Staff
Brian Lovitsch
My name is Brian Lovitsch and I have been involved with the game of baseball for 37 years. I began my path playing little league, then High School, and was fortunate enough to play at a Division I college. After 28 years of working in the business industry, I decided it was time to begin sharing my knowledge and passion for the game of baseball. My goal is to provide top instruction through intensive skill training and invest in each individual’s development. The passion I have for the game assists in developing confidence in each player to obtain his/her maximum potential. I am committed to advancing each player’s ability to the level that he/she desires. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion with you in the near future.
Chris Pedrak
My name is Christopher Pedrak and I am the Assistant Baseball Coach at the College of Lake County. I am a graduate of Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin; and I have been involved in the game of baseball for 18 years. My goal is to help new, upcoming players of the game reach their highest potential possible.
My path of baseball has included a wide variety of experiences. My journey began with youth clubs and travel baseball. I played travel baseball for one of the premier travel baseball programs in the country, Top Tier. My experiences through Top Tier prepared me for High School and eventually, College baseball. A graduate of Downers Grove South High School, I was an All-Conference Pitcher and First Basemen; along with setting a top 3 ERA record within my High School’s baseball history. I was even fortunate enough to play baseball at the Division III level at Carthage College. I was a member of the 2015 CCIW Baseball Tournament Championship team that also finished 2nd in the NCAA regional playoffs. In my time as a student-athlete at Carthage College, I was also a CCIW Academic All-Conference recipient in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
I have an extensive background in understanding how to coach baseball players and how to prepare them for higher level of play. My experiences include coaching baseball camps with the Bulls Sox Youth Academy and Kids First Sports Safety Inc. I have also interned at Get Fast Sports Performance Inc. and Prep Baseball Report. These internships have taught me not only how to build the perfect athlete through speed, strength, and conditioning; but how to advertise players to colleges and major league teams to give them the best chance possible to play at a higher level. My all-around approach to pitching, hitting, and fielding will help develop a balanced, advanced skill set to all facets in the game of baseball. I look forward to helping you become the best player you can be!
Allie Kotlinski (Micucci)
My name is Allison Kotlinski (Micucci) and I have been actively involved in the game of softball for over 20 years. I played 4 years of Varsity softball at Stevenson High School (2007-2010) as a pitcher and DH. Some highlights include a Regional title in 2008, pitching a perfect game and being a 2 time Daily Herald All-Area selection (2009 and 2010). I was a four time NFCA Scholar Athlete, a two time Pioneer Press All Lake Shore player and a part of the North Suburban All-Conference team both athletically and academically. In addition to playing multiple seasons of travel softball, I continued my softball career at Trinity International University. From 2012-2014, I was a volunteer assistant/pitching coach at Warren Township High School and was a part of the 2014 IHSA State Championship coaching staff. I’ve also coached at Fremd High School and Vernon Hills High School, where I currently work as a Physical Education teacher.
I’ve given softball pitching lessons for over 10 years now and I love teaching the game of softball. Softball pitching is a true art form that requires hard work and dedication. I really enjoy instilling those characteristics in the girls I work with as they can apply hard work and dedication into every aspect of their lives.
Eric Lopez
My name is Eric Lopez and I am currently the head varsity baseball coach at Grayslake North High School. I have been giving lessons at Strikezone since the fall of 2020. Prior to GNHS I have also coached for Lakes Community High School, Illinois Lightning Travel Baseball (15-17U), Lake Villa Cyclones baseball (19U), Chicagoland Baseball Academy, and Chicago Whitesox Youth Summer Camps. Along with this coaching experience, I was also an IHSA certified umpire from 2009-2020.
As a player, I was a 2009 graduate of Lakes Community High School where I was an All Conference and All Area selection in both 2008 and 2009. Additionally I was named offensive MVP, as voted on by the team, in 2008 and 2009. Following my time at LCHS, I then went on to play at the College of Lake County, as an outfielder and pitcher, on scholarship. I then went on to finish my collegiate playing career at Eureka College where I was a SLIAC All Conference selection in 2012.
I look forward to working with you!
Anthony Lovitsch- Strength and Conditioning
My name is Anthony Lovitsch. I have been involved in certified weight training/nutrition for ten plus years. I have a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition. I have certified weight training experience working 1:1 with clients and designing individualized training programs. I also bring 25 years plus experience of exercise which includes weight training, strength and conditioning, cardio training, and plyometrics.
My goal is to assist young athletes in achieving his/her full potential through precise training specific to baseball/softball. Areas of focus include movement training and drills which will increase power generated in ones swing, throwing motion and running speed.
I believe specific training is the key to maximizing ones athletic potential in baseball/softball with a goal to hit farther, throw harder, and run faster. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and working with you soon!
Joe Colucci
Madison Drain