Backyard Hackers Instructors

John HEndrick

John Hendrick currently coaches everyone and everything -- it changes too quickly to update here, because he goes where his communities need him. He has over 30 years of baseball/softball training experience, and has worked with all ages and skill levels from teeballers to future and past pros (hitters and pitchers).  He has 22 years of teaching in schools, with a long history of working with kids of all ages.  

John has several accolades as a player including being a 2-time NEWBL MVP, 2-time State NBC MVP, was on the #1 ranked team in the country all 4 years of college while at UW-Oshkosk and Carthage. He was a member of the 1996 HS State Championship team and all-state team.

John designs and implements most of our programs, usually taking the lead with baseball pitchers.  He is the only local, certified Driveline Youth Development Coach.
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Courtney Watkins

Courtney is a current varsity softball coach, and is regarded as one of the best coaches in the area.  He connects with teeballers, high schoolers and everyone in between.  

One of the most fearsome hitters in Wisconsin, Courtney has a NEWBL MVP award and a handful of 1st Team Outfielder accolades to go with it. He played 2 years at MATC.

Courtney coaches everything for us, but is best known for his ability to work with outfielders and hitters.

Clare Rettler

Clare is a wizard at the small game. She can show you how to drive the defense nuts with bunts and slaps.  

Clare was an All-State performer in high school, and an All-American in college. Clare has lead all hitters in the COUNTRY in batting average and hits. She has set several school records at Carthage College, including many career records, with a year to go!

​Like all of our coaches, you won't find someone of Clare's coaching caliber at this price anywhere else. Slapping skills can be life-changing if handled well, and you'll be in great hands with Clare.

Gwen Hendrick

Gwen is a hitter's hitter. She has an in-depth knowledge of what it takes to be a great hitter, and the rare ability to communicate how to get there.

She was All-Conference each year of high school, and is All-Conference again in college. She holds several school hitting records at Carthage College, including doubles and triples in a season.

Gwen shares our passion to give back to our sports, expand and mentor kids and coaches, as well as embracing the process. 

Nevin Wall

Nevin was born to pitch. He has a pool of knowledge that he started developing at an early age, and is ready to share it!

He was an All-State pitcher from Holmen, Wisconsin during high school, and pitched 4 years in college, including 2 at  the very competitive D2 school, Winona State.

Nevin could be a boon for your budding pitcher. He's got experience with kids -- another teacher! And he's already imbedded with Appleton East as a pitching coach.

Lauren Ludvigsen

Lauren has been a pitcher since she was 10, and played varsity all 4 years of high school. She played 2 years at Edgewood College.

Lauren is also the Rockers pitching coach, and Appleton East. 

She strives to teach young ladies the importance of mechanics and understanding the game. Lauren builds relationships and can't wait to shepherd ballplayers through their development.