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HER Hitting Academy x Elite Baseball

Developing Her Game. Empowering Her Future.

A fastpitch softball partnership at Elite Baseball Training Chicago and Mundelein.

Softball Development, Done Right

HER Hitting Academy is a female-focused softball development organization built to develop confident, intelligent, and resilient athletes both on and off the field.

At HER, we believe confidence, emotional intelligence, and mental toughness are the catalysts for skill development. Our mission is to create an environment where female athletes can develop their skills, deepen their understanding of the game, and build the confidence to compete, while being surrounded by women who understand and support their journey.

HER offers 1:1 training, small-group development, live hitting, team training, and specialized instruction for athletes at a variety of ages and skill levels. 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.

A defining part of HER is its commitment to building a community for female softball players. We want athletes to have access to role models, coaches, and peers who challenge them to grow while making them feel supported along the way. Whether an athlete is just beginning her softball journey, competing at the high school level, or preparing for collegiate softball, HER is designed to meet her where she is and help her take the next step.

Meet the HER Coaches

Tap a coach to read her bio.

Marisa BelpedioFounder · Hitting Instructor
Marisa Belpedio, Founder - Hitting Instructor at HER Hitting Academy

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.

Haley MorelliHitting Instructor
Haley Morelli, Hitting Instructor at HER Hitting Academy

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 HER. 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.

Karrie GarzaHitting Instructor
Karrie Garza, Hitting Instructor at HER Hitting Academy

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
Gina Fini, Hitting Instructor at HER Hitting Academy

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 HER. 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 HER community.

Katie CummingsHitting Instructor
Katie Cummings, Hitting Instructor at HER Hitting Academy

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.

6-7 Week General Training Sessions

1:1 Training

$120/session

Personalized 60-minute training built around the individual athlete. Our rolling 1:1 model gives athletes the flexibility to book sessions as their schedules allow, with instruction tailored to their specific goals, strengths, and areas for development.

Book 1:1 Training

Small Groups

$625/athlete

High-quality instruction in a small-group setting designed to maximize meaningful reps and individualized feedback. Athletes train in a focused environment while developing mechanics, softball IQ, confidence, and the ability to apply skills in competitive situations.

Register for Small Groups

Live Hitting

$950/athlete

Game-like at-bats designed to bridge the gap between practice and competition. Athletes face current and former college pitchers while also hitting alongside their peers, creating a competitive environment that challenges them to adjust, compete, and apply their skills in real time.

Register for Live Hitting

Private Team & Group Training Sessions

$3,500

Bring HER to your team with a private training experience designed around your group’s goals. Teams can reserve a dedicated training block for up to 12 athletes, with focused instruction, meaningful reps, and coaching tailored to the needs of the group.

Interested in reserving a private session for your team or organization? Reach out directly to Coach Marisa at mbelpedio@elitebaseballtraining.com and we’ll help find an option that works for your group.

Email Coach Marisa

Inside HER

The coaches on and off the field.

Coach Marisa with HER Hitting Academy
Marisa
Coach Haley with HER Hitting Academy
Haley
Coach Karrie with HER Hitting Academy
Karrie
Coach Gina with HER Hitting Academy
Gina
Coach Katie with HER Hitting Academy
Katie

Train With HER Today

HER instructors are available now for 1:1 softball lessons at $120/session, with small groups, live hitting, and private team training available above.

Chicago Softball Lessons   Mundelein Softball Lessons
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