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KJ Kinsella
Director/Lead Instructor
KJ is the founder of the Illinois Patriots program. He began coaching varsity baseball and providing private instruction upon graduating from University of Illinois-Springfield where he played for two years before injury ended his playing days. KJ has a passion for pushing kids to reach the best of their abilities and providing them with the skills necessary to reach the next level of baseball. He coaches a couple of the teams, and provides the administration and training for all Patriot teams.
KJ provides year round individual instruction to individuals within the program as well as other local youth, high school, and college players. He specializes in velocity development, pitching and arm sustainability, and hitting. KJ has helped develop many different baseball careers, and treats all of his trainees and players as individuals who have different ways of learning. Keeping the big picture in mind, he has helped guide many athletes onto the next level of their career. KJ also serves as an assistant coach with the UIS baseball program.
"Baseball has provided a lot of opportunity and life lessons for me. Some of my greatest challenges and successes in life have come from this game. I am thankful to still be involved in the game that has always been a large part of my life." - KJ
Please email kjk.kinsella@gmail.com or call/text at 847-331-4414 to schedule individual lessons.
James Range
Instructor/Coach
James Range has been with the Patriot program for eight seasons. James began his collegiate career at Division I Junior College Southwestern Illinois College. After having strong success there, he went on to play for University of Illinois-Springfield where he finished out his successful collegiate career. After his playing days he was the varsity head coach at Lutheran High School before accepting a new job. James has strong coaching and training experience with kids of all ages and will play a crucial role in the development of the players in the organization.
Please call or text at 618-779-6387 to schedule individual lessons.
Daniel McClung
Instructor/Coach
Daniel McClung has been with the Patriot program for six seasons. Daniel was a four year college baseball player at Monmouth College. He is the owner of McClung Performance Athletics which is a partner program of the Illinois Patriots, focusing on strength and conditioning for all athletes.
Daniel is a highly driven individual who brings a large amount of energy to his approach.
Please call or text 217-481-4642 to schedule individual lessons or to set up strength/conditioning plans and training.
Graham Bender
Instructor/Coach
Graham Bender has been with the Patriot program for seven seasons. Graham is a graduate from Glenwood High School in Chatham, IL where he received all conference honors and furthered his career to playing collegiate baseball at Lincoln Land Community College.
Coach Bender is an asset to the program who brings a strong competitive energy to his players. Graham continues to develop his craft as a coach and student of the game.
Danny Midiri
Coach
Danny Midiri has been with the Patriot program for eight seasons. Previously, he was the head varsity baseball coach at Lanphier High School for four seasons. He played collegiate baseball at SCI in Springfield, before attending EIU to finish his education.
Coach Midiri does a phenomenal job of understanding his players, adapting to what his team needs each day, and teaching the game the right way.
William Ryan
Coach
Will Has been with the Patriot program for five seasons. He is an alum of the Patriot program as well as a Rochester Rocket varisty baseball alum. Will does a phenonmenal job with player development and communicates with the kids in a way that many can't. He will serve as the head coach of the 13U Blue team this coming season.
Jaxon Cook
Coach
Jaxon played for the Patriot program for all four of his high school summers and is now entering his third season coaching. Jaxon was a highly successful player at Springfield Southeast High School receiving All Conference accolades multiple times. He is still an active college baseball player, currently playing at Harper College. He will take on the 17U/18U team this summer as the head coach.
Richie Snider
Coach
Richie will be entering his first season coaching with the Illinois Patriots. He previously coached an 18U summer team and will now take on the head coach role of the 15U White team this summer. Richie has a vast baseball background pitching at the collegiate level and winning a state championship at Springfield High School. He is in his final season of playing at UIS.
Will Oberg
Player Development Coordinator
Will is the hitting coach at University of Illinois Springfield and joins our staff as a development coordinator this year assisting our players in hitting and defense. He has led a nationally ranked offense at the college level and will be a huge asset in growing the game of our players through clinics and lessons.
Seth Masters
Player Development Coordinator
Seth is an assistant coach at University of Illinois Springfield and joins our staff as a development coordinator this year assisting our players in pitching and catching. Seth was a crucial part of many nationally ranked teams at UIS and brings a vast knowledge of the game to our players through clinics and lessons.
Connor Carter - 15U Assistant Coach - Illinois Patriot Trainee/Williamsville High school/St. Charles Community College/Bryan College Baseball Alum
Trey Carter - 15U Assistant Coach - Illinois Patriot Alum/Williamsville/Lincoln Land Baseball Player
Kye Werries - 14U Assistant Coach - Kentucky Wesleyan Alum
Joe Lee - 13U Blue Assistant Coach - Pleasant Plains High School Alum
Ben Sigourney - 11U Assistant Coach - UIS/Oakton College Alum
Dustin VanTine - 12U Assistant Coach - Canton High School Alum
Breck Calvert - 17U/18U Assistant Coach - Sauk Valley College/Illinois Patriot Alum