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About Us
Welcome to The Hitting Zone
The Hitting Zone is the premier training facility for baseball and softball players of all ages and skill levels. Our location is perfect for players in O'Fallon, Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, and surrounding areas. Having eight total cages, pitching machines, pitching mounds, Hit Trax, and our soon to be renovated weight room, we have everything you need to improve your game. The Hitting Zone also offers top of the line hitting, pitching, catching, and defensive instruction. Whether you're a recreational player or trying to excel at the highest levels, The Hitting Zone can help you achieve your goals.
Tribe Baseball
The goal for our athletes is to use baseball as enrichment to enhance their education and life-long learning skills. Coaches are committed to providing a positive environment for young men who seek a high level of competition within the framework of education and amateur athletics.
In 2020-2021 season, we have six teams. Our age groups include 11u Zerr, 12u Hughes, 13u Nikodym, 13u Sissom, 15u Grimes, and 15u Hughes
“Baseball gives every American boy a chance to excel, not just to be as good as someone else but to be better than someone else. This is the nature of man and the name of the game”.
-Ted Williams
Tribe Softball
Our Mission for Tribe Softball is not about the wins and losses. Our mission is instead focused on the process. The process to become a good student, good teammate, good athlete, mentally tough, and to prepare our players to be ready for the next level. Rather, that is middle school, high school, or at the college level. We want our athletes to understand what it takes to build using the PROCESS.
In 2020-2021 season, we have four teams. Our age groups include 10u Ottensmeyer, 12u Femmer, 14u Vines, and 16u Gentile
"Remember you got what it takes, so be willing to give it everything you got" RINGOR
Rawlings 2019 VELO Baseball Bat
$100.00
We have bats in various lengths and weights. If you are interested in a Rawlings VELO Baseball Bat please reach out to Mitch Thomas info@thehittingzonestl.com
Meet Our Instructors
Mitch Thomas
Jeremy Koenig
Jeremy Koenig
Mitch Thomas
Owner/Tribe Athletics Director
Mental Development
Four-year varsity letterman at Ritenour Sr. High School in St. Louis, MO 1995-1998. Suburban North All-Conference – DH/IB Senior Season. He received a scholarship to play football and baseball at Missouri Western State College but was unable to play out a college career due to i
Mitch Thomas
Owner/Tribe Athletics Director
Mental Development
Four-year varsity letterman at Ritenour Sr. High School in St. Louis, MO 1995-1998. Suburban North All-Conference – DH/IB Senior Season. He received a scholarship to play football and baseball at Missouri Western State College but was unable to play out a college career due to injury. Moved back to St. Louis to complete a Culinary degree at Forest Park Community College. Mitch graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing and Sales Management.
Mitch is currently entering his 7th season as an Assistant Coach at Washington University St. Louis NCAA D3 Softball. Wash U Softball has participated in 4 regional tournaments and received two University Athletic Association Coaching Staff of the Year award. While at Wash U eight Bears have garnered All-American honors. While at Wash U the team has been ranked in the top 30 6 of the 7 seasons. Spending several weeks ranked in the top 5.
Prior to THZ Mitch coached the St. Louis Lady Spikes and St. Louis Pride Softball teams for 8 seasons. 14 of 19 players who graduated have continued playing in college. Daughter Katlyn Thomas attended nationally ranked the University of Missouri St. Louis NCAA D2 on a softball scholarship. Her 2015 team will be inducted into UMSL Hall of Fame.
Mitch is available for baseball and softball hitting, catching, and fielding lessons. mthomas@thehittingzonestl.com
Jeremy Koenig
Jeremy Koenig
Jeremy Koenig
Hitting/Fielding Instructor
Athletic Enhancement Specialist
Jeremy was a two year varsity letterman at Fort Zumwalt North High School in 2009 and 2010. He helped lead his team to a 24-4 record and a district title in the 2010 season as well as being selected 2nd Team All GAC. Jeremy was then awarded a scholarship to play infield at Linden
Hitting/Fielding Instructor
Athletic Enhancement Specialist
Jeremy was a two year varsity letterman at Fort Zumwalt North High School in 2009 and 2010. He helped lead his team to a 24-4 record and a district title in the 2010 season as well as being selected 2nd Team All GAC. Jeremy was then awarded a scholarship to play infield at Lindenwood University from 2010-2011. After his baseball career at Lindenwood, Jeremy went on to finish his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science/Sports Performance. He has been the assistant coach for the Fort Zumwalt West Senior Legion baseball team for the past two seasons leading them to an overall record of 75-29.
Jeremy is available for baseball and softball hitting and infield instruction. Jeremy is also The Hitting Zone's in-house Sports Performance Trainer and is available Athletic Enhancement instruction and speed & agility training for all sports. To request instruction with Jeremy or set up Athletic Enhancement training, please email Jeremy at jkoenig@thehittingzonestl.com.
Jamal Hughes
Jeremy Koenig
Jamal Hughes
Baseball Catching/Hitting Instructor
12u and 15u 3n2 Team Clutch Head Coach
Owner of Brickwall Catching
Coach Hughes was a 3 varsity letterman at Hazelwood Central High School from 2007-2011. He was a two time All-Conference Selection and helped lead his team to two district titles in his years there. After finishing high school, Jamal wen
Baseball Catching/Hitting Instructor
12u and 15u 3n2 Team Clutch Head Coach
Owner of Brickwall Catching
Coach Hughes was a 3 varsity letterman at Hazelwood Central High School from 2007-2011. He was a two time All-Conference Selection and helped lead his team to two district titles in his years there. After finishing high school, Jamal went on to play at Harris Stowe University (2012-2013), Frank Phillips College (2013-2014), and SEMO's club baseball team (2014-2017). After graduating from SEMO with a degree in Business Management, Jamal went on to play for the Somerton Caneros in the Independent League. The last few summers Jamal has been coaching with the STL Sting Baseball Club, and is new to the THZ Tribe organization this year. He will be coaching the 16/17U Tribe team this upcoming summer alongside his assistant coach Mike Eagan.
Jamal is available for catching and hitting instruction. To request instruction with Jamal, please email at jamalhughes365247@gmail.com.
Jake Ring
Carol Ann Weiler
Jamal Hughes
Baseball and Softball Hitting Instructor
Strength and Conditioning
Mental Approach
Jake, a native of Northern Chicago, has been around the game of baseball since a child. Playing under some of the best travel squads around the Midwest, he figured out how to stand out and use certain skills to his advantage. Jake was A four-year varsity st
Baseball and Softball Hitting Instructor
Strength and Conditioning
Mental Approach
Jake, a native of Northern Chicago, has been around the game of baseball since a child. Playing under some of the best travel squads around the Midwest, he figured out how to stand out and use certain skills to his advantage. Jake was A four-year varsity starter at grant community high-school. Setting school records in hits, average, and stolen bases he earned all-state honors and played in select showcases such as the area code games and the Midwest select 50. As a Junior in high-school Jake committed to the University of Missouri on a baseball scholarship. Jake played all but four games in his three-year career at the university of Missouri. He is currently 3rd all time in stolen bases at Mizzou.
Jake was drafted in the 31st round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2016 and had a 4-year career in the system. He was named Orioles player of the Month in April of 2017 and was an allstar in 2017 where he led A-ball in extra base hits. Jake has over 20 homeruns in professional baseball and over 200 games played. Jake has been giving lessons for almost 8 years now and looks to help young athletes in not only development skills but a better understanding in this confusing game of Baseball.
Jake retired from baseball in 2019. He is currently finishing up his degree and ready to give back to the game he put so much into. Jake is available for arm care, outfield, and hitting instruction. To request instruction with Jake, please email at jakering35@yahoo.com or info@thehittingzonestl.com to book
Courtney Gentile
Carol Ann Weiler
Carol Ann Weiler
Softball Hitting and Pitching Instructor
16u Tribe Softball Head Coach
Coach Courtney comes to The Hitting Zone with six years of NCAA Division I coaching experience at both Eastern Michigan University and Cleveland State University. Before coaching collegiately she coached both 14U and 16U for the Ohio Power organization.
Courtney was a
Softball Hitting and Pitching Instructor
16u Tribe Softball Head Coach
Coach Courtney comes to The Hitting Zone with six years of NCAA Division I coaching experience at both Eastern Michigan University and Cleveland State University. Before coaching collegiately she coached both 14U and 16U for the Ohio Power organization.
Courtney was a standout player at The Ohio State University and earned All-Big Ten honors two of her four years there. The Akron, Ohio native attended Ellet High School where she was a three sport athlete participating in volleyball, basketball and softball. She was a four-time all-district selection in softball as well as a three-time All-Ohio and all-league player. In her senior season Gentile was named Gatorade Player of the Year for softball.
Gentile was a standout hitter and position player at Ohio State from 2006-10, but was limited in pitching due to a hip injury. While at Ohio State she wrote her name into the record books as she ranks fourth all-time in runs batted in (158), home runs (38) and walks (115). Gentile also ranks seventh all-time in runs scored (129), ties for seventh all-time in games played (225) and ties for eighth all-time in doubles (36).
Not only did Gentile rank in six career categories as a Buckeye, but also has her name in the books for season records, ranking eighth in home runs (12), ninth in runs batted in (46), tied for 23rd in runs scored (27), and 15th in walks (29). Gentile also etched her name in the freshman batting records as she notched four triples, seven home runs, 33 RBI, and 29 runs in her first season for the Scarlet and Gray.
As a player at Ohio State, Gentile was named First Team All-Big Ten twice and named to the all-tournament team one time. She was also named Most Improved in 2007 and garnered the Coaches Award in 2009.
She believes that the life lessons that come within the game of softball are a huge part of why she loves to coach. She wants to win more than most people but her approach to the game is to teach and develop young talent first and foremost.
Courtney is available for softball hitting/pitching. To request instruction with Courtney, please email at info@thehittingzonestl.com
Interested in trying out of Coach Courtney Tribe Softball team contact mthomas@thehittingzonestl.com for more information.
Carol Ann Weiler
Carol Ann Weiler
Carol Ann Weiler
Strength and Conditioning
16u Tribe Softball Assistant Coach
A four-year starter at Fort Zumwalt East High School. Carol Ann would lead her team to district finals and received All-Conference and All-District Awards.
Carol Ann played at Webster University where as a Sophomore she would lead her team in doubles and rbi. She would hit .354
Strength and Conditioning
16u Tribe Softball Assistant Coach
A four-year starter at Fort Zumwalt East High School. Carol Ann would lead her team to district finals and received All-Conference and All-District Awards.
Carol Ann played at Webster University where as a Sophomore she would lead her team in doubles and rbi. She would hit .354 with an OBP of .425 both top 5 in team hitting.
CA would leave Webster and she came to THZ as an employee and coach. She began her coaching career with a 1st year 14u team. While coaching CA would gain that much needed drive to get back to college and play.
CA would win a walk-on opportunity at Lindewood University. She did not play her JR year. During the SR campaign she was 2-2 with 2rbi. Unfortunately Covid cut the remainder of the season short.
CA is a great asset to THZ and Tribe Softball. This winter she will be completing her degree in Excersize Science.
CA is available for softball hitting and strenghth and conditioning. To request instruction with CA, please email at info@thehittingzonestl.com.
Theresa Decosty
Theresa Decosty
Theresa Decosty
Softball Hitting Instructor/Slap Specialist
Coach Theresa attended Francis Howell High School. She was awarded a scholarship to play college softball at Jefferson College and then later on transferred to Columbia College. Theresa would have a chance while at Columbia College to advance and finish 2nd in the country in the NAIA World Ser
Softball Hitting Instructor/Slap Specialist
Coach Theresa attended Francis Howell High School. She was awarded a scholarship to play college softball at Jefferson College and then later on transferred to Columbia College. Theresa would have a chance while at Columbia College to advance and finish 2nd in the country in the NAIA World Series. She led her team to at the time record wins.
She was a 3X All-American, currently holds the stolen base record at JeffCo, and also received the Newcomer of the Year Award as apart of her college team. She had a career college batting average of .465.
Theresa is available for softball hitting/slapping instruction. To request instruction with Theresa, please email at info@thehittingzonestl.com
Abby Tillotson
Theresa Decosty
Theresa Decosty
Softball Hitting / Catching Instructor
Kirkwood High School
Varsity Head Coach
A four-year starter at Fort Zumwalt North High School...Second-Team All-State, All-District, All-Conference, and Player of the Year as a senior...Hit .526 with five home runs and 35 RBIs her final prep season...Hit over .400 as a junior (.435) and sophomore
Softball Hitting / Catching Instructor
Kirkwood High School
Varsity Head Coach
A four-year starter at Fort Zumwalt North High School...Second-Team All-State, All-District, All-Conference, and Player of the Year as a senior...Hit .526 with five home runs and 35 RBIs her final prep season...Hit over .400 as a junior (.435) and sophomore (.452)...Also secured All-Conference accolades in each of those seasons...Helped lead her team to conference, district, and sectional titles in 2013...Played softball in the summer for the St. Louis Nemesis...Was on the soccer team during her freshman and sophomore years.
Three Rivers CC: Broke the Three Rivers Community College single-season home run record with 12 in 2015...Boasted a .669 slugging percentage and had 53 RBIs that year...Garnered All-America, All-Region, and All-Conference honors.
Abby attended Southeast Missouri State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. She played 3 seasons at SEMO which she helped her team reach the OVC tournament her SR season.
Abby currently is a PE teacher at Fox High
Abby is available for softball hitting and catching instruction. To request instruction with Abby, please email at info@thehittingzonestl.com.
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T Shirts
See a design you like. Please head to THZ and complete an order form. Allow for two weeks for turn time. Sales Tax to be added.
THZ T-Shirt
$15/$20
Attitude T-Shirt
$15/$20
Keep Going
$15/$20
Champions T-Shirt
$15/$20
THZ Tribe Bow
$10/$18
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Tribe Baseball and Softball
Tribe Baseball and Softball
Tribe Baseball 2021
11u Baseball Zerr
12u Baseball Hughes
13u Baseball Nikodym
13u Baseball Sissom
15u Baseball Hughes
15u Baseball Grimes
Tribe Softball 2021
10u Softball Ottensmeyer
12u Softball Femmer
14u Softball Vines
16u Softball Gentile
Tribe College Signees
2021 College Signees Softball
Kayden Tyler - St. Charles CC NJCAA
Kelly Allensworth - St. Charles CC NJCAA
Kate Nuemann - St. Charles CC NJCAA
2020 College Signees Softball
Rhyen Mills Jefferscon College NJCAA
Dani Lindsay Jefferson College NJCAA
Kylie Avery Central Methodist NAIA
Paige Benhardt St. Charles CC NJCAA
Taylor Mueller Kaskaskia NJCAA
2020 College Signee Baseball
Christian Harvey STLCC NJCAA
Pat Reckert Lindenwood NCAA D2
Austin Mayton Westminster NCAA D3
Brady Stephan Lindenwood NCAA D2
Ian Hammond STLCC NJCAA
Nick Glaser Fontbonne NCAA D3
Jackson Dearing Jefferson College NJCAA
Ryan Malzahn Southeast Missouri NCAA D1
Brennan Orf Southern Illinois Edwardsville NCAA D1
2019 College Signees Softball
Alena Leinauer Kaskaskia NJCAA
Jesse Tomson MacMurray NCAA D3
Logan Darrow Fontbonne NCAA D3
2018 College Signees Softball
Destinee Frost Lindenwood at Belleville NAIA
Mikala Guthrie Westminster NCAA D3
Maidson Malone Avila NAIA
Megan Meyers Rockhurst (Soccer) NCAA D2
THZ Alumni
Where the Best get Better
Baseball Alum
Chase Krogman Chicago White Sox Draft Pick 2019
Brandon Kelly – Truman State
Brandon Ulm – SCCC
Alex Gausphol – Lindenwood
Justin Dirden – SEMO - FA signee with Houston Astros
Devin Williams - Milwaukee Brewers
Drew Kitson – STLCC – Longwood University – Mo Baptist – Selected for United Shore Professional Baseball League
Gerrion Grim – Missouri – Jefferson College – Baltimore Orioles Draft Pick
Kory Carter - Truman State University
Kyle Vance - Jefferson College - Tiffin University
Nick Gauspohl - STLCC Meramec
Danny Biggs - MO Southern State University
Justin Fawcett - John Wood CC
Jordan White - Lewis & Clark CC
Kyle Case - Lewis & Clark CC
Alan Hall - Longview CC – Henderson State
Ryan Franklin - Longview CC - Central Methodist
Peter Wright - Longview CC
Nick Cessna - Westminster
Dan Gabler - Washburn University
Matt Mosley - Missouri S&T
Jake Hebert - Lewis & Clark CC
Robert Figueira - Lindenwood University
Jeremy Koenig - Lindenwood University
Andrew Schwaab - Crowder College- Mizzou
Mike Wilkinson - Maryville University
Austin Anderson - Lindenwood University
Eddie Sutton -Lindenwood University
John Downes - Lindenwood University
Zach Loraine -Lindenwood University - Coker College - St. Louis Cardinals Draft Pick
Alex Belew - Austin Peay State University
Branden Smith - Lindenwood University
Seth Donaldson -Truman State University
Softball Alum
Rhyen Mills - Jeff Co
Dani Lindsay - Jeff Co
Paige Bernhardt - St. Charles CC
Hannah Gannon -
Destinee Frost - LU Belleville - Single Season HR record 22
Carol Ann Weiler – Lindenwood – Webster
Jesse Tomson – MacMurray
Mikayla Guthrie – Westminster
Taylor Bell – Willam Woods
Kelby Robinson – SEMO
Keighlan Cronin - Central Methodist
Desi Loyd - StlCC - Meremac
Logan Darrow - Fontbonne
Angel Badalamenti – Missouri Southern
Kaylee Gilbert – McKendree
Abi Corbett – Missouri Southern
Abby Tillotson – SEMO and Three Rivers
Shelby Femmer – Mo Baptist
Katlyn Thomas – UMSL
Nicolee Parish – Central Methodist
Lindsey Rendleman – Jefferson College
Alexis Spriggs – Webster
Natalie Rothmeyer – John Woods – Culver Stockton
Kayla Cox – SCCC
Kelsey Martin – Maryville
Shelby Roark – Central Methodist