. My goal is to give every player drills they can confidently take with them and continue on their own outside of lessons.

The next phase is approximately 25 minutes of batting practice, where we focus on transferring the work from the tee into a moving baseball. Once those skills are established, we'll transition into game-like rounds where I recreate situations and challenge the athlete to compete under pressure rather than simply taking repetitive swings.

If it's a hitting lesson, we'll typically finish with on-field batting practice so players can see real ball flight and experience how their work translates to the field. If it's a defensive lesson, we'll spend the final portion on the field working through defensive fundamentals before progressing into live, game-like reps.

Just as important as the baseball instruction are the moments in between. Whether we're transitioning between drills or picking up baseballs, I make it a priority to build a genuine relationship with every athlete. I want to know who they are beyond baseball, their interests, their goals, and what motivates them, so I can become someone they trust both on and off the field.

Career Summary & Accomplishments

2017–2020 | University of Tampa

Student Assistant & Director of Baseball Operations

Spent three seasons learning under nationally recognized Head Coach Joe Urso

Member of the 2019 NCAA Division II National Championship staff

Summer 2019 | New York Yankees

Player Development Intern

Gained experience in professional player evaluation and development within an MLB organization

2021–2023 | Monroe College (NJCAA Division III)

Hitting Coach & Recruiting Coordinator

Helped improve the program from 9 wins to 31 wins in two seasons

Coached a Top 10 NJCAA Division III offense nationally

Developed 2 NJCAA All-Americans

2023–Present | Hillsborough Community College (NJCAA Division I)

Hitting & Infield Coach

Helped place 5 student-athletes at NCAA Division I programs

Coached 1 NJCAA All-American and 5 All-Region hitters

Increased team batting average from .267 to .295

Increased team OPS by 124 points over three seasons

Coach & Coach Melessio

Growing up, I wasn't one of the best players. I played on travel ball C teams, spent time on JV, and had to work for every opportunity I earned. Coach Neal and Coach Melessio were a huge reason I was able to transform from an average player into one of the better players in my area by the time I graduated high school.

Coach Neal had an incredible ability to instill confidence while still holding me to an exceptionally high standard. He believed I was capable of more than I believed in myself and challenged me every day with the perfect balance of accountability, encouragement, and tough love.

Coach Melessio taught me that player development is a long-term process. He invested in me when I wasn't the most talented player and helped me understand that consistent work, attention to detail, and trusting the process can close the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Their belief in me changed the trajectory of my baseball career, and it's a big reason why I coach today. I know what it's like to not be the best player, which is why I never give up on an athlete. My goal is to help every player maximize their potential, no matter where they're starting from.

If there's one thing I'd want athletes and parents to know about me, it's that I'm fully invested in every player I work with.

I'm a coach who's tough but genuinely cares. I'll always treat athletes with respect, and I believe young players deserve to be coached, not talked down to. I'll challenge them, hold them accountable, and be honest with them, but I'll never sugarcoat things or tear them down. My goal is to build confidence through trust, accountability, and hard work.

The relationships I build don't end when the season does. I'm still in touch with players I coached more than five years ago, and that's something I'm incredibly proud of. I want every athlete to know they have someone in their corner who's invested in their success both on and off the field.

I also believe that the best development happens when an athlete truly wants to improve. I'll give everything I have to players who are willing to show up, work hard, and embrace the process.

Growing up, I didn't always have someone who could throw me batting practice, answer my questions, or invest extra time in my development. I remember what it was like to be a kid who simply wanted another opportunity to get better. That's a big reason why I coach today. I strive to be that person for the next generation of players, the coach I wish I'd had more access to when I was young and hungry.