PRIVATE/SEMI PRIVATE TRAINING
VSA is offering Individual, and Small Group Lessons (2-3 athletes)
Lessons can be offered in Baseball in Hitting, Pitching, Infield, Outfield, and Catching
Hitting Lessons
30-minute Lesson: $40
60-minute Lesson: $80
Pitching Lessons
30-minute Lesson: $40
60-minute Lesson: $80
Fielding Lessons
30-minute Lesson: $40
60-minute Lesson: $80
Catching Lessons
30-minute Lesson: $40
60-minute Lesson: $80
Small Group Lessons
2-3 Athletes
Hitting, Pitching, Infield, Outfield, and Catching
$45/Player for 60-minute session
Please reach out to Preston Benedict preston.benedict@valleysports.academy
We will offer lessons M-F from 8 AM-9 PM and Weekends are inquire only.
Types of Lessons we offer
Hitting
Receive next level hitting instruction in a hands-on and easy to understand format for athletes
Private Lessons are tailored to each individual and include:
HitTrax Technology when available
Video breakdown of your swing
Focus on:
Basic swing mechanics
Body movement patterns
Bat to ball skills to increase your contact level while also increasing power
Drills to increase bat speed and exit velocity
Pitching
Receive next level pitching instruction in a hands-on easy to understand format for athletes
Private lessons are tailored to each individual and include:
Developing a pitching routine
Velocity Training
Pitching mechanics
Pitching Arsenal Development
Command
Understanding Count Leverage
Driveline Baseball Pitching Programming
Jaeger Sports Arm Health Protocols
ArmCare Dynamometer Strength Testing
Use of Rapsodo technology
Fielding
Receive next level fielding instruction in a hands-on easy to understand format for athletes
Fielding lessons are for Catchers, Infielders, and Outfielders and each lesson is tailored to each individual athlete
Basic and Advanced drills including
Footwork
Glove position
Throwing mechanics
Instructors
Preston Benedict
Director of Player Development
Contact: preston.benedict@valleysports.academy
Originally from Madison, WI and a graduate of UW-Eau Claire in 2021. When not coaching baseball, Preston enjoys musky fishing on the lake up in Eagle River, WI.
- Bachelor's in Physics/Math Education
- 4 years math & physics teacher at Chippewa Falls High School (2021–2025)
- 4 years assistant coach at Eau Claire Memorial High School (2019–2022)
- 2 years assistant coach at Chippewa Falls High School (2023–2024)
- Current assistant coach at Eau Claire North High School
- Rapsodo Pitching Certified (2022)
- Driveline Pitching Certified (2023)
- Arm Care specialist & biomechanist through Dr. Ryan Crotin & ArmCare.com (2024)
Tyson LaPoint
Instructor/Coach
Areas of Instruction: Hitting, Fielding, Pitching
Tyson LaPoint has been a part of VSA since the doors opened. Originally training there, he has now stepped into a coaching role. He has a strong foundation in coaching youth baseball and continues to grow. He currently coaches one of our summer travel teams and offers lessons outside of that. Tyson values the relationships he builds with his players more than anything.
- 2-Time All-Conference Honoree, Rice Lake High School
- 2 years of collegiate baseball at Augsburg University
- Coaches local youth teams
- Coach of VSA Travel Team
Brady Johnson
Instructor
Areas of Instruction: Infield Skills
Brady Johnson is a dedicated baseball coach with collegiate pitching experience and a strong foundation in player development. A student-athlete at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Brady brings firsthand knowledge of the demands of college baseball and applies it to helping athletes refine their skills and confidence on the field.
- Pitched at the collegiate level
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
ADAM LAROCK
Coach/Instructor
Areas of Instruction: Hitting, Fielding, Pitching, Catching
Adam LaRock is a versatile baseball instructor with experience competing at the Division I collegiate level. His background across multiple college programs gives him a broad perspective on player development and the demands of high-level baseball. Adam enjoys working with athletes of all positions and focuses on building strong fundamentals that translate to game situations.
- Played at Eau Claire North and made the State Tournament in 2016 as a 2-time All-Conference Player
- Played at the University of Iowa, Madison College, and UW-Milwaukee
- Participated in the 2017 NCAA Tournament after winning the Big Ten Tournament at Iowa
- Named North Central Community College Conference MVP in 2019
- Both pitched and played the field at UW-Milwaukee
- Played for the Eau Claire Express for 3 seasons
Thomas Richter
Instructor
Areas of Instruction: Catching, Hitting, Fielding
Thomas Richter is a knowledgeable baseball instructor with a strong coaching background and a focus on athlete development at multiple levels. He is currently a student coach at UW–Stout and has experience coaching both local and travel baseball programs. Thomas brings a well-rounded, intentional approach to training, combining on-field skill development with mental performance principles.
- Current Student Coach at UW–Stout
- Experience coaching multiple levels of local and travel baseball
- MPM Certified Athlete through Brian Cain's certification course
- National Green 13 Leadership Award Recipient
CARTER GUNDERSON
Instructor
Areas of Instruction: Pitching, Hitting (Youth), Infield Skills (Youth)
Carter Gunderson is a high-level baseball instructor with competitive playing experience and a passion for developing young athletes. He is a current pitcher at Rock Valley Community College, bringing firsthand knowledge of advanced pitching mechanics and performance at the collegiate level. Carter's background as a championship athlete and multi-time all-conference honoree allows him to relate to players while teaching the skills needed to compete at the next level.
- Current Pitcher, Rock Valley Community College
- Transfer from Northern Iowa Area Community College (1 season)
- 4-Time All-Conference Honoree, Eleva-Strum High School
- 2024 WIAA State Champion, Eleva-Strum Baseball
- Recorded pitching velocity up to 92 MPH
- Pitching Coach: Youth through High School
- Hitting Coach: Youth Athletes
- Infield Coach: Youth Athletes