Coaches
Meet Our Team of Coaches
Shawn Tolleson is the Co-Owner, Chief Visionary Officer, and a Master-Level Pitching Instructor whose journey through baseball has been defined by perseverance, purpose, and a deep commitment to excellence. Born and raised in Fairview, Texas, he was a four-year varsity letter winner at Allen High School, earning multiple First-Team All-State honors and competing for Team USA’s Junior Olympic Team in back-to-back years.
He went on to pitch three seasons at Baylor University before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2010. In 2011, he was named the Dodgers Minor League Pitcher of the Year and made his Major League debut the following season. From 2014 to 2016, he pitched for the Texas Rangers, leading MLB with 22 saves after the All-Star break in 2015. That same year, he totaled 35 saves, earned Rangers Pitcher of the Year honors, and finished in the top 10 in Cy Young Award voting.
Shawn continued his professional career until 2019 and was named Texas Rangers Alumni of the Year in 2021 for his impactful community involvement. Off the field, he is a devoted husband and father of three, active in his church and youth coaching.
Guided by core principles—“You CAN do ANYTHING,” “ADVERSITY is a TREASURE,” and “GOD has a PURPOSE”—Shawn has transitioned from professional athlete to entrepreneur. Today, he channels his passion into proactive health initiatives and empowering the next generation of athletes through high-quality baseball instruction.
“At the end of the day, there is nothing greater than using baseball as a vehicle to drive confidence, purpose, dedication, commitment, and ABOVE ALL ELSE, the fact that you are a child of God, and THAT is where your value comes from.”
Shawn Tolleson
Co-Owner, Chief Visionary Officer, Master-Level Pitching Instructor
Leion Gordon is the Co-Owner, Director of Performance, and a Master-Level Performance Coach with a storied background in elite athletics. A native of Jamaica, he is a former national high school record holder in the long jump and an eight-time NJCAA All-American, including a championship title in the 100 meters.
His track and field accomplishments continued at the NCAA level, earning four All-American honors both indoors and outdoors. On the international stage, Leion was a member of the 1995 World Track and Field Championship-winning 4x100 meter relay team and represented Jamaica at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, competing in both the 100 meters and 4x100 meter relay.
Leion is a certified ASFA Master Trainer and holds certification from the USTFCCA. He is also the founder and creator of the T.K.E. (Toes up, Knees up, Elbows back) Technique and SHOCKWAVE TRAINING—innovative systems designed to elevate athletic performance through explosive movement and refined mechanics.
With decades of experience and a passion for developing athletes, Leion brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and results-driven training to every session.
Leion Gordon
Co-Owner, Director of Performance, Master-Level Performance Coach
Dr. Mitch Scarmardo is a sports and rehab chiropractor, and the founder of The Movement Lab in McKinney, TX. He specializes in helping athletes move better, recover faster, and stay on the field longer through a unique blend of hands-on treatment, movement assessment, and performance-based rehab.
With years of experience working with youth, high school, collegiate, and competitive athletes across multiple sports, Dr. Mitch has developed a proven approach to identifying the root cause of pain rather than simply treating symptoms. He has also worked closely with Texas Twelve Baseball, giving him deep insight into the demands and movement needs of developing and elite-level baseball and softball athletes — experience he now brings directly to POP Athletics.
His philosophy is built on the belief that athletes shouldn’t be sidelined by pain. Instead, with the right plan, they can continue training safely while rebuilding confidence, strength, and durability. This performance-driven mindset guides every session, helping athletes stay healthy while continuing to progress toward their goals.
Dr. Mitch will now be serving POP Athletics athletes on-site every Wednesday, providing movement assessments, injury screening, performance rehab, and individualized care plans to help each athlete stay healthy and perform at their highest level.
Dr. Mitch earned his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University before completing his Doctor of Chiropractic and Master’s in Strength & Human Performance at Parker University. Outside the clinic, he lives life based on his three pillars: Faith, Family, and Fitness. He’s a husband and father to two little girls, and enjoys strength training, competitive fitness, good BBQ, and supporting all things Aggie athletics.
Dr. Mitch Scarmardo, DC, MSHP
Treatment and Rehab Specialist
Carlos Cruz is an advanced-level catching and hitting instructor with over 20 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels. A former NCAA college baseball player with professional winter ball experience, Carlos has a deep understanding of the game from multiple perspectives.
He proudly represented Panama in several international baseball competitions, bringing his expertise to the global stage. Specializing in working with catchers of all levels—from beginners to professionals—Carlos has a passion for developing the next generation of players.
His coaching career includes serving as a former hitting and catching coach for the Atlantic Collegiate Summer League. In addition, he continues to sponsor a youth baseball academy in his native Panama, ensuring the growth and development of young talent in his community.
Carlos firmly believes that “Every player starts with raw potential. My job is to help them unlock it. How? By teaching the game… with patience, purpose, and passion.”
Jose Vazquez has been a Major League Baseball strength and conditioning coach for 22 years. His career began with the New York Mets (2001-2005) and continued with the Texas Rangers from 2005 to 2023. He currently serves as a Special Advisor to Performance with the Texas Rangers. He is the co-author of two books and four research studies, and has been a professional speaker for many years, with engagements in the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, and the Dominican Republic.
Jose serves POP as a Master-Level Performance Coach, as well as physical therapist. He specializes in conducting performance evaluations and health assessments. He holds an RSCC*E as well as an MPT.
A three-time World Series strength coach, Vazquez was part of the 2023 World Champion Texas Rangers and served as the American League strength coach for the 2017 All-Star Game. In 2014, he was named Strength Coach of the Year and became a certified MLB scout.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Prior to his coaching career, Vazquez played professional baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. He holds a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Jose Vazquez
Master-Level Performance Coach, Physical Therapist RSCC*E, MPT
Dave, a highly respected figure in the world of professional baseball, brings with him over 35 years of experience in the game. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Los Angeles Dodgers directly out of high school, Dave went on to enjoy a remarkable 15-season career in Major League Baseball, suiting up for the Dodgers, Padres, Mariners, and Cubs. While primarily a third baseman, he quickly made a name for himself as one of the most prolific pinch hitters in MLB history.
In the year 2000, Dave etched his name into the record books by setting the MLB record for the most pinch-hit home runs in a single season. His legacy as a clutch performer continues to stand strong, as he remains sixth all-time in MLB pinch hits.
Following his playing career, Dave transitioned seamlessly into coaching, serving more than seven seasons as a Major League hitting coach for the Dodgers, Mariners, and Padres. His leadership and hitting expertise have also been pivotal at the national level, where he has worked as the hitting coordinator for both USA Baseball and the MLB Player Development Program. Currently, Dave serves as the hitting coordinator for the Cincinnati Reds, where his influence continues to shape the next generation of elite hitters.
Dave’s contributions to the advancement of the game extend beyond the field. He has developed groundbreaking ground pressure software applications and a variety of hitting tools that are now widely adopted by coaches across the globe. In addition to shaping team rosters and constructing coaching staffs, he has played a major role in creating and implementing comprehensive organizational hitting philosophies.
Certified in body movement analysis through TPI and OnBaseU, Dave is also well-versed in the latest baseball technologies. His toolkit includes Trackman, HitTrax, Uplift Motion Capture, Blast Motion, Rapid Baseball GFP analysis, V1 Sports Ground Force Pressure Mat, Rapsodo, KVest, Hawkeye, and KineTrax. A firm believer in the synergy between the mental and physical aspects of the game, Dave’s motto remains: "Develop your mental game to drive your athleticism to new heights."
Dave Hansen
Master-Level Hitting Instructor
Dr. McMichael, or Coach Mac as most of her colleagues and athletes know her, is a native of
Nacogdoches, Texas. After a distinguished athletic career at Nacogdoches High School where she led the Lady Dragon softball team to the Class 5A State Tournament, and also earned multiple District MVP, and All-State accolades as a multi-sport athlete, Coach Mac signed to play softball at SEC powerhouse Mississippi State. While in Starkville, Coach Mac had nothing short of a phenomenal career. She was a 3 time All-American, a 3 time All-Region outfielder, as well as being named the SEC player of the year in back to back seasons. In 2004, Coach Mac finished in the Top 4 for the Honda Award given to the nation’s best overall collegiate athlete. That same year, she finished in the Top 3 for the USA Softball collegiate player of the year. Even more impressive, while excelling on the playing field, she was also named an Academic All-American. Coach Mac still holds or is in the top 5 in 10 different offensive categories at Mississippi State. Perhaps her most remarkable honor from Mississippi State was given after she had been away many years later. Coach Mac was named an All-Time SEC Great by her alma mater. In 2012, Mississippi State chose her as the school’s lone female representative to the Southeastern Conference’s all-time greatest women athletes in school history regardless of any sport. After the tremendous success she had at Mississippi State, Iyhia was selected by the Akron Racers as the #1 overall pick in the 1st round of the 2004 National Pro Fastpitch Draft. Iyhia would go on to win the 2005 NPF league MVP award as well as lead her team to the title that same year. To top off this wonderful playing career, Iyhia was chosen to represent her country on Team USA’s Elite Team where she helped the Red, White, and Blue win the Gold Medal in the 2003 Canada Cup with a dramatic last inning walk off home run. With her playing career over, and having already earned a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State, Iyhia would go on to receive a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a PhD. in Educational Leadership from the University of New England officially becoming Dr. Iyhia McMichael.
Iyhia McMichael
Director of Softball & Master-Level Hitting Instructor
Terrence Ranger is an expert-level performance coach whose expertise lies in sport-specific speed and explosiveness development. A proud native of Jamaica, Terrence brings both international experience and a deep passion for athletic performance to every training session.
He is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and a certified coach through the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), credentials that reflect his commitment to excellence and athlete development.
Throughout his career, Terrence has served as a speed coach, performance coach, and track and field coach for both colleges and high schools across Jamaica and Pennsylvania. His versatile background allows him to tailor programs that meet the unique needs of each athlete, helping them achieve peak performance.
Driven by purpose and a desire to empower the next generation, Terrence believes in the importance of inner strength and personal growth. As he puts it, “I have a calling to reach young talent and develop athletes to become the best version of themselves, understanding that sometimes you have to find that ‘something’ from within.”
With a strong foundation in both theory and real-world coaching, Terrence Ranger continues to inspire and elevate athletes through his dynamic and intentional approach to performance training.
Terrence Ranger
Expert-Level Performance Coach
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Phil Klein carved out an impressive path in the world of baseball through dedication, talent, and resilience. A standout both academically and athletically, he graduated magna cum laude from Youngstown State University, where he also starred as a pitcher on the university’s baseball team.
Phil’s collegiate success caught the attention of professional scouts, and in 2011, he was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the MLB Draft. Just three years later, he made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2014, fulfilling a lifelong dream. His career continued in the big leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies before he took his talents overseas to pitch for the Yokohama BayStars in Japan—gaining international experience and further refining his craft.
With a passion for the art and science of pitching, Phil has earned certifications from some of the most respected programs in the game, including Driveline, Rapsodo, and OnBaseU. His philosophy reflects a deep understanding of the sport: “It takes hard work to develop sound mechanics and cultivate mental fortitude. It’ll take even more to create an efficient routine that works best for your body.”
Through his journey from Ohio to the global baseball stage, Phil Klein continues to inspire the next generation of pitchers with a balanced focus on physical precision and mental discipline.
Phil Klein
Expert-Level Pitching Instructor
Joey Schattle is an expert-level hitting and pitching instructor with over 10 years of experience in providing private instruction, running camps, and leading clinics. A graduate of Richardson High School (Class of 2011), Joey was a 2x All-Conference selection at Richland College and earned a spot in the TX/NM Juco All-Star Game.
Joey works with a wide range of athletes, including current collegiate players, and specializes in body control and efficient movement. His training helps athletes generate more power and velocity, with a strong focus on building confidence through discipline and attention to detail.
Joey takes a process-driven approach to coaching, believing in the importance of controlling the things you can control. As he puts it, “Control the things you can control,” emphasizing consistency and mental focus to reach athletic potential.
Joey Schattle
Expert-Level Hitting Instructor & Pitching Instructor
Adrien Lisangi is an expert-level soft tissue specialist and performance coach with a rich background as a multi-sport athlete. Growing up, he excelled in soccer, rugby, basketball, football, and track—all the way through high school—before going on to play Division 1 football at the University of North Texas.
His passion for human movement and performance led him to train at Sports Academy in Frisco, where he refined his skills under the guidance of world-renowned flexibility expert and Brazilian gymnastics coach, Igor Corvalho. Adrien has since worked with hundreds of professional athletes, helping them improve mobility and flexibility through a specialized method known as M.E.T. (Muscle Energy Technique).
He is also the developer of GroundUpAthlete, a process designed to help athletes by addressing muscular restrictions and refining the body’s response to inflammation. His techniques support better movement efficiency, faster recovery, and optimal performance.
Adrien is trained under the TKE Technique and certified in SHOCKWAVE TRAINING, tools that further enhance his ability to deliver elite-level results for athletes across all disciplines.
As he puts it: “My goal at POP Athletic is to help athletes move better, feel better, and perform at their absolute best.”
Adrien Lisangi
Expert-Level Soft Tissue Specialist & Performance Coach
Steele Walker
Expert-Level Hitting Instructor
Raised with a passion for athletics and excellence, Tomea Peebles is an advanced-level performance coach dedicated to helping athletes enhance flexibility, build strength, and reduce the risk of injury. A former NCAA Track & Field athlete, Tomea brings firsthand experience and a competitive edge to every training session.
Her coaching journey spans across all levels—from elementary to collegiate—where she’s guided athletes in sprinting, endurance, and conditioning. With a deep understanding of performance from both an athlete’s and a coach’s perspective, Tomea crafts clear, personalized training plans that prioritize progress and long-term health.
Tomea is certified by the American Sports & Fitness Association and is constantly seeking to grow her expertise through additional certifications, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Her coaching philosophy is grounded in consistency, focus, and faith.
Guided by her favorite words—“Stay consistent, stay focused, and trust God through the process”—Tomea Peebles is committed to helping athletes become the best version of themselves, both on and off the field.
Tomea Peebles
Advanced Level Performance Coach
Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Pedro Taveras developed the relentless work ethic required to compete at the highest levels of baseball. Shaped by the rich baseball culture of the Caribbean, he brings a deep understanding of the game and a contagious passion for development that inspires players of all levels.
A former Dominican Independent League player, Pedro Taveras now channels his on-field experience into coaching, helping U.S.-based players build strong foundations. With over a decade of experience training athletes from 6U to 18U, he emphasizes mastering the fundamentals of infield play—footwork, glovework, and throwing from various arm slots—while ensuring the game remains fun and engaging.
Now serving as the Head Coach of a nationally ranked youth team, Pedro is committed to developing complete players—athletically and mentally. His sessions blend high-level instruction with joy, hustle, and purpose. As he often reminds his players, echoing a legendary quote from Rickey Henderson: “If my uniform doesn't get dirty, I haven't done anything in the baseball game.”
Pedro Taveras
Advanced-Level Defensive Instructor, Advanced-Level Hitting Instructor
Carlos Cruz
Advanced-Level Catching & Hitting Instructor
Tim Oberhelman (Coach Tim) has spent more than a decade in the fitness and performance industry, helping athletes and clients unlock their potential. A former collegiate baseball player at McMurry University, Tim earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Human Performance and has since built a career dedicated to strength & conditioning, athletic development, injury prevention.
He holds advanced certifications as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association, as well as a USA Weightlifting Level 2 Coach (USAW-L2). His coaching journey has included roles with Metro State University, the United States Air Force Academy, and serving as Head Speed and Strength Coach at D1 Sports Training in Allen, TX.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tim actively coaches and competes in both Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting. He and his wife, Tori, are proud to raise their two children, Thor and Laurel, in Lucas, where they are deeply connected to the community.
“If you don’t like your destiny, don’t accept it. Instead, have the courage to change it the way you want it to be.” – Naruto Uzumaki
Tim Oberhelman
Expert-Level Performance Coach
Alex Blaszyk is a former Division I collegiate pitcher fueled by passion, persistence, and consistency. He’s known for developing complete athletes through mental, physical development, and longevity training. A 3-year varsity starter, Alex led his high school team as a sophomore with 70+ innings pitched and a 2.15 ERA, guiding them to a Division I CIF Championship. He earned a scholarship to compete at Sacramento State (DI, California) and later completed his student-athletic collegiate career at Westmont College (DII, Santa Barbara) where he received a degree in business and economics and grew in faith.
Alex also competed for the Tampa Bay Rays Scout Team in 2015 and 2016, gaining elite-level experience against top national competition. He trained at the Driveline program in Arizona for 3 months for bio-mechanical efficiency, safe velocity development, and recovery training. He combines advanced performance science with the mind–body connection of pitching, teaching athletes how to compete with confidence, command, and consistency.
Alex Blaszyk
Expert-Level Pitching Instructor
Eric Williams is a former professional outfielder and advanced player development coach specializing in swing biomechanics, throwing efficiency, and outfield performance. Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 23rd round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Sachse High School (TX), Eric competed in the Brewers organization before going on to make history in the Pecos League — hitting a record .467 while compiling a 35+ game hitting streak, one of the most dominant offensive stretches in league history.
Before entering professional baseball, Eric was nationally recognized as:
- #4 Ranked High School Outfielder on ESPN’s Draft Prospects List
- 4-Year Varsity Starter
- 3× First Team All-District
- 2× Preseason All-American
- Recorded 97 mph outfield velocity, ranked Top 3 nationally
From Elite Player to Elite Developer
Eric’s playing career built the foundation — but his evolution into coaching is what separates him.
With 5+ years of hands-on experience in 3D biomechanics of the baseball swing and throwing motion, Eric now blends professional playing insight with objective movement analysis. His approach goes beyond traditional instruction by analyzing:
- Kinetic sequencing
- Ground force production
- Rotational efficiency
- Bat speed development
- Arm path & throwing efficiency
Movement patterns linked to durability
He translates complex biomechanical data into simple, repeatable cues athletes can execute under game speed.
Coaching Specialties
- Advanced Swing Biomechanics
- Outfield Defense & Arm Development
- Throwing Mechanics & Arm Care
- Performance-Based Player Development
- Confidence & Competitive Mindset Building
Coaching Philosophy
Eric believes great development happens when athletes understand both the feel and the why. His mission is to build complete players — technically sound, physically efficient, mentally confident, and prepared to compete at the next level.
He works with serious athletes who are committed to long-term growth, accountability, and measurable improvement.
Eric Williams
Expert-Level Pitching Instructor
Michael Zinter is an advanced-level performance coach who grew up immersed in the game of baseball, with a father coaching in the MLB. From an early age, he learned what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of competition and training.
A former JUCO and NCAA baseball player, Michael brings firsthand athletic experience to his coaching. He holds certifications as an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Corrective Exercise Specialist, equipping him with the knowledge to help athletes move efficiently and stay healthy.
His training approach emphasizes bodyweight mastery, mobility, resistance training, and injury prevention. Michael has also had the unique opportunity to shadow top-level performance coaches with the Chicago White Sox, gaining insight into elite-level training techniques and philosophies.
Driven by a focus on discipline and consistency, Michael helps athletes unlock their potential and work toward becoming the best version of themselves. As he says: “Become your ultimate athlete” and achieve long-term athletic success.
Michael Zinter
Advanced-Level Performance Coach
Tanner DeVinny is an Advanced-Level hitting and catching instructor with a deep background in collegiate and professional baseball. After graduating from Lovejoy High School, Tanner was an All-Big XII Freshman Team selection at Kansas State University. He was named to the All-Conference Team at Grayson County College in his sophomore year and finished his collegiate career at the University of Alabama before playing professionally with the Winnipeg Goldeyes.
With over a decade of experience coaching athletes of all levels, Tanner specializes in building strong foundations, refining advanced mechanics, and personalizing each session to fit each player’s unique strengths. He has worked with youth, high school, and college athletes, helping them develop the body control, efficiency, and mental approach needed to excel at the next level.
Tanner’s coaching approach focuses on preparation, discipline, and attention to detail. He believes in meeting athletes where they are and guiding them step by step toward their goals. As Tanner often says, “Success comes from mastering the little things,” emphasizing consistency and confidence as the keys to lasting development.