who we are

ABOUT THE COACH:

Zack has 18 years of hitting and fielding instruction along with 20+ years as a Head Coach for varying age groups from 11U through to 18U. Out of the kids he has coached, he has seen 100+ of his high school kids get into college on scholarship. He has also seen 10+ of his high school and college aged kids drafted to the MLB.

His career as an athlete started in high school. He was a four sport athlete playing football, basketball, baseball and competing in track. He was an All-Region Safety in 1996 and 1997. He was also a Texas All-State Outfielder and a two time State Mile Relay qualifier in 1997-1998. 

During his college career he played baseball as an outfielder for Oklahoma State University, Howard Junior College, and University of Texas Arlington. At Howard Junior College, Zack was selected in the Major League Amateur Draft in the 49th round by the Anaheim Angels on a draft and follow rule. While at the University of Texas Arlington, Zack obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. 

Once Zack completed his baseball career, he began his coaching career. This is where he found his strength and passion for instruction. He has been fortunate enough to have been mentored over the years by:

Robbie Wine, Former D1 Head Coach & MLB Player

John Farrell, Former D1, MLB Manager and MLB Pitcher. Current Scout for Cincinnati Reds

Tom Holiday, Former D1 Head Coach 

Mike Bard, Former D1 Coach and MLB Scout 

Scott Malone, Current D1 Head Coach

Mike Brumley, Current MLB Hitting Coordinator

Scott Coolbaugh, Current MLB Hitting Coach  

NOTE FROM THE COACH:

My purpose in baseball is to teach players the right way through patience, perseverance, and integrity. I have the opportunity to live for what I love and give back what I have been blessed to do. Teaching the game of baseball to young athletes is something I am passionate about and have the opportunity to enjoy for a living. 

Originally from Dimmitt, TX, Zack now lives in Roanoke, TX with his wife, Lindsey, and their two daughters. Brynn, who's "Forever 13" and Bryant, our free thinking 8 year old. 

 ABOUT THE COACH:

Rick Bauer is currently the Pitching Intructor and Coach at The Athlete DFW. Originally from Garden Grove, CA. Rick attended Treasue Valley Community College where he was the fifth-round draft pick. He made his Major League debut in 2001, becoming the first player to successfully make the Major Leagues from TVCC. Rick continued to play professionally for 14 years, 7 years was spent pitching in the Major Leagues for the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers and the Cleveland Indians. 

Rick retired to Southlake, Texas where he began his coaching and instructing career. He coached select baseball at the high school level with D-BAT Organization for 4 years. He moved to Tennesse and spent 2 years coaching with Showcase Baseball of Tennesse and 1 year coaching for CBA in Franklin, TN. 

Currently, Rick has relocated back to Texas, his new home, with his wife and two sons, where he will continue his coaching and intructing career. 
Rick’s passion is driven by the belief that champions are made, not born. 

Ultimately, baseball instruction does not end at practice for Rick Bauer and his athletes. He believes in teaching proper baseball fundamentals and baseball IQ are indispensable to a successful player and team. Rick’s goal is to instill the proper fundamentals of baseball in his athletes to not only train, but also to learn how to practice and play at the highest skill level of the sport. 

ABOUT THE COACH:

Jon graduated from Fossil Ridge High school in 2003. While at Fossil Ridge, he was awarded 1st team All-District First Baseman his junior year, and second team his senior year. 

During his high school career, Jon was drafted in the 46th round by the New York Yankees. However, he decided to dedicate more time to his craft by attending Navarro College for his freshman year. At Navarro, he earned All-American honors and was again noticed by the New York Yankees in the 34thround. His decision was to stay at Navarro college where he played two more years before transferring to the University of South Carolina to play for the Gamecocks. 

He played for the University of South Carolina for a year before he decided to transfer to Texas State University. 

At Texas State, Jon graduated with a bachelor’s in exercise sports science with a minor in business.
 

He has been working with today’s youth, both young men and young women, for the past 12 years. 

A NOTE FROM THE COACH:

I believe in hard work and dedication to the game. This will set the athlete apart from the naturally talented. 

ABOUT THE COACH:

Christian joined The Athlete DFW in 2021 and brings 10+ years of baseball knowledge and personal experience. 

During his high school career he was a 4 year letterman and his accolades include, Most Valuable Player, 1st Team All District (center fielder 2016), and Offensive Player of the Year (2017). 

During his senior year he was the Dallas Morning News/SportsDayHS baseball player of the week. He has played multiple positions including left field, right field and center field. He has played for the following teams within the DFW Metroplex: The Dallas Patriots, D-BAT, Dallas Tigers (Perfect Game National Champions 2015) and Academy Select Sun Devils.

After high school, he played 2 years of Division 1 baseball at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. As a versatile player, he played several positions such as designated hitter, shortstop, 2nd base, 3rd base, and right field. 

Christian now has the opportunity through instruction to utilize his strengths and pass them along to others. His outfield strengths include taking good routes, attacking fly balls, and putting players in the right position to be successful. He also played shortstop, 2nd and 3rd base. His infield strengths include helping players understand the basics of being aggressive, and having quick and efficient hands and feet. He makes sure to teach his infielders and outfielders to have the right aggressive mentality and always expect and want the baseball.
 

NOTE FROM THE COACH: 

My hometown is Grand Prairie, TX and I am a graduate of South Grand Prairie High School. I graduated from The University of North Texas with a Bachelors Degree in General Business. I am currently an Assistant Varsity Coach at Prestonwood Christian Academy (2022 TAPPS Division 1 State Champions). 

My mentors include:

Zack Matthews, current owner and hitting instruction at The Athlete. 

James Vilade, Coached Texas Rangers Double AA Minor League Team of the Year, Second Winning Percentage in Texas College Baseball History (.748), Coached in the College World Series for Oklahoma State, Texas High School Baseball Coach of the Year (2022).

Mike Brumley, Current MLB Hitting Coordinator

My aspiration is to coach at the highest level possible and work with hitters and fielders in all positions. My goal as an instructor is to develop young players and help them grow as a complete baseball player.

 ABOUT THE COACH:

Mike was drafted in the 3rd round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in1986 out of Cal Poly Pomona where he earned 1st Team All American honors. Mike made his Major League debut in 1989 with the Dodgers. His big league career spanned from 1989 - 2000 with the Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, and the Texas Rangers.

Mike has a true heart for the development of the young pitcher. His reputation makes him one of the most sought after pitching instructors in the DFW area.