OUR TEAM

THE COACHES

From World Series dugouts to active professional rosters — the people who make BVSA what it is.

FOUNDERS

THE FOUNDERS

Bobby Valentine

Drafted by the LA Dodgers. Managed the Mets to the 2000 World Series. Led Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines to their first championship in 31 years. Founded BVSA in 2006.

MLB Manager 2000 World Series Chiba Lotte Marines

Frank Ramppen

PRESIDENT · RAMP3 BASEBALL

Stamford native, Minnesota Twins org. Coached in Japan alongside Bobby V — all 4 of his infielders won Gold Gloves. Grew BVSA to 40,000 sq ft.

Minnesota Twins Gold Glove History Ramp3 Baseball

DIRECTORS

THE DIRECTORS

Tim Giuliano

DIRECTOR OF BVSA

Stamford High standout, WCSU pitcher. Took over BVSA operations in 2015 and led the facility relocation. Pitching specialist who coaches all ages and positions.

Stamford Native Pitching Specialist Director

Anthony Conte

DIRECTOR OF BVSA · FOUNDER, SCOUTED SPORTS

With BVSA since 2006. UConn Psychology grad. Founded Scouted Sports. St. Luke’s varsity coach for 7 seasons. Runs website, marketing, and facility operations.

UConn Scouted Sports Since 2006

BASEBALL

BASEBALL COACHING STAFF

Jonathan Velasquez

PITCHING LAB DIRECTOR · 9 SEASONS PRO

Bronx native. Nine seasons of pro ball with the Phillies and Mets organizations. Four championship rings — Sally League, Eastern League, Puerto Rican Winter League, and Atlantic League. Now leading The Pitching Lab.

Phillies Mets 4x Champion

Reyheim Jackson

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL INSTRUCTOR

From the British Virgin Islands to St. John’s University to Stamford. Manager of the Year. Volunteer coach at Sacred Heart University softball.

St. John’s Manager of the Year

Taylor Olmstead

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR · ACTIVE PRO

Greenwich native, BVSA-trained since childhood. 13th-round MLB Draft pick (Texas Rangers, 2013). Active Frontier League player. Coaching at BVSA since 2018.

MLB Draft Pick Active Pro Frontier League

Kevin Bruggeman

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR · LOS ANGELES ANGELS ORG

Near-decade BVSA veteran. Made history at Hofstra — first postseason home run. Signed by the LA Angels in 2023, playing for the Inland Empire 66ers.

LA Angels Org Hofstra Captain

Santino Rosso

HITTING & FIELDING INSTRUCTOR

Rochester native, five-year starter at Hofstra. 4th all-time in hits (200+), led team to 2022 CAA Championship. Frontier League Player of the Week.

Frontier League CAA Champion

Joe Poletsky

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR

BS from Quinnipiac (All-Conference 3B), Master’s from University of Miami. Seven years of pro ball across the Atlantic, Frontier, and Can-Am Leagues.

Quinnipiac U of Miami 7 Years Pro

Austin Byrnes

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR

Stamford native, with BVSA over two years. Versatile player — third base, outfield, pitcher. Believes in balance, passion, and inspiring athletes.

Stamford Native Versatile

Phil Nora

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR · AI PRODUCT LEAD

Norwalk native. Team USA representative. 2-time CT State Champion. Quinnipiac CS grad. Also serves as AI Product Lead at BVSA.

Team USA CT State Champion

Matt Diurno

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR

Norwalk native, 12 years of playing experience. Pitched at Santa Fe College (Florida). Coaching at BVSA since 2018. Co-hosts the BV Sports Show on YouTube.

Norwalk Native Since 2018

Mike Abate

HEAD VARSITY COACH · KING SCHOOL · ABATE TRAINING

Head Varsity Baseball Coach at King Low Heywood Thomas (Stamford). With BVSA since 2006. Seattle Mariners org. Arena League QB. 10+ DI players through Abate Training.

King School Seattle Mariners Since 2006

SOFTBALL

SOFTBALL COACHING STAFF

Danielle Simoneau

DIRECTOR · LADY TITANS SOFTBALL · BVSA SINCE 2006

With BVSA since 2006. CT Softball Hall of Fame and University of Hartford Hall of Fame inductee. Directs the Lady Titans program and coaches varsity at New Canaan HS.

Hall of Fame Lady Titans Since 2006

Elizabeth "Beezer" Joseph

SOFTBALL INSTRUCTOR · HEAD COACH, LADY TITANS

Stamford’s own. Four-year varsity at Westhill HS, CT State Champion. Springfield College starting catcher. Head Coach at St. Luke’s — conference champion 2018.

CT State Champion Springfield College

Ashley Simoneau

SOFTBALL INSTRUCTOR · FRONT DESK MANAGER

With BVSA since 2009. Played varsity softball at Trumbull HS and travel ball with CT Tradition and CT Angels. The face of BVSA operations as Front Desk Manager.

Since 2009 Front Desk Manager

Mackenzie Bruggeman

SOFTBALL INSTRUCTOR · LADY TITANS

First Team All-FCIAC and All-State. SNHU four-year career: 132 hits, 27 doubles, 22 HR, 95 RBIs. Team captain. Player and coach for Lady Titans.

All-State All-NE10

Julia Palopoli

SOFTBALL INSTRUCTOR

Long Island native. Four-time letter winner at Hauppauge HS. Five-year starting pitcher and captain at SUNY Brockport. Four years coaching LI Nationals and Team Long Island.

SUNY Brockport MBA

SOCCER

Jhonny Arteaga

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR · JA ELITE SOCCER ACADEMY

Former professional soccer player. Founded JA Elite Soccer Academy and partnered with BVSA to bring elite soccer training to Stamford. Year-round programs for all ages.

Pro Soccer JA Elite

FRONT OFFICE

Bonnie O’Connell

FRONT DESK

With BVSA since 2011. Came to watch her grandson’s lessons and never left. 28 years at UST Telecommunications before joining the BVSA family.

Since 2011 Front Office

WHAT PARENTS SAY

FROM THE FAMILIES

"We've had an amazing experience every time we've gone to BVSA! The staff really goes above and beyond and makes sure the kids are having a great time!"

— Nikki Mangano, Happy Parent

"Party was 10/10. This was the best — venue, staff, activities, decorations, cake. Everything was included and it made my life sooo easy. THANK YOU!"

— Jess, Happy Parent

"Our boys really enjoyed working with him and many things that he coached them on today immediately 'clicked' with them. His coaching style really resonated."

— Will, Happy Parent

TRAIN WITH THE BEST

Ready to get started? Our coaches are here to help you reach your potential.