Instructors

BIO

Tate comes to Softball University with a wealth of experience and a track record for success. Her 21 years of coaching experience include stops at Portland State, Miami (Ohio), Texas Tech and Penn State and most recently with the Puget Sound Loggers.

Tate’s record of success reaches back to her days as a player at the University of Michigan. As a player, she led Michigan to four appearances in the Women’s College World Series (1995-98) and three Big Ten Championships (1995-96, 98). She was an All-Big Ten selection and second team All-American.

After completing her bachelor’s degree at Michigan, Tate went on to play professionally from 1998 to 2004 in the Women’s Professional Softball League. She played for the Orlando Wahoos, Akron Racers and the WPF Sacramento Sunbirds.

Tate completed her Master’s of Higher Education at Texas Tech where she coached from 2003-06.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

To create a high energy environment in which young players thrive and value continuous improvement, with a focus not only on improving their softball skills, but learning valuable life skills that will help them grow both on and off the field.

LESSSSONS

• HITTING
• OUTFIELD

BIO: 

Alyssa Reuble graduated from Seattle University in 2017. As a member of the Redhawk softball team she pitched all four years, throwing close to 450 innings total. During her time at Seattle U she received WAC Pitcher of the week two times & threw a perfect game her senior year. Alyssa is originally from Edmonds, Washington & attended Meadowdale High School. As a Maverick she won two district championships & received Female Athlete of the Year award her senior year. In 2020, she graduated from Central Washington University with her Master of Science in Sports Administration. While at CWU she also served as an assistant coach for two seasons.  

COACHING PHILOSOPHY: 

Softball has shaped me into the person I am today & without the mentors that I had throughout my career I would not be where I am currently. I am highly motivated to create an impact on young women’s lives through this amazing sport. Each day that I step into the facility or field I have the ultimate goal of growing my players knowledge of the game & developing them into the best athletes that they can be. I always strive to provide the best instruction & intent to grow their confidence, skill, & mindset so moving into the next steps in their careers can go as seamlessly as possible.

LESSSSONS

• PITCHING
• INFIELD

BIO

Shawna Wright graduated from the University of Washington in 2013. As a member of the Husky softball team she was a four year starting catcher, and won the 2010 PAC 10 championship. She is also a former member of the USA Softball Futures team. In 2013 she earned PAC-12 defensive player of the year with a .995 fielding percentage. Shawna’s hometown is Lancaster California. She attended Lancaster High where she holds third all-time in California state history for career home runs, and fourth all-time in California state history for career RBIs.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Softball has given me the opportunity to be mentored by many influential people who have instilled in me a mindset and work ethic that I want to pass on to every athlete that we train within our program. I aspire to lead by example by continuing to study the game and grow as a coach, modeling to players that they are never done learning. It is important that each player that enters our facility knows that I am in their corner, to help them reach their unrealized and full potential as a player and teammate. Players are encouraged to attack the process with confidence, attention to detail, and a positive mindset on their journey to becoming their best self.

LESSSSONS

• CATCHING
• HITTING
• INFIELD

BIO

Originally from Bothell, WA, Arista lettered all four years at Bothell High School. She began her college career at Edmonds Community College. In 2015, she transferred to Dixie State University in St George, UT as a catcher/DP.

That season, Dixie went on to take second place in the national tournament. Travelling to OKC to compete at that level is one of her favorite memories from college. She finished her college career in 2017 as a DP starter while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Her first priorities when coaching are a team-first mentality and having fun!

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Refine Individual skills with a team first mentality

LESSSSONS

• CATCHING
• INFIELD
• OUTFIELD
• HITTING

BIO

Carli grew up in Edmonds, WA and graduated from Edmonds Woodway High School. She attended Pacific Lutheran University and graduated with honors, earning a Bachelors in Physical Education, with a health endorsement and a K-12 Teaching Certificate. She also holds a Masters of Science in Education with a focus on Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Carli had the rare opportunity of being a two-sport athlete at PLU playing both softball and soccer all four years.

Throughout her softball seasons she held single season home run, doubles and RBI records, and is still on the record board for RBI’s. She had the honor of being team captain, and earned Offensive player of the Year, Most Inspirational, and MVP awards. Carli played in two national tournaments bringing home a 5th and 3rd place finish. During her soccer career she was honored with the Defensive MVP award, and was team captain for three years. Carli finished her two-sport experience being awarded the PLU Senior Athlete Lute Inspirational Award.

Since college, her love of sport helped launch her coaching career. She has coached softball at the college, high school and middle school levels, along with soccer and basketball. Carli has had the amazing experience working with some of the best coaches in their fields. She’s coached with Dr. Colleen Hacker (former US women’s soccer national team coaching staff, currently US Women’s National Hockey team staff, and sports psychology consultant) and is thrilled to be working with Shawna Wright and the rest of the incredible Softball University instructors. Aside from coaching, Carli is a Middle School Health and Fitness teacher.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY

My coaching philosophy is based on a team first mentality. The answer lies in whatever is best for the team as a whole. That being said, every individual who is part of a team should do whatever it takes individually to be the best for the team they are committed to. Fundamentals, attitude, work ethic, and being a good teammate are at the top of my priorities to teach and instill in young athletes. My goal as an instructor is to help every player get to their next level.

LESSSSONS

• HITTING
• INFIELD
• OUTFIELD
• CATCHING

BIO

Megan Jewett-Chan has played softball for almost 15 years and has been coaching for the past two years. She started my college career at Western Washington University, where she red shirted her freshman year.

After her year at WWU, she transferred to Highline College in Des Moines, WA. Megan played two years there as the starting shortstop and also spent some time behind the plate playing catcher.

After graduating from Highline College with her AA with an emphasis in American Sign Language, she had surgery on my right shoulder. She began rehab and was offered a job coaching at Highline College as a middle infield coach. Megan is currently attending Central Washington University in hopes of receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Business- Leadership and Management with a Minor in Sports Business.

Coaching Philosophy

Remembering the basics that draw everyone to this sport. Understand there is more to it that just ball and glove. Remember to play for “Your why”. Why are you here? Why do you want this so bad? Don’t just go through the motions, have intensity and play to have fun. Make every memory, experience, and play count. Fuel the fire within and build your passion for the sport that drives you. This is not just a game, it is a community of people that have the same passion and knowledge that can be shared through all ages. No matter where life takes you there is always a place for softball.

LESSSSONS

• INFIELD
• OUTFIELD
• HITTING

BIO

Lindsay Packer attended Idaho State University where she pitched for the Bengals. She received the Universities 2007 softball MVP award. Her hometown is Woodinville, Washington. Where she attended Woodinville High School. Lindsay lead her team to an undefeated state championship season in 2005. She was Washington States 4A MVP and since has been a 2 time inductee of the Woodinville High School hall of fame. Lindsay now resides in Woodinville. She works in the Lake Washington School District in special education.

Coaching Philosophy – I believe in creating a positive environment and the power of a growth mindset. As a player It was instilled in me that you can control 2 things both your attitude and effort. I’ve continued that into my coaching philosophy and everyday life. I think it’s important to build positive relationships and help build self confidence in each player. I love getting to watch kids grow, learn and experience all the incredible things that softball can bring to them.

LESSSSONS

• PITCHING

BIO: 

Riley grew up on Bainbridge Island, Washington where she was a four-year Varsity starter at Bainbridge High School, playing both softball and soccer. As an Under Armour Pre-Season All American, four time 1st Team All-League and a two time Seattle Times All-Area Team Member, Riley lead her high school to four state appearances. Riley also holds the record for on-base percentage at Bainbridge with an .706. In her travel ball career, she played with the SFC Grizzlies and the Sundodgers.

Riley graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management. Riley played her first two years at Oregon State University and transferred as a junior to Umass finishing her last two seasons for the Minutewomen. Her junior year she batted .362 with 21 runs and 21 hits while appearing in 42 games and starting in 20. As a senior she hit .300 appearing in 47 games and starting in 36. Riley finished her collegiate career with a fielding percentage of .959.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY: 

Softball is a game of failure. It’s one of the toughest sports you can play and it challenges you in multiple facets, which makes it fun. I’m focused on developing not only skills to better yourself on the field but also the mental discipline and courage to take on this wonderfully difficult sport.

LESSSSONS

• SLAPPING
• OUTFIELD
• HITTING

BIO: 

Ciara Ortiz, a speedy infielder from Edmonds, WA had started her softball career at the age of 7 years old. While attending Edmonds Woodway High School, Ciara lettered all four years with the Warriors. Ortiz was named First Team 3A All-State her Junior and Senior year and soon began her college career at Western Washington University. Unfortunately, due to a torn labrum and shoulder surgery, Ortiz had redshirted her freshman year. Currently, Ciara is working towards a degree in Architecture and Sustainable Design.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY: 

My coaching philosophy is simple, but very important:

Be Intentional
Whether you’re showing up to a tryout, practice, or game, always be ready to give 100%. Intention soon becomes instinct when you are focused on perfecting your craft!

Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Learning and trying new things can be awkward, and at times, it can test your comfort zone! But having an open mindset and a willingness to learn will improve both the physical and mental aspects of the game.

Have Fun!
Of course, I believe that this is the most important point of all. I want to create an environment where players can gain and feel confident not only in their practice, but in their everyday lives. It’s imperative that I establish strong connections and be a positive role model towards young female athletes.

LESSSSONS

• INFIELD
• HITTING

BIO: 

Austyn Matlick, from Sterling Heights, MI started her playing career when she was 6 years old. After moving to Washington when she was 10, Matlick started playing select ball. In her first year of 16u, she would join The Sundodger program in their founding season. Austyn continued to play with the Sundodgers until she graduated from Tahoma Senior High School in 2016. Matlick would continue her career at the Academy of Art University, a DII institution in San Francisco, CA. Due to a torn UCL and surgery, she would redshirt her freshman year. In their 2018 season, Art U made history as the first team in program history to make a run at Regionals. Matlick would go onto start at first base and in the four-hole her senior year until it was cut short due to COVID. She will graduate in spring ‘21 with a BFA in Visual Development.

COACHING PHILOSOPHY: 

Have Fun!
A player is more likely to flourish when they are in a situation that they perceive as a positive environment and it’s a coach’s responsibility to help provide that. Every player should feel safe to push themselves out of their comfort zone in both the physical and mental side of the game without fear. When creating this type of environment the number one important thing is to make sure players have fun! At the end of the day, softball is a game, and we should enjoy the limited time we get to play.

LESSSSONS

• HITTING
• CATCHING

COACHING PHILOSOPHY: 

I believe in the importance of instilling confidence in pitchers through mental preparation, physical conditioning, and game like scenarios. My approach in doing this includes giving examples of experiences in my life and asking questions frequently to have them be actively thinking. I give pitchers different approaches to think about outside of the bullpen to further their mental game. The tools they learn during lessons do not only help them become a great pitcher but a well rounded individual.

LESSSSONS

• PITCHING