To be a Raptor

We are looking for young ladies who are serious about their softball and developing their game. Our players will have the opportunity to practice up to two to three times a week with strength and conditioning classes being offered as well. The Raptors take their swings for our weekly batting practices at Double Play, a premier batting facility in Ebensburg and strength and conditioning at The Compound, in Johnstown and is one of the best functional youth training facilities in the state. We practice and play in all four seasons. We will kick off the Raptors this fall of 2024.

Our Coaches

12U

Coach GAUNT

Head Coach

Coach Gaunt has spent the last several years coaching the PA Elite Gaunt team. In the last two seasons, his team has 7 tournament championships and 6 runners up finishes.

Coach Gaunt has been coaching travel softball for over 15 years with a focus on developing strong, dedicated athletes who are committed to excellence. He has also coached at the high school varsity level for more than seven years.

Experience:

Coach Gaunt has lead his travel teams to many tournament championships, He has had multiple teams finishing #1 in the state USSSA Power Rankings and in 2023 his team finished 1st or 2nd in all but one of their tournaments.

Coach Gaunt continuously seeks to improve his coaching methods and stay updated with the latest training techniques.
Coach Gaunt has coached at Bishop McCort High School, Bishop Carroll High School and currently at Ferndale Area High School.

Certifications:

Coach Gaunt holds certifications in softball coaching ensuring that he can provide comprehensive support to the team.

He has his Act 34, Act 151, Act 114, Act 168 and Act 126 Child Abuse Clearances. He also has first aid, heat illness prevention and CPR training. amongst others.

Coach Novak

Assistant

Coach Novak has been coaching softball at the travel and recreational levels for the past 14 years.

Coach Novak focuses on each athletes separate strengths and weaknesses to come up with solutions to improve their skill level and to reach their maximum capabilities.

Experience:

Coach Novak has helped lead his teams to numerous rec league wins and League championships.
He has successfully led his Travel ball teams to many victories and tournament wins. He continues to explore new ways to expand his knowledge and coaching ability.

Certifications:

Coach Novak holds certifications in Softball coaching ensuring that he can provide comprehensive support to the team.

He has his Act 126 Child Abuse Clearance and E-Patch Criminal Background History Check. He is also certified in CPR and basic First Aid amongst others.

Coach Baer

Assistant

Coach Baer has been coaching youth sports (softball and basketball at both recreational and travel levels for nearly 10 years, focusing on both physical and mental development of the athletes, as well as providing them with the skills and tools they need to be future influencers and leaders both on and off the field.

Experience:

Coach Baer has led teams to numerous tournament and league championships at a variety of levels during his nearly 10 year coaching career.
Coach Baer has served as Director of Operations for a youth baseball/softball organization consisting of 550 youths.
Coach Baer has also served as President of a travel softball organization, representing team from 10U through 16U.
Coach Baer has also served as a Volunteer Elementary School Instructor for Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania.

Certifications:

Coach Baer has all completed and is up-to-date on all necessary criminal background and child abuse clearances. He also has first aid and CPR training, amongst others.

Coach Barnes

Assistant

Coach Barnes has been coaching softball (and baseball) at the travel, high school, and rec levels for over 13 years, focusing on both the physical and mental development of the athletes to aid them in reaching their full potential.

Experience:

Over the course of his coaching career, Coach Barnes has led his teams to numerous tournament and league championships, at a variety of levels.
Coach Barnes regularly attends conferences and seminars in an effort to stay current with the latest trends in training and coaching.

Certifications:

Coach Barnes also holds certifications in softball coaching ensuring that he can provide comprehensive support to the team.

He has his Act 34, Act 151, Act 114, Act 168 and Act 126 Child Abuse Clearance. He also has first aid, heat illness prevention and CPR training. amongst others.