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Home
About Us
- Our Staff
- FAQ
Memberships
Camps
Lessons
- Group Lessons
- Private Lessons
Teams
Contact Us

Our Staff

Kayla Ledbetter

Owner- Trainer- Skills Coach

Kayla Ledbetter

Owner- Trainer- Skills Coach

Coach Credentials: KLA Owner & Founder • Ohio State Assistant Coach • Miami University 4-Year Starter • 2x All-MAC • Gahanna Lincoln 4-Year District Player of the Year • First Team All-State • Columbus Area Player of the Year • Former Gahanna Coach

Coach Kayla Ledbetter is the founder and driving force behind KLA Athletics. A Gahanna Lincoln graduate and four-year starting catcher at Miami University, Kayla earned First Team All-State and Columbus Area Player of the Year honors in high school and was named District Player of the Year all four years. At Miami, she was a two-time All-MAC selection and finished her career with a .304 batting average, 16 home runs, and 89 RBIs.

Kayla continued her coaching career at Ohio State as a volunteer assistant coach beginning in 2016 after coaching at Gahanna Lincoln. She founded KLA in 2016 with a simple goal: bridge the gap between recreational and travel softball while creating a better development experience for young athletes. What began with one travel team has grown into a complete player development organization with its own training facility, 11 teams, year-round training opportunities, and a tiered development model designed to accelerate athlete growth.

At the heart of KLA is Kayla's belief that developing great softball players starts with developing confident, capable young women. She has intentionally built KLA around strong female coaches and leaders who serve as mentors and role models for the next generation. Her vision extends beyond wins and championships—KLA is in the business of building badass women who are confident, competitive, resilient, accountable, and prepared to lead both on and off the field.

Tabitha Furlong

Director of Operations- Recruiting Coordinator- Head Tier Trainer- 16 National Head Coach

Tabitha Furlong

Director of Operations- Recruiting Coordinator- Head Tier Trainer- 16 National Head Coach

Coach Credentials: 20+ Years Coaching • 2x Ohio Dominican University All-American • ODU Hall of Fame • Former College Shortstop • Former High School Head Coach • KLA Head Tier Trainer • Recruiting Coordinator • 16U National Head Coach

Coach Tabitha Furlong brings more than 20 years of softball coaching experience at the youth, high school, and travel levels, along with an accomplished collegiate playing career at Ohio Dominican University. A four-year starting shortstop and two-time All-American, Tabitha earned multiple All-Conference and All-Region honors, competed in four conference championships and two World Series, and holds multiple program records. She was also inducted into the Ohio Dominican University Hall of Fame.

Tabitha has coached athletes from youth through the varsity level, including serving as a high school varsity head coach, junior high coach, and varsity assistant at Pickerington Central. Since joining KLA in 2022, she has served as a Head Coach, Head Tier Trainer, and Recruiting Coordinator. She developed and oversees KLA's tiered training model, bringing multiple teams together for purposeful skill development, position-specific instruction, live situations, game-speed competition, and individualized coaching. The model is designed to maximize repetitions, accelerate player growth, and prepare athletes for higher levels of competition and the college recruiting process.

As KLA's 16U National Head Coach, Tabitha is committed to raising the standard of player development and competition while creating a culture built on accountability, confidence, work ethic, and teamwork. As both a teacher and coach, she believes athletes develop best when they understand not only what to do, but why they are doing it. Her goal is to develop skilled softball players and confident young women who are prepared to succeed on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.

Audra Ledbetter

Tier & Skills Trainer

Audra Ledbetter

Tier & Skills Trainer

I have been involved in softball for over 10 years as both a player and coach, including playing at the collegiate level. My playing experience has given me a strong understanding of the game and the fundamentals needed to help athletes develop their skills and confidence on the field. I have coached with KLA for approximately five years and am excited to continue working with the program this season as an Assistant Coach for the 12U Blue team. I specialize in outfield development and hitting, with an emphasis on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and a consistent approach at the plate. In addition to team coaching, I offer both individual and group softball lessons tailored to each athlete's skill level and goals. My goal as a coach is to create a positive, competitive environment where players can learn, grow, and develop a genuine love for the game.

Kelly Butts

Position

Our Coaches

Alex Pummell

18 National Head Coach

Alex Pummell

18 National Head Coach

Coach Credentials: Cedarville University Catcher • 3-Sport High School Athlete • KLA 18U Head Coach • GameChanger Experience

Coach Alex Pummell brings both playing and coaching experience to the KLA program. A three-sport high school athlete, Alex continued his career at Cedarville University, where he played catcher. His experience behind the plate provided him with a strong understanding of communication, leadership, game strategy, and preparation.

Alex has coached his daughter throughout her softball career and has volunteered his time managing GameChanger for several years, giving him experience supporting athletes both on the field and behind the scenes.

Alex and his wife, Amanda, are proud parents of two children, Heidi and Gabriel. He is excited to lead the KLA 18U Premier team and help athletes continue developing their skills, confidence, and readiness for the next level.

Chad Reed

16 National Assistant Coach

Chad Reed

16 National Assistant Coach

Coach Credentials: 27+ Years Coaching • Big Walnut Varsity Head Coach • Otterbein University • 20+ Years Private Instruction • Player Development • Pitching & Catching

Coach Chad Reed brings more than 27 years of coaching experience at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. His extensive background includes player development, hitting, pitching, catching, game planning, and performance analysis. Chad has also spent more than 20 years working with athletes through camps and private instruction.

Chad most recently served as the Varsity Head Coach at Big Walnut High School, leading the program to 18 wins and its first district championship in 12 years. He previously served as an assistant coach and pitching director, helping significantly improve the program's pitching staff through individualized training, scouting, pitch calling, and player development. His collegiate experience includes serving as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Otterbein University.

A KLA coach since 2023, Chad has helped lead teams through continued growth and success, including KLA's Premier program and its collegiate-bound athletes. His coaching philosophy centers on a team-first culture built around accountability, discipline, hard work, and personal responsibility while helping athletes develop the confidence and resilience needed both on and off the field.

Mike McClincy

16 National

Mattie Ruehrmund

16 Premier Head Coach

Erik Pavlack

16 Premier

Katie Moritz

16 Open Head Coach

Katie Moritz

16 Open Head Coach

Coach Credentials: 4-Year Varsity Catcher • 6 Years Coaching • Big Walnut High School • 10+ Years Mathematics Educator • Multi-Position Experience • Player Development

Coach Katie Moritz brings a strong playing and coaching background to KLA. A graduate of Washington Senior High School, Katie was a four-year varsity catcher and also brings experience at first base, third base, and in the outfield. Her playing experience provides her with a well-rounded understanding of the game and the importance of versatility.

Katie is entering her tenth year teaching mathematics at Big Walnut High School and her sixth year coaching with the school's softball program. Her experience as both an educator and coach gives her a unique perspective on developing athletes, building confidence, and helping players understand not only what to do, but why it matters.

At KLA, Katie is passionate about developing the whole athlete by creating a safe and supportive environment where players feel comfortable growing, competing, and challenging themselves. She is committed to helping athletes build confidence, develop a strong work ethic, and train at the highest level while continuing to grow both on and off the field.

JoJo Jodrey

16 Open Assistant Coach

JoJo Jodrey

16 Open Assistant Coach

Coach Credentials: Big Walnut High School • 4-Year Varsity Softball Player • 6 Years Coaching • Centerfield • Defensive Development

Coach Jocelyn "JoJo" Jodrey is a 2019 graduate of Big Walnut High School, where she played varsity softball all four years, primarily as a centerfielder. Her playing career gave her a strong foundation in defensive skills, game awareness, and the competitive mindset needed to succeed on the field.

Jocelyn is entering her sixth year coaching with the Big Walnut softball program and is excited to bring her experience to the KLA coaching staff.

She is passionate about developing athletes both physically and mentally while creating a positive, competitive environment where players feel challenged, supported, and confident.

Kelly Simms

16U Premier

Kelly Simms

16U Premier

Coach Credentials: ODU 4-Year Starter • Centerfield • ODU Assistant Coach • Westerville North Assistant Varsity Coach • USA Athletes International • USSSA World Series Champion • KLA 14U Head Coach

Coach Kelly Simms brings extensive playing and coaching experience to KLA, including a successful collegiate career at Ohio Dominican University, where she started all four years in centerfield. At the time of graduation, she held ODU records for doubles in a season and career, as well as hit-by-pitch records for a game, season, and career. She also competed internationally in Prague with USA Athletes International and coached a team in Holland through the organization.

Her coaching experience includes serving as an assistant softball coach at Ohio Dominican University, assistant varsity coach at Westerville North High School, and coaching with the Ohio Dragons. Kelly joined KLA as an assistant coach with the 15U team in 2025 before becoming the 14U head coach for the 2025–26 season. She also brings travel softball experience as a USSSA World Series champion with the Lasers, earning All-Tournament Team honors.

At KLA, Coach Kelly is committed to developing confident, fundamentally sound athletes while creating a competitive and positive environment where players are challenged to grow. Outside of softball, she enjoys spending time with her wife, Jenni, and their two fur babies, Frankie and Luna.

Faith Yoho

14 Premier Assistant Coach

Faith Yoho

14 Premier Assistant Coach

Coach Credentials: College Senior • 4 Years Collegiate Softball • Lasers & Outlaws Alum • All-OCC & All-District • 3–4 Years Coaching • Pitching & Hitting Instructor • Strength & Conditioning

Coach Faith Yoho brings a unique perspective to KLA as both a current collegiate athlete and experienced coach. A former Lasers and Outlaws player, Faith was a standout pitcher and first baseman at Thomas Worthington High School, earning multiple All-OCC and All-District honors while graduating with a 3.8 GPA.

Faith has played collegiate softball at Malone University, Glenville State, and currently Point Park University, where she is completing her final season. At Malone, she started every game at first base and batted over .300 during both seasons. She is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a Sport Management focus.

Faith has coached with the Lasers for 3–4 years, helping athletes develop pitching, hitting, game strategy, and their mental approach. She has also provided private lessons, supported athletes through the recruiting process, and gained experience in strength and conditioning. At KLA, Faith is passionate about helping athletes build confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and understand what it takes to compete at the next level.

Jeremy Parish

14U Open

Jeremy Parish

14U Open

Coach Credentials: 27-Year Military Veteran • 10+ Years Coaching • Regional Operations Manager • Middle School Coach • WYBSL Softball Director

Coach Jeremy Parish brings more than three decades of leadership experience and 10 years of youth sports coaching to KLA. A 27-year military veteran, Jeremy currently serves as a Regional Operations Manager overseeing Ohio and Indiana, where he specializes in leadership, team building, communication, and developing people in high-pressure environments.

Jeremy has spent the past decade coaching youth sports with a focus on fastpitch softball, emphasizing fundamentals, field vision, situational awareness, and understanding the game. His experience includes Westerville Heritage Middle School and WYBSL, where he has served as a coach and Board of Trustees member, including two terms as Softball Director.

At KLA, Coach Jeremy is committed to building a defense-first, growth-oriented culture where athletes learn to compete with confidence, work together, and earn their success through preparation and effort.

Trevor Horn

14 Premier Head Coach

Trevor Horn

14 Premier Head Coach

Coach Credentials: 15+ Years Coaching • Otterbein Athletics Hall of Fame • 4-Year College Pitcher • 3x OAC Champion • High School Varsity Pitching Coach • Naturals Fastpitch Founder • 2026 State Runner-Up

Coach Trevor Horn brings extensive playing and coaching experience, along with a championship pedigree, to KLA. A 2003 graduate of Groveport Madison High School, Trevor was a District Champion, Team MVP, and All-District selection who finished his high school career holding multiple school records in hitting and pitching.

Trevor continued his playing career at Otterbein University, where he was a four-year letter-winning pitcher and helped lead the Cardinals to three OAC Championships. He and the 2006 championship team were later inducted into the Otterbein Athletics Hall of Fame. Trevor has more than 15 years of coaching experience, including serving as a JV Head Coach and Varsity Pitching Coach at Westerville North and Westerville South.

In 2021, Trevor founded Naturals Fastpitch and has continued coaching travel softball while serving with the Westerville Central High School Varsity Softball program since 2023. Most recently, he helped lead Westerville Central to a historic 2026 season, capturing the OCC, District, and Regional Championships and finishing as State Runner-Up. At KLA, Coach Trevor brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to developing athletes who understand what it takes to compete, lead, and win at a high level.

Ben Lookabaugh

13U Assistant Coach

Ben Lookabaugh

13U Assistant Coach

Coach Credentials: North Union Baseball • Shortstop & Catcher • 2 Years Rec Coaching • 3rd Year with KLA

Coach Ben Lookabaugh brings a strong playing background and several years of youth coaching experience to KLA. Ben played both shortstop and catcher at North Union High School, developing a well-rounded understanding of the game from both the middle infield and behind the plate.

Ben began coaching recreational teams for two years before joining KLA, where he is entering his third season. His coaching philosophy centers on teaching fundamentals, building confidence, and helping athletes develop the skills and mindset necessary to continue improving.

Ben and his wife, Callie, are proud parents of their daughter, Averie, who is now 13. Watching her grow through softball has given Ben an even greater appreciation for the impact coaches can have on young athletes.

Zach Wilson

13U Assistant coach

Zach Wilson

13U Assistant coach

Coach Credentials: 10+ Years Coaching • 6 Years Travel • Dempsey Middle School Head Coach • Former Baseball Player • Middle Infield

Coach Zach Wilson brings more than 10 years of coaching experience, including six years at the travel level. A lifelong baseball player, Zach played primarily middle infield through high school, giving him a strong foundation in defensive fundamentals, game awareness, and offensive development.

Zach has also served as the head coach at Dempsey Middle School for the past five years. His coaching philosophy centers on helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game while learning the value of teamwork and hard work.

Outside of coaching, Zach is a proud father of three daughters, ages 8–16, who all play softball.

Josh Wheeler

13U Head Coach

Josh Wheeler

13U Head Coach

Coach Credentials: Dublin Scioto Baseball • Walsh University • Ohio Wesleyan University • Former High School Head Coach • 10+ Years Coaching • 7 Tournament Championships

Coach Josh Wheeler brings extensive playing, coaching, and leadership experience to KLA. As a player, Josh was a four-year starter at Dublin Scioto, playing pitcher, second base, and outfield and earning All-District honors. He continued his baseball career at Walsh University and Ohio Wesleyan University, where he played baseball and football.

Josh began his coaching career with Delaware Hayes, serving as a freshman and JV head coach and varsity assistant. He also spent four years with the Delaware Cows summer baseball program before transitioning into fastpitch softball coaching.

Josh served as an assistant head coach with the Ohio Hit Dogs for three seasons, helping the program achieve 130 wins, seven tournament championships, and three finalist finishes. He then coached with the Central Ohio Firecrackers before joining KLA. Josh and his wife, Denise, have four children, including Rowan, a KLA 13U athlete.

Kevin Mirlisena

12U Red Head Coach

Ross Hamill

12U Red Assistant Coach

Ross Hamill

12U Red Assistant Coach

Coach Credentials: 6 Years Coaching • Recreational & Travel Experience • Player Development • Team Building

Coach Ross Hamill brings six years of softball coaching experience at both the recreational and travel levels. Throughout his coaching career, Ross has focused on helping athletes develop strong fundamentals, build confidence, and understand the importance of teamwork, dedication, and work ethic both on and off the field.

Ross believes player development goes beyond physical skills. His goal is to create a positive and competitive environment where athletes are challenged to improve while learning how to support one another as teammates.

Away from the softball field, Ross enjoys fishing and hunting, playing golf, and working on projects around the house. He is excited to continue helping the KLA 12U Red athletes grow, compete, and create lasting memories together.

Jason Core

12U Red Assistant Coach

Matt Nieman

12U Red

Matt Nieman

12U Red

Coach Credentials: 5 Years Coaching • Former Hit Dogs Head Coach • Former Firecrackers Head Coach • Player Development • High-Level Competition

Coach Neiman brings five years of fastpitch softball coaching experience to KLA, most recently serving as a head coach with both the Ohio Hit Dogs and Central Ohio Firecrackers.

His coaching philosophy is centered around developing the complete athlete—building softball knowledge, improving fundamental skills, and creating an environment where players genuinely enjoy competing and growing together.

This season, his goal is simple: help each athlete continue to develop her skills, expand her understanding of the game, and build a lasting love for softball while competing at a high level. Neiman is excited to join the KLA family and continue growing as a coach while positively impacting the athletes he leads.

Chris Brooks

12U Blue Head Coach

Chris Brooks

12U Blue Head Coach

Coach Credentials: 5 Years Coaching • 2 Years Travel Softball • 3 Years Recreational Coaching • USSSA Great Lakes Nationals 4th Place • USSSA Ohio 10U C Points & Power Ranking Leader

Coach Chris Brooks brings five years of softball coaching experience, including three years at the recreational level and two years coaching travel softball. His coaching philosophy centers on developing confident, competitive, and fundamentally sound athletes while creating an environment where players are challenged to grow and learn the game.

In 2025, Chris led his team to a fourth-place finish at the USSSA Great Lakes Nationals and finished the season as the USSSA Ohio Points and Power Ranking Leader in the 10U C division. These experiences have strengthened his commitment to purposeful development, competitive preparation, and helping young athletes reach their potential.

Chris is also a proud KLA softball parent, with both of his daughters in the program. Rylee plays for KLA 12U Blue and Skylar plays for the 14U Premier team. His perspective as both a coach and parent allows him to understand the importance of developing athletes while creating a positive experience for the entire KLA family.

Mark Ledbetter

11U Assistant Coach

Clayton Vickroy

11U assistant coach

Clayton Vickroy

11U assistant coach

Coach Credentials: Pickerington High School Baseball • 4+ Years Coaching • 2 Years Travel • First & Second Base • Offensive Development

Coach Clayton Vickroy brings a strong baseball background and several years of youth coaching experience to KLA. Clayton played baseball at Pickerington High School, primarily at first and second base, with a particular strength as an offensive player.

He has spent the past four years coaching in various recreational leagues and the past two years coaching a 12U travel team. His playing and coaching experience have given him a strong appreciation for fundamentals, player development, and creating meaningful repetitions for young athletes.

Clayton is also a proud father of three daughters, all of whom play softball. With daughters entering 8th, 6th, and 3rd grade, he understands the commitment, growth, and opportunities that come with youth athletics from both a coach's and parent's perspective.

Rich Clum

11U Head Coach & 10U Assistant Coach

Rich Clum

11U Head Coach & 10U Assistant Coach

Coach Credentials: 6 Years Fastpitch Coaching • U.S. Army Veteran • 2x Ohio State Graduate • Coaching Education Minor • Dublin Jerome Baseball

Coach Rich Clum enters his sixth year coaching fastpitch softball and is passionate about developing athletes both on and off the field. A U.S. Army veteran and two-time graduate of The Ohio State University, Rich also earned a minor in Coaching Education.

Rich's coaching experience includes fastpitch softball, youth football, and an internship as a freshman baseball coach at Dublin Jerome High School. His coaching philosophy focuses on building strong fundamentals, developing confidence, and creating a competitive but positive environment.

Rich and his wife, Natalie, are proud parents of two daughters who share his love for the game. He is excited to continue helping young athletes develop a lifelong love for softball.

Trent Strong

10U Head Coach

Trent Strong

10U Head Coach

Coach Credentials: 7 Years Coaching • 2nd Year with KLA • Former High School Catcher • Youth Sports Coach

Coach Trent Strong brings seven years of youth sports coaching experience and is entering his second season with KLA. His passion for coaching comes from his own experience as an athlete and from watching his children grow through youth sports.

Trent played primarily catcher through high school, where he developed an appreciation for communication, leadership, teamwork, and understanding the game from behind the plate. He has coached athletes across multiple levels and enjoys helping young players build skills, confidence, and a strong foundation for the game.

As a coach, Trent focuses on developing the whole athlete—not only helping players improve on the field, but also teaching them how to be great teammates and confident individuals. Trent is a husband and father of five, with three of his children currently playing travel ball.

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