Coaches

jsmith@wowfactorbaseball.com

Since 2021, Justin has served as the proprietor of Wow Factor Carolinas, undertaking the responsibility of ensuring top-notch products for Wow Factor Coastal. Concurrently, Justin holds the position of head baseball coach at Page High School, showcasing over two decades of coaching experience.

Throughout his coaching tenure, Justin has achieved notable milestones, including leading teams to the Elite 32 (USSSA) and guiding a 12u team to a Final Four appearance in Cooperstown. His expertise has extended to coaching four teams in the Palomino World Series (Pony Baseball). A recent triumph includes steering the WF Carolinas team to victory in the Prospect Select invite-only tournament, clinching the championship by defeating formidable opponents like the Scorpions from Orlando and the Ostingers, who held the #1 rank by Perfect Game at the time.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Justin has successfully balanced his commitment to Wow Factor Carolinas with his role as a family man. His fiancée, Tonya, and his three wonderful children, Natalie (19), Dalin (15), and Addison (11), contribute to his well-rounded life.

Justin’s impact on player development is exemplified by his impressive track record, with over 200 players advancing to collegiate play and several making strides in the professional ranks. Notable successes include athletes like Mike Dimock (Wake Forest – Astros), Carlos Rodon (NC State – White Sox), Nick Rogers (NCA&T – Royals), Kenny Schwab (Virginia – Royals), and Houston Sommers (Diamondbacks).

Shaun has dedicated the past 15 years to imparting coaching expertise across various levels of travel baseball. Among the players under his guidance, several have seamlessly transitioned to higher echelons, even reaching the majors. Currently, Shaun holds the position of Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Freedom Christian Academy, a role he has managed since the 2012-2013 season.

Throughout his tenure coaching high school baseball, Shaun has etched notable milestones into the record books, amassing over 140 victories. His prowess in the field has not gone unnoticed, as he has been honored with the Coach of the Year title five times, a testament to his unwavering commitment and proficiency.

In 2013, as the Head Coach at Freedom, Shaun led the team to secure the school’s inaugural playoff win, propelling them to the third round. The subsequent year was marked by a crowning achievement – triumph in the State Championship, underlining Shaun’s exceptional leadership and the team’s collective success.

Mike Sellers, a native of Fayetteville, boasts a prolific career immersed in America’s beloved pastime. His collegiate baseball journey unfolded at what is now The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, playing under the guidance of Coach Danny Davis. Graduating in 1992, Mike excelled as a pitcher during his four-year collegiate tenure, supplementing his experience with extensive travels for baseball engagements.

With a passion for coaching deeply ingrained, Mike dedicated over three decades to high school baseball in the Fayetteville area. His commitment extended to summer baseball programs, where he coached players of varying ages in showcase events. Beyond the field, Mike once owned Patriots Sports Club, an indoor baseball training facility in Fayetteville. Presently, he continues to contribute to the development of student-athletes by offering private lessons, aiming to prepare them for collegiate-level competition.

Mike’s influence extends to his role as the former director and coach of Carolina Elite Fayetteville Showcase Baseball. Beyond the realm of sports, he holds the distinction of being an ordained minister. Celebrating thirty-one years of marriage with his wife Tracey, Mike is also a proud father to his son, Ty.

Jean was a dedicated and dynamic coach with more than 25 years of experience in coaching diverse age groups. Recently he was the Head Varsity Coach at the CBC Royals Baseball Academy, prioritizing player development and assisting them in reaching their college baseball aspirations.

Daniel Wright serves as the Assistant Coach for 16U Nation, bringing a goal-driven approach to baseball coaching. With a strong focus on achieving operational and competitive objectives, Coach Wright leads with hands-on guidance, meticulous attention to detail, and personalized mentoring of players. His innate talent lies in identifying and rectifying issues early on to maximize overall performance.

Coach Wright is adept in strategy development, providing valuable guidance to players in mastering fundamentals, cultivating sportsmanship, and optimizing their training routines. Beyond the field, he takes pleasure in imparting the nuances of baseball, emphasizing its relevance both on and off the playing field. His ultimate satisfaction comes from assisting young athletes in enhancing their skills, and fostering their growth as both accomplished baseball players and responsible contributors to the community.

The coaching journey for Coach Wright commenced at Lake Norman Little League, and he has since played crucial roles as an Assistant Coach at Ridge Road Middle School and as an Assistant Coach for WOW Factor Queen City.

Kelly Patram resides in Denton, NC, with his wife and three children. A former pitcher for Winston Salem State University and Pitt Community College, he brings a wealth of playing experience to his coaching role.

In his fifth year coaching travel/showcase teams (second with Wow Factor), Kelly is actively involved in shaping the future of baseball players. Presently, he serves as a coach for middle school and high school baseball at Westchester Country Day School in High Point, NC. In this capacity, he focuses on honing the skills of infielders and catchers, contributing to the development of well-rounded athletes.

JC Alexander, a seasoned coach, embarked on his coaching journey in 2005 as a volunteer assistant in baseball and football while serving in the United States Air Force. Approaching his 18th season as a baseball coach in 2023, Coach Alexander has contributed to various levels, including Travel Ball/Showcase, Middle School, High School, and American Junior Legion.

Currently serving as the Associate Head Coach at Jesse C. Carson High School in China Grove, NC, Coach Alexander oversees the development of outfielders and hitters. Throughout his coaching career, he has mentored players who have gone on to pursue opportunities at D1, D2, D3, JUCO, MiLB, and MLB levels.

Alex Shumaker, a former infielder at Rockingham Community College, made 1 JUCO World Series appearance as a player. He recently completed his first year coaching at Carson High School. Alex attended Wendelstedt Umpire School and has umpired in the Expedition League, as well as D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO baseball games.

Kevin Park has been coaching since 2010 and is currently the Head Varsity Baseball Coach at South Davidson High School. Within that time, 20 players have went on to play collegiate baseball and 3 have played professionally. As an assistant coach, he has been part of 5 conference championships and 1 tournament championship. Kevin and his wife Kristen have been married for 16 years and have three children: Makinley (11), Bryson (5, usually his bat boy), and Nolan (5 months).

Aaron embarked on his coaching journey in 2006, transitioning from playing at Catawba College to a coaching career that spans 16 years. His coaching experience encompasses a wide spectrum, including high school, college, travel, and legion teams. Currently, Aaron holds the position of Head Baseball Coach at New Hanover High School.

Throughout his coaching tenure, Aaron has contributed his expertise to various schools, namely West Rowan, North Rowan, Topsail, and New Hanover. He has also made an impact in the All-American Summer Collegiate Baseball League and has coached travel teams, most notably the South Charlotte Panthers.

Terry Isaacs is a coach who invests his time and knowledge into our youth & baseball. Terry fell in love with the game at the young age of 4, when he began playing. He continued his baseball career throughout High School. He played Rec, Travel & School ball. At the ages of 15 & 16, his team made it to Nationals, where Terry was a catcher and pitcher. In High School, he received college offers for baseball but was unable to accept them due to a career-ending injury. Instead, he channeled the heartbreak and found a new way to express his love for the game.

Terry’s coaching journey began in 2015 when he started as an Assistant Coach for his son’s (ages 3 & 4 at the time) rec starter ball team. Terry went on to coach rec ball for the next 8 years. He decided that he wanted to advance to a more competitive realm and stepped into the travel ball world.

Terry has coached travel ball for PG Elite, NC Young Guns, and CCBA Titans, and is currently approaching his first season as the Head Coach for Wow Factor Carolinas 12u. This will mark his 6th travel ball season.

Terry has coached many players who continue to thrive in travel ball and/or middle school baseball. He loves sharing his love for the game, knowledge of all things baseball, and, most importantly, teaching the values and sportsmanship that our youth need to succeed in baseball and life.

Shannon Morgan, from Thomasville, NC, initiated his coaching journey in 2005 with the Creekside Recreation League. Despite possessing a solid understanding of the game, he initially struggled with translating his knowledge into effective coaching. Transitioning to Davidson Co Athletics, he gradually ascended through the age groups, guiding his kids to numerous league championships and All-Star Tournament victories.

In 2019, he ventured into the expansive realm of travel ball, progressing through different age categories. By 2023, he extended his coaching expertise to travel softball. Throughout his coaching career, player development has consistently remained his top priority.

His most notable achievement was witnessing one of his initial players sign a college letter of intent.

With several years of coaching experience, Joshua Mantz has made significant contributions to the recreational league and is currently affiliated with Wow Factor Coastal. Demonstrating a keen ability to connect with youth players, Coach Mantz takes pleasure in witnessing the kids develop a solid understanding of fundamental skills.

Eagerly anticipating the opportunity, Coach Mantz looks forward to establishing a robust foundation for the growth and success of the Wow Factor Coastal organization. The future holds promise and optimism under his guidance.