Private Lessons & Coaches in Upper Saddle River, NJ

Unlock your musical potential! With 20 years of experience, I'm dedicated to nurturing your talents and guiding you on your musical journey. Let's make beautiful music together.

Rutgers Youth Safety Certified with 3+ years dedicated to shaping little league baseball talent, I foster a positive and fun learning environment. I am dedicated to ensuring every young athlete learns the love of the game and also grows technically. My approach blends proven methods with personalized coaching for impactful results.

I'm a firm believer that success in baseball comes from mastering the fundamentals while fostering a genuine love for the game. With 16 years of coaching experience, I'm dedicated to helping each player reach their full potential on and off the field. Let's work together to elevate your game!

From my early experience in the sport of Tennis I have learned that teaching must be promoted from discipline and the joy of competing. I started playing since a was very young until l became a player with international projection, managing to be ranked 180 ITF juniors, participate in Olympic and Central American cycles, especially in the world-famous Davis Cup, adding some professional ITF tournaments alongside, where the best athletes in this sport are measured. Simultaneously, I reached a Major in THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO and played for the team, from there I have been able to experience the teaching of tennis, now I aspire to put all my experience, knowledge and preparation at the service of the community and young people who find in sports and tennis a healthy and productive lifestyle. I have a very high level of commitment on the court, especially with early stages of learning tennis, I promote discipline as a key tool in learning. I really like to work on the mechanics of the forehand, backhand, key tool in learning. I really like to work on the mechanics of the forehand, backhand, volley, serve, slice, footwork, and the shape of the ball. I have been worked with adults & juniors of all levels.

"I’ve known Rafael since I was little, we are both from Venezuela and same age. I witnessed him starting his whole process as a tennis player even before he jumped into international tournaments, I am very lucky to be his first lesson ever. Somehow it was funny since he was coaching me with 15 years old, back then, I knew that being on the court with him will give me a good energy and vibe, he taught me what to do before matches and after matches, taught me different routines during the matches and some technical stuff. I truly recommend Rafael, no because he’s a good friend of mine, because of his dedication and love for the game.

As a starting pitcher at Eastern Connecticut State University (D3, top 10 in the country 1996-1997) and Radford University (D1), I was invited to a workout with Fortitudo Baseball in Bologna, Italy. During this tournament, I pitched a 7-inning no-hitter with 17 strikeouts and 3 walks, earning an immediate contract offer and marking the beginning of my professional baseball career. From 2001 to 2013, I had the privilege of playing 13 years with Fortitudo Bologna, where I transitioned to the role of closer due to the team's veteran starting pitching staff. Embracing this role, I never looked back. During my tenure, we secured three Italian championships and three European championships, and we had the honor of being the first European team invited to the Asia Series in Taiwan in 2013. Our team was voted the best in Europe, a testament to our hard work and dedication. I was named to the All-Star team three times and earned the title of Top Reliever of the League on three occasions. I still hold the record as Fortitudo's All-Time Saves Leader and finished my career just three saves shy of the all-time record in Italian baseball history. From 2001 to 2007, I was honored to represent Team Italy on the National Level, competing in prestigious international tournaments such as the 2001 World Cup of Baseball in Taiwan, the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, and the 2006 Inaugural World Baseball Classic. After retiring in 2013, I moved to Chicago and transitioned into coaching, providing private lessons across the Chicagoland area. I worked with aspiring athletes on pitching and hitting and consulted with teams on their practice routines and game strategies. I had the pleasure of coaching for several organizations, including Glenview Blaze, Diamond Dawgz, and Stoppers Baseball Academy travel programs. In 2021, I relocated to Colorado, where I joined USA Prime Colorado as a coach for their high school-level summer and fall teams. I conducted lessons at the Khaos Clubhouse in Littleton, Colorado during this time. I joined Lutheran High School as their varsity pitching coach. A year later, I joined the coaching staff at Colorado Christian University (D2) as a volunteer pitching coach. In June of 2024, my wife and I settled in Bloomfield, New Jersey, where I continue to pursue my passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes. Currently am the Pitching coach for Bloomfield College of Montclair State University (D2).

For over two decades, I've cultivated a love for baseball in athletes of all levels. My passion is helping players unlock their full potential on the field. I am eager to help you refine your skills and strategy!

Member of the Ivory Coast national tennis team. On the court, precision and power are paramount. As a former professional athlete with 35 years of coaching experience, I'm dedicated to helping you master both. I believe in fostering a fun, engaging environment where students of all levels can thrive. Let's take your game to the next level with Coach Yaya!

New to this app, I am recent graduate of Columbia University’s most successful mens tennis team in program history winning back-to-back Ivy League titles, back-to-back NCAA elite 8 appearances, and a team high ranking of #5 NCAA D1. Additionally, former 101st ranked junior in the world. I bring my unique experience/insight to coaching tennis/hitting lessons, and offer my services to beginners and aspiring pros alike to help you achieve your tennis potential.

I'm James Hernandez, an Athletic Consultant and passionate baseball coach. My journey began on the dirt fields of the Dominican Republic, where I learned that baseball is more than a game—it's a way of life. I bring a unique blend of on-field experience as a utility player and catcher, coupled with a transformational coaching philosophy. My approach goes beyond the physical. I coach with empathy, accountability, and emotional intelligence, helping athletes build a winning mindset. I specialize in high-impact drills for catchers and hitters and provide cultural insight to support athletes from diverse backgrounds. I'm dedicated to instilling discipline and a sense of purpose that will serve you both in the game and in life.