MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Here at Diamond Dreams we offer a family oriented way of learning the game of baseball and softball.
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Private Lessons, Travel ball, Woodbat, and more!
CONNIE PARKER
Owner | Instructor | Private Lessons
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Connie Parker played ball and graduated from Fort Frye High in 1986. Since then she has gained over 15 years of co-ed travel ball experience, earned a degree in business from Fayetteville Tech, and worked as a coach for more than 5 years. She turned her skills, knowledge, and passion for the game into a successful business in 2013 when she opened Diamond Dreams Training Center and has been coaching travel ball since.
CARL (CJ) MARTIN
Instructor
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CJ has been an instructor with Diamond Dreams since 2016. He is 23 years old and has been playing competitive baseball for 15 years. CJ works with the youth, both with fielding/hitting, and especially young catchers.
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Was ranked the #1 in the state as a catcher on Max Preps after his season as a high school freshman.
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Was ranked #2 in the state and 15th in the nation at the end of his Sophomore year.
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CJ averages a 1.97 on his pop time with a verified 1.87 as his fastest.
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He is also a RHP and can play INF and Outfield.
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CJ played D1 baseball for Charleston Southern University and has received several offers from European professional teams.
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He played for the Pro 5 Academy his last 2 years of high school. (They play colleges like Wake Tech, Methodist University, and Louisburg College.) CJ batted .483 and threw out 58% of the steals attempted on him.
RACHEL GRIFFIN
Pitching Instructor
Rachel has been playing softball for 15 years and coaching for 5 years. She started her career with the Lady Heat travel team out of Fayetteville, NC. She played softball at Western Harnett High school and continued her softball career as a collegiate athlete at Fayetteville State University as an infielder/utility player.
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Hitting Coach with Lady Heat travel ball (2016/17)
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Pine Forest High school JV (2018)
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1 on 1 pitching and catching coach (2018/ current )
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Assistant coach at Fayetteville State University as an infield and catching coach (2021-2022)
Accomplishments:
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Coaches Award
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CIAA Rookie of the Year
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Second Team Selection
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Southern Division Champion
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2x CIAA Champion Runner Up
Stats:
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Batting Average : .600
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Slugging average: 1.500
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On base percentage: .733
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Fielding: .889
Alan Parker
Pitching Instructor
With a lifelong love for baseball and softball, Coach Alan Parker brings a unique blend of experience, dedication, and compassion to our 8U softball team. Coach Parker's journey with baseball began in high school, where his talent and dedication shone brightly on the field. His dream of continuing his baseball career into college was abruptly halted by a tragic car accident that resulted in a broken back. Despite this setback, Coach Parker's love for the game only grew stronger, leading him to find a new path in coaching.
Coaching Philosophy:
Coach Parker's coaching philosophy revolves around instilling not just the fundamentals of the game but also a deep appreciation for teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance. His own experience overcoming adversity serves as a powerful example for his young players, teaching them the importance of resilience both on and off the field.
Passion for Teaching:
Coach Parker's enthusiasm for coaching is evident in every practice and game. His ability to connect with young athletes on a personal level fosters a supportive and encouraging environment where each player can thrive and develop their skills. Whether it's teaching the proper grip on a bat or instilling confidence in fielding, Coach Parker's patient guidance ensures that every child feels valued and empowered.
Community Impact:
Beyond the wins and losses, Coach Parker's impact extends far into the community. His commitment to mentoring young athletes goes beyond the diamond, shaping them into confident, responsible individuals both on and off the field. Through his leadership, Coach Parker not only builds better ballplayers but also future leaders who embody the values of integrity, dedication, and resilience.
NISA ONTIVEROS
Pitching Instructor
Accomplishments:
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NFCA All-America Third Team (2016)
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All-Pac-12 First Team (2016)
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NFCA All-Pacific Region First Team (2016)
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ESPNW National Player of the Week (5/4/16)
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Muscle Milk Student-Athlete of the Week (5/2/16)
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Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention (2014)
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Senior year stats: 18-8 record, 2.05 ERA and 189 strikeouts in 167.0 innings pitched
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Bussolengo, Italy Professional team (2017)
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Pitching coach at CSU Bakersfield (2018-2020)
JORDAN ADCOX
Instructor
Jordan is going into her fifth year instructing at Diamond Dreams. She just finished her fifth season of collegiate play at the University of North Carolina Pembroke. Jordan posted a .329 batting average for the 2018/2019 season, was selected as the Peach Belt Conference player of the week (April 22, 2019) and most recently named to the Peach Belt All Conference Team for the 2019 season. Jordan was also selected as the 2019 UNCP Softball MVP. (2019)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
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UNCP Most Valuable Player (2019)
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PBC All Conference (2019)
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All Academic Team (2019)
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Peach Belt Player of the Week (2019)
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All-American Scholar Athlete (2018)
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First Team All-State NCCSIA College Division (2018)
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Peach Belt Freshman of the Week (2018)
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4-Time NCSCA All-State & All-District Selection (Overhills HS)
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4-time First Team All-Conference (Overhills HS)
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4-Time Softball MVP (Overhills HS)