Our Partners
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 renovated weight room, we have everything you need to improve your game. The Hitting Zone also offers top of the line hitting, pitching, catching, defensive, and strength and conditioning instruction. Whether you're a recreational player or trying to excel at the highest levels, The Hitting Zone can help you achieve your goals. Have a team? Looking for team training or practice dates/times contact info@thehittingzonestl.com check out some of the teams that use our location for training in the 2021 Season
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 the 2021-2022 season Tribe Baseball will host 6 teams. 16u Hughes, 16u Grimes, 14u Nikodym, 14u Thomas, 13u Hughes, and 10u Box
“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 the 2021-2022 season Tribe Softball will host 2 teams. 18u Thomas and 16u Gentile
Interested in joining Tribe Softball? Contact Mitch Thomas info@thehittingzonestl.com
"Remember you got what it takes, so be willing to give it everything you got" RINGOR
Blast Motions for Baseball or Softball
$110.00
The Hitting Zone has partnered with Blast Motion https://blastmotion.com/products/baseball/ and we are able to offer clients and anyone who follows THZ and Tribe Baseball and Softball discounted rates for Blast Motion sensors for baseball and softball. For more information please contact Mitch Thomas at info@thehittingzonestl.com
THZ has partnered with Pocket Path
$90.00
($5.00 shipping)
The Hitting Zone has partnered with Pocket Path and is excited to offer your athlete a solution to arm path and arm health. Check out the following link from the Owner/Inventor of Pocket Path https://youtu.be/TASBmDLErik
Pocket Path can be used for softball and baseball players. Not a pitcher that is ok. Pocket Path is for all athletes. THZ has an exclusive code you can use for your own personal Pocket Path. Pocket Path also offers programs for families that are seeking routines outside of personal training
THZ has the Pocket Path Kit in hand. If you wish to order please check out PocketPath.com and use CODE THZ15 at check out to receive 15% off each bundle purchased
For more information please contact Mitch Thomas at info@thehittingzonestl.com
THZ has partnered with Krato Sports
$0.00
The Hitting Zone has partnered with Krato Sports to provide a cost-effective way to change the way you train.
THE DESIGN
The Krato bat weight is designed to put the weight on the hands which will create a better hand and bat path while keeping your hands inside the ball. With the ability to use weights that have never been possible until now, the Krato bat weight will increase hand speed, bat speed, and exit velocity.
Our weights are secure onto the bat just above the hands. Decreasing the amount of leverage placed on the hands allows the player to execute the movements correctly. The other with traditional training weights is that they only come in 2-3 varieties. Our weights for baseball bats range from 5-50 oz—making strength training available for all skill levels and ages.
click www.kratosports.com and use the code - hittingzonestl to receive a 10% discount. Orders over $99 receive free shipping.
Interestd in trying out Krato Bat Weights we do have several weights you can try. We have our athletes using this tool to feel the abilty to swing the barrel and to add to the overlaod underload training. Check em out. We built a custom pack to cover all ages.
For more information please contact Mitch Thomas at info@thehittingzonestl.com
GTX 4 THE ATHLETE athletic training with THZ hitting pass
$249.00
The Hitting Zone has partnered with Coach CJ Taylor of GTX 4 The Athlete and we are excited to offer athletes and families a monthly training and hitting package. Families can use the following link to enroll
https://www.esoftplanner.com/v3/planner/memberships.php?access=0dG81LSVxNmo65bCxnF9w5iGog==
For more details please contact Mitch Thomas at info@thehittingzonestl.com
Meet Our Instructors
Mitch Thomas
Jeremy Koenig
Jamal Hughes
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
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.
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.
Robert Peña
Courtney Gentile
Jeremy Koenig
Baseball and Softball Hitting
and Fielding Instructor
Coach Pena is a native of Los Angeles California. Coach Pena has 20 plus years of coaching experience on the West Coast. Coach Pena has coached HS baseball for 7 seasons at the Varsity level. Coach Pena, has spent several years as a Batting Practice Pitch for The Dodgers and The Athlet
Baseball and Softball Hitting
and Fielding Instructor
Coach Pena is a native of Los Angeles California. Coach Pena has 20 plus years of coaching experience on the West Coast. Coach Pena has coached HS baseball for 7 seasons at the Varsity level. Coach Pena, has spent several years as a Batting Practice Pitch for The Dodgers and The Athletics.
Coach Pena, is currently starring as a coach for the League of Their Own TV Show on Amazon TV and is currently filming.
Pena, owned an R.B.I franchise in LA. Coach recently worked for Linedrive Baseball Academy. Coach Pena has worked with several MLB talents such as Hunter Greene, Tommy Milone, Michael Smith and Virgil Hill. Coach has worked along side Baseball and Softball greats Maury Wills, Steve Garvey, Crystal Bustos and Luvie Jung.
Coach is available for 1 on 1 lesson, group training and fielding clinics and camps. Coach is known for his high energy and fun he brings to his lessons and camps.
Welcome to St. Louis and The Hitting Zone
Book Coach Pena
Dan Seddon
Courtney Gentile
Courtney Gentile
Baseball Hitting, Pitching and Fielding Instructor
Gashouse Baseball Director-Head Coach
Daniel Seddon was a 3 year varsity starter at Fort Zumwalt South where he helped the Bulldogs win a State Championship in 2009 and 2 district titles. He was an all-conference player in 2010 & 2011. From there Daniel attended Lindenwood University a
Baseball Hitting, Pitching and Fielding Instructor
Gashouse Baseball Director-Head Coach
Daniel Seddon was a 3 year varsity starter at Fort Zumwalt South where he helped the Bulldogs win a State Championship in 2009 and 2 district titles. He was an all-conference player in 2010 & 2011. From there Daniel attended Lindenwood University and St. Charles Community college, where injuries cut his seasons short. He finished out his career at UMSL, as a starting second baseman, leadoff hitter and two year starter.
After his playing career, Daniel jumped into coaching upon graduation from UMSL in 2015. Spending the next 5 years as a head coach and 2 as the Director of Stallions Baseball Club, Daniel oversaw any senior who wanted to continue their baseball career a position at the next level. Daniel’s unique playing and life experience has helped him connect with players at all levels and enjoys seeing his players succeed.
Daniel is available for Hitting, Pitching & Infield lessons and is a certified Strength Trainer (ACE CPT)
Contact dseddon14@gmail.com
Courtney Gentile
Courtney Gentile
Courtney Gentile
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
18u 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
18u 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.com8
Theresa Decosty
Carol Ann Weiler
Carol Ann Weiler
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
Kirsta Reese
Carol Ann Weiler
Kirsta Reese
Softball Hitting and Fielding Instructor
Strength and Conditioning
Krista Reese attended Christian High School in O'Fallon where she was a middle infielder and would also step in to pitch and catch for her team as needed. Krista had All-district honors all 4 years, team MVP her sophomore, junior, and senior year. She also was awarded the
Softball Hitting and Fielding Instructor
Strength and Conditioning
Krista Reese attended Christian High School in O'Fallon where she was a middle infielder and would also step in to pitch and catch for her team as needed. Krista had All-district honors all 4 years, team MVP her sophomore, junior, and senior year. She also was awarded the golden glove award her senior year. She was awarded a scholarship to play softball at Quincy University.
She started her Freshman year as a utility player playing both infield and outfield. After her sophomore year Krista suffered from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and had a major surgery, finishing off her career as a pinch runner. Through those last two years Krista became more educated on speed and agility training with her coaches. After she graduated college she joined and became a Level 1 CrossFit coach to help rebuild more strength in her shoulder. Krista enjoys staying connected to the game of softball by teaching the fundamentals and basics of hitting, fielding, agility, and strength and conditioning. Krista spends her day as a school counselor and strives to develop a positive relationship with her students so that they learn and develop the necessary skills to be a successful ballplayer and/ or person.
Krista is available for hitting, fielding, individual and team strength and conditioning. For more info contact info@thehittingzonestl.com
Tribe Baseball and Softball
Tribe Baseball and Softball
Tribe Baseball 2022
14u Baseball Nikodym
14u Baseball Thomas
13u Baseball Hughes
16u Baseball Grimes
16u Baseball Hughes
Tribe Softball 2022
18u Softball Thomas
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
Brennan Thiesman - Central Methodist
Jack Lawton - State Fair Community College
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
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
Kayden Tyler St. Charles Community College
Kate Neumann - St. Charles Community College
Kate Allensworth - St. Charles Community College
Rhyen Mills - Jeff Co
Dani Lindsay - Jeff Co
Paige Bernhardt - St. Charles CC
Eve Gannon - Westminster
Zoe Schulte - Iowa
Marissa Peek - Iowa
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