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

Hello to all future All-Stars! My name is Coach Joe Colucci. I have been a Baseball Instructor for 22yrs and have given over 10,000 lessons. I played 4 years at Varsity level in Chicago at Taft where I won awards for All Area, All City, All Conference, and led the team in homeruns and RBIs. I played at North Park University in Chicago where I led the conference in homeruns, walks, RBIs, slugging%, fielding%. I am also the Author of a motivational Baseball Poetry book designed to boost the confidence of each player. My goal is to provide wide variety of Instruction in a highly positive, motivational, and all around fundamental value to the road of success.

Madison Drain

My name is Maddie Drain and I have been playing softball for over 20 years. I've played many sports, but softball has always been my favorite! Growing up I played for the Cary Crush travel program (now known as CTW) and varsity softball at Prairie Ridge High School. I continued my career as a Warhawk for UW-Whitewater and as soon as my career ended I took up coaching,

I started giving lessons in 2016 and that quickly evolved to coaching for programs like Wasco Warriors, Libertyville Wildcats, IL Blaze, AH Thunder, and Athletic Barn working as a head coach and hitting instructor. I have always been passionate about softball and coaching has allowed me to remain connected to the sport. I am a big believer in the mental aspect of the game and focus on helping players feel confident not only in their swings but their overall abilities on and off the field. I would love the opportunity to work with you.

Clinton Cerna

My name is Clinton Cerna, and I have been involved in the game of baseball for 15 years. I played at Grant Community High School from 2018 to 2022 and then moved on to play college baseball at the College of Lake County in 2023, where I received All-Conference Honorable Mention for 3rd baseman in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference.

I have had the privilege of assistant coaching the Genoa City Wisconsin Travel Ball team for the 11u, 12u, and 13u age groups. Additionally, I have two younger brothers, ages 13 and 11, who are actively playing baseball. I have helped develop their skills to an advanced level for players their age.

My goal is to help advance players to the next level, both physically and mentally. I strongly believe that players are much more capable than they often realize. I will help guide players into developing athletic and fundamental habits for fielding, pitching and hitting. I have a strong passion for hitting power. Growing up as one of the smaller players, I have a deep understanding and empathy for those who feel they aren’t big or athletic enough. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Even the smallest players have the ability to become powerful hitters and develop an aggressive hitting mentality.

I am committed to providing top-notch instruction and investing in each player’s development. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion for baseball with you and helping you grow as a player.

Max Woll

My name is Max Woll, and I have dedicated 17+ years to the game of baseball. Growing up in Grayslake, IL, I played for programs such as GYBA, Coyotes, RBC, and Lake County Lightning before competing at Grayslake Central (2019-2023), where we finished 2nd in state and broke multiple school records. I currently pitch for College of Lake County as a true sophomore starting pitcher.

During the summers, I’ve had the opportunity to compete at high levels, including with RBC, Lake County Lightning (Hart 18U), the Dairyland Collegiate League, and most recently, in the Northwoods League with the Rockford Rivets—one of the top summer collegiate leagues in the country.

I bring firsthand experience from some of the highest levels of competition, and I am passionate about helping players of all ages and skill levels improve their game. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to compete at a higher level, my training focuses on:

Pitching Instruction (All Ages)

Velocity Development – Maximizing mechanics for increased arm speed and efficiency

Command & Control – Improving accuracy and pitch placement

Mechanics & Efficiency – Refining delivery for power, consistency, and injury prevention

Mental Approach – Developing confidence, composure, and competitive mindset

Game Strategy – Teaching pitch sequencing, reading hitters, and mound presence

Hitting Instruction (Youth Players)

Fundamentals of a Powerful Swing – Proper stance, balance, and mechanics

Contact & Power Development – Generating bat speed and solid barrel control

Approach at the Plate – Understanding pitch selection and developing confidence

Aggressive Hitter Mentality – Teaching young players to hit with intent

Experience with Younger Players

I’ve worked with youth players for over two years, including coaching GYBA teams and training younger athletes through private lessons. With an 8-year-old brother coming up through the Grayslake baseball programs, I understand how to effectively teach younger players in a way that builds confidence and strong fundamentals while keeping the game fun and engaging. Whether it’s pitching or hitting, I make sure young players develop solid mechanics and an aggressive mindset to help them succeed on the field.

What Sets Me Apart?

Professional-Level Experience – Played in the Northwoods League, known for developing MLB talent

Personalized Coaching – Customized training plans based on individual needs

Proven Track Record – Experience working with youth, high school, and college-level players

Strong Community Ties – Deeply connected to Grayslake baseball programs

Let’s take your game to the next level! Whether you’re working on pitching mechanics, velocity, mental toughness, or hitting fundamentals, I can help develop the skills necessary to compete at a high level. Looking forward to having fun and working with you!!