A graduate of Rowan University, Coach Sarah brings over 12 years of competitive softball experience to the Vortex program. Her journey began in Little League at age seven, progressing through middle school and culminating in competition at the high school jv and varsity levels at Red Bank Catholic and St. John Vianney. Her development as an athlete was further enriched through participation in various New Jersey travel programs, competing in Pony Nationals as a 14U player, and attending more than 20 collegiate camps and showcase events. The skills and mindset she cultivated throughout her career reflect the influence of numerous instructional clinics, college camps, and specialized hitting and position coaches. Dedicated to sharing this experience, Coach Sarah serves as a mentor to athletes within the program. She is currently enrolled at Montclair State University as a graduate student in Athletic Training, advises the hitting instruction at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and is the Vortex Fastpitch Co-Managing Director and 16U/18U Head Coach.

An active member of the softball community for over 20 years, Coach Dan has extensive experience developing athletes across multiple age groups and competitive levels. His two older daughters began in little league, advanced through various softball programs, and went on to compete at the varsity level in high school. Over the years, he has coached and conditioned athletes from 10U to 18U, with several former players now competing at the collegiate level. Recently appointed as the varsity softball coach at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, Coach Dan leads the Vortex program with a focus on building foundational skills, fostering competitive play, and developing athletes’ confidence to excel in middle and high school. The program emphasizes individualized instruction, tailoring coaching methods to each athlete’s learning style and processing abilities. Coach Dan currently serves as the Vortex Fastpitch Co-Managing Director and 14U Head Coach.

Lauren Turnbull joins the Jersey Shore Vortex coaching staff with a strong softball background, a passion for player development, and a commitment to leadership both on and off the field. A 2021 graduate of Ocean Township High School, Lauren was a varsity softball player competing in the highly competitive Shore Conference. Lauren continued her academic and athletic career at Rider University, graduating in 2025 while competing in the university's club softball program playing consistently at 3B and SS. In addition to her softball accomplishments, Lauren proudly serves in the Army National Guard, where she has further developed the leadership, accountability, and teamwork skills that she brings to the Vortex organization. Her military service reinforces the values of preparation, perseverance, and resilience that she strives to instill in every athlete she works with. Her experience balancing academics, athletics, and service has helped shape her disciplined and positive approach to coaching. She believes that success comes from consistent effort, attention to detail, and putting the team above the individual. Coach Lauren currently serves as the Vortex 12U Head Coach.

Madison Volek is a multi-sport athlete and trainer with Jersey Shore Vortex Fastpitch. A graduate of Ocean Township High School in Oakhurst, NJ, Class of 2020, Madison competed in soccer, basketball, and softball at the varsity level. Her experience across multiple sports has helped her develop a deep understanding of athletic versatility, teamwork, and leadership. As a trainer, she brings this diverse background to the Vortex program, focusing on building players’ confidence, skill development, and game awareness. Madison’s approach emphasizes individualized instruction and fostering a positive, competitive environment for young athletes. Her passion for mentoring and dedication to player growth make her an integral part of the Vortex training staff.

Born from a lifelong passion for the game, The Akademy is the vision of Katie Baron, a dedicated coach who has spent years mentoring athletes at every level. After working with countless players and witnessing the power of consistency, discipline, and belief, Katie knew it was time to create something more — a place where athletes could come to grow not just their skills, but their confidence, character, and love for the game. The Akademy exists to serve that community: players hungry to improve, coaches committed to teaching, and families who believe in the journey.. Their 3,200-square-foot indoor turf facility is designed for more than just batting practice. This is more than a training space. It’s a home for those who dream bigger, work harder, and play with heart.

www.theakademysports.com/

Certified athletic trainer - I grew up by the Jersey shore. The Neptune school district provided an excellent education from Elementary to High school. Attending Devry University earned me my G.E.D. in 2003. My motivation and determination for sports pushed me to become a Certified Sport Specific Personal Trainer at W.I.T.S. / World Instructor Training School. Employed at Mike Duffy's since 2013, my method and technique for architecting, training, and maintaining the body begins with mental preparation, introduces FORM and FUNCTION, and commences with the same FORM and FUNCTION elements at a much higher level of capability. I love boxing and am a student of martial arts at B.K.G. Headquarters Dojo Karate in Long Branch.

Robert Gonzalez is a former Rutgers–Newark standout infielder and four-year collegiate contributor known for his consistency, versatility, and leadership. A 2020 graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School in New Jersey, Robert was a three-year varsity starter who earned First Team All-Conference and All-Area honors while competing with the Tri-State Arsenal National and Jersey Giants travel programs. He continued his career at Rutgers–Newark (2021–2024), appearing in 119 games and compiling a .312 career batting average with a .385 on-base percentage and .771 OPS. As a sophomore, he emerged as one of the team’s top offensive performers, batting .336 with a .867 OPS, 22 RBIs, 29 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. In his senior season, he hit .328 across 36 games with 39 hits, 21 RBIs, and 12 multi-hit games, earning membership in the program’s prestigious 100-Hit Club. Recognized for excellence both on the field and in the classroom, he was named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. He now coaches youth baseball for the Jersey Giants, where he applies his collegiate playing experience, strong fundamentals, and passion for development to help young athletes grow both on and off the field.

Softball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I played on various travel organizations from 12U to 18U throughout the states of NJ, PA, DE, CA, FL, & NY. Numerous colleges recognized my work ethic and passion, resulting in my recruitment to play at Immaculata University. Throughout my college career, my most significant achievement was being selected to the Capital One Academic All-District 4 Softball Team and the two-time CSAC Spring All-Academic Team. I was honored as a 2013 NFCA Scholar Athlete, earned a 2013 Honorable Mention All-CSAC honor, and finished my first year as a Second Team All-CSAC recognition in 2012. Softball provided the many life skills required to support my career goals; today, I work in Healthcare management and continue to assist other young athletes with achieving their own goals on and off the playing field.