Coaching Staff

HEAD COACH -

Michael Pawul

Coach Mike is experienced in baseball and softball coaching with a background spanning from playing varsity baseball as a catcher/utility then coaching rec ball, travel ball (C-B-A and showcases), middle school varsity and JV , and volunteering for high school JV and varsity roles. Served as the first softball travel director for Intensity Fastpitch (Spencer County Fastpitch Association), helping to build the program and serving on the SCFA board. Most recently coached 18U A-level Fusion travel team, assisting several athletes in their recruitment to collegiate softball programs.

Coaching philosophy is that the athlete always comes first, including developing their skill level, working on their mental mindset on and off the field, and knowing they are a whole person-not just a softball player. Coach Mike holds certifications from NFCA, NFHS, USA Softball, and The American Heart Association. He continues to grow as a coach through continuing education to ensure the athletes have the most up to date team strategies and information available.

ASSISTANT / PITCHING COACH / MENTOR -

Casey Kueker (Smith)

Coach Casey played softball from all levels growing up. Coach Casey is a former Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC) standout pitcher ranked top 10 all-time in wins, strikeouts, saves, and shutouts, earning multiple All-Conference and Pitcher of the Week honors, while pitching for Kentucky Wesleyan it included two career no-hitters and a 2017 G-MAC championship. Coach Casey is a former high school coach, a current pitching instructor, and a teacher. Coach Casey enjoys working with the whole athlete to help them compete at the highest level possible while also making sure they are getting good grades and enjoying the game of softball.

ASSISTANT / PITCHING COACH / MENTAL HEALTH / MENTOR - Sydney Schott

Coach Sydney played at many different levels growing up and was primarily a pitcher. She started her collegiate career at North Dakota State College of Science and played there from 2019-2022. She completed her eligibility at the Junior College level and continued playing at Bellarmine University (NCAA D1). However, she took her medical redshirt in the spring of 2023 and was unable to compete. She completed the remainder of her eligibility at Spalding University (NCAA D3) and played from the fall of 2023-2025. Her most notable accomplishments were competing at the World Series for NDSCS in 2021 and 2022 and placing 4th and 5th respectively. She has received first team all conference (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025), first team academic all American (2021, 2022, 2025), and led the nation for the NJCAA in strikeouts and K/7 innings in 2021. She is passionate about helping athletes reach their fullest potential by utilizing the mental game and helping athletes capitalize on their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses. She utilizes a person-centered approach and doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all for pitching. She believes each athlete knows their body best and wants to assist athletes get in touch with their personal style to find their own success.

ASSISTANT COACH -

Brice Nicholas

Coach Brice has grown up playing the game of baseball. In High School his team was the sectional champions. Coach Brice earned All-Conference while being a multi-sport athlete. He went on to play Division 1 baseball in college at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) while graduating with a B.S in Criminology. During his time playing D1 baseball Coach Brice was an outfielder, earning Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week and won an OVC Championship, along with being NCAA Regional Qualifiers. Coach Brice has been everything from an assistant coach to a head coach in baseball and softball since 2011, most recently Coach Brice has spent years coaching softball. Coach Brice has experience coaching everything from rec level ball, All-Star ball, to travel softball. Coach Brice's coaching philosophy is that it takes a team of coaches to help teams succeed and continue to push to play at the next level.

ASSISTANT COACH -

Matt Gritzer

Coach Matt has been a “dug out dad” for many years from Little League all the way up to A level travel softball teams. He enjoys being in the dug out, staying organized, following and implementing practice plans for different head coaches. Coach Matt enjoys lending a helping hand, and is always open to learning new drills and strategies in the game. Coach Matt is great at staying organized as well as helping hold girls accountable in their recruiting journeys.

Head Coach - Michael Pawul

Coaching philosophy that the athlete comes first. Not only developing skill level, but mental mindset and toughness to carry on and off the field. Primary focus on assisting athletes and their families on their journey to get recruited to play softball at the next level in college. Coach Michael has partnered with the Lady Dukes Organization because they provide resources beyond just a name on the front of their jersey. Coach Michael holds certifications across multiple organizations (listed below) and continues education with coaching to ensure the athletes have the most up to date team strategies and information available.