Elite Baseball Training

Chicago Softball Private Lessons

One-on-one softball instruction from Elite instructors and Clutch Hitting Academy coaches, all under one roof in Chicago.

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Elite Softball Instructors

Private softball lessons are the best way to address the individual needs of the student. Book directly with an Elite instructor through our online scheduling system.

Luis Saldana, Hitting & Pitching Instructor at Elite Baseball Training

Luis Saldana

Hitting & Pitching Instructor

Luis “Coach Louie” Saldaña, a Chicago native, has over 30 years of experience in baseball and softball. After starting in baseball, he transitioned to softball in 1992, playing for elite teams including the Dominican Republic National Team and competing in numerous ISC, USA, and AAU championships. Now a high school coach, he specializes in pitching and hitting, using his extensive experience to help athletes develop skills and succeed in both sports.

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Allison Spence

Softball Instructor

Full bio coming soon.

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Homeplate by Lindsey

Softball pitching instruction from Lindsey Prezell, Lake County Illinois Hall of Famer and former Northwestern Softball student athlete.

Clutch Hitting Academy x Elite

Clutch Hitting Academy Instructors

All Clutch instructors — $120/hr

Clutch Hitting Academy is a female-focused softball development organization built to develop confident, intelligent, and resilient athletes both on and off the field. Training goes beyond mechanics to incorporate softball IQ, situational awareness, competitive mindset, confidence, communication, and the mental side of performance. Our instructors bring experience as collegiate athletes, coaches, and professionals, creating a coaching environment that is both technically knowledgeable and deeply invested in the individual athlete.

Clutch instructors teach at Elite Baseball Training Chicago.

Marisa BelpedioFounder · Hitting Instructor

Former Division I softball player at Western Michigan University and experienced hitting instructor with a power-hitting background. Marisa’s approach goes beyond mechanics, emphasizing softball IQ, confidence, emotional intelligence, mental toughness, and performing under pressure. She believes the mental side of the game is the catalyst for physical development and is passionate about helping athletes become confident, intelligent, and resilient competitors.

Michaela PowerHitting & Pitching Instructor

Former four-year varsity standout at Taft High School and future Division I athlete at Northern Illinois University, Michaela brings experience as both a pitcher and position player. A record-setting athlete with multiple All-City, All-State, and Player of the Year honors, she understands what it takes to compete at a high level. She loves helping younger athletes develop their skills while building the confidence and love for the game that shaped her own journey.

Haley MorelliHitting Instructor

Former University of Wisconsin–Whitewater All-American with extensive experience as both a player and coach, Haley brings a high level of knowledge and competitiveness to Clutch. She has coached travel softball and high school softball, giving her experience developing athletes at different stages of their careers. Her coaching is centered around strong fundamentals, confidence, and helping athletes become the best versions of themselves.

Ashley EllevogHitting & Catching Instructor

Former Amundsen standout and decorated catcher who continued her playing career at UIC as a Division I athlete, Ashley brings competitive experience and a deep understanding of the catching position. She is passionate about coaching athletes of all ages and creating an environment where players feel challenged, supported, and empowered. Ashley believes in developing the whole athlete and helping players build confidence both on and off the field.

Karrie GarzaHitting Instructor

Oak Park native and former Division I catcher at Southern Illinois University, Karrie brings years of experience as both a high-level player and coach. A former Team USA international competitor and current youth travel coach, she understands the importance of developing confident, competitive athletes who genuinely love the game. Her coaching combines experience, energy, and a strong emphasis on enjoying the process of getting better.

Gina FiniHitting Instructor

A versatile competitive softball player with experience at second base, center field, and catcher, Gina brings energy, creativity, and a passion for continued growth to Clutch. She is focused on developing as both an athlete and coach while pursuing her goal of playing Division I softball. Gina especially enjoys helping younger players while bringing her interests in marketing, social media, and creativity into the Clutch community.

Bella WrublikHitting Instructor

A lifelong softball player who started playing at age three, Bella brings an upbeat and positive energy to Clutch. She believes confidence, resilience, positivity, and commitment to the little things are what drive improvement and loves helping younger athletes develop a genuine love for the game. Bella is passionate about helping young athletes grow both as players and as people while continuing to pursue her own collegiate softball goals.

Caroline MeyersHitting Instructor

A lifelong softball and team-sports enthusiast, Caroline understands how much athletics can teach about confidence, mental toughness, teamwork, and personal growth. A UCLA graduate returning to Chicago to pursue her master's at UIC, she brings a unique perspective and a genuine passion for helping young athletes. Caroline is excited to share the lessons and love of the game that shaped her own athletic experience.

Sarah AlvarezHitting & Pitching Instructor

Four-year varsity athlete at Whitney Young who competed as both a pitcher and utility player, Sarah brings a strong competitive background and a growth-oriented mindset to Clutch. She believes softball is a game of failure and that learning to embrace mistakes is one of the most important lessons young athletes can develop. As a Health Sciences student on a pre-physical therapy track at Triton College, she brings an interest in both athletic performance and helping athletes grow. Sarah is passionate about creating a supportive environment where players can build both their skills and confidence.

Katie CummingsHitting Instructor

A lifelong softball player who started with T-ball and baseball before making the switch to softball at age nine, Katie went on to become a four-year varsity starter and All-City and All-State athlete at Denver East High School. After competing at the highest levels of club softball and being recruited by multiple Division I programs, she chose to focus on academics at Purdue University, where she earned her nursing degree. Now a Registered Nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Katie brings both high-level athletic experience and a healthcare background to her coaching. She believes softball teaches discipline, resilience, confidence, teamwork, and how to navigate failure, and she is passionate about helping young women grow both on and off the field.

Anneliese OteroHitting Instructor

A senior IB student at Amundsen High School and a three-year varsity starter who earned Red All-Conference honors as a junior. She currently plays center field and utility for Chicago Blue Thunder Gold 18U and is known for her aggressive baserunning, bunting, and ability to bring energy to the dugout. Academically driven with a 5.2 GPA, she hopes to play college softball while studying Forensics and Criminal Investigation. She joined Clutch because she wanted to be part of the kind of female softball community she wished she had growing up—one where athletes can train alongside women playing at the next level. She brings a loud, positive, competitive personality and believes creating an exciting and supportive environment is a huge part of what makes softball special.

Emily RodriguezHitting & Pitching Instructor

A former four-year varsity pitcher and utility player at Whitney M. Young High School, where she earned First Team All-City honors as a sophomore. She currently plays pitcher and utility at Triton College while pursuing Diagnostic Medical Sonography and previously played travel softball with Cubs RBI and the Willowbrook Hounds. She brings a strong understanding of both the physical and mental sides of pitching, particularly the importance of composure, confidence, and learning from mistakes. As a coach, she wants athletes to understand the “why” behind their training while creating an environment where they feel comfortable being themselves. She is personable, curious, and passionate about helping athletes gain confidence and experience those breakthrough moments that make coaching rewarding.

Ella BrevingHitting & Catching Instructor

Bio coming soon.

Mariah BecerraHitting Instructor

Bio coming soon.

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