Meet the TeaM:

At Field of Champions, our exceptional team combines passion, expertise, and a commitment to personalized athlete development, making every experience here impactful and growth-oriented

FIELD OF CHAMPIONS CO-OWNER
Zach Franklin has had a passion for baseball his entire life. Zach played four years at Newport H.S. earning Team Captain and All-State honors and winning a State Championship in his senior year. He went on to play four years at Washington State as a Catcher and was a two time captain for the Cougs. Zach is Head of Instruction for Field of Champions in charge of our training programs. He also provides one on one and group lessons with a focus on Catchers, fielding, and hitting. Zach lives in Snoqualmie with his wife Alea, and their children, Cami, Parker, and Clay.

LEAD SOFTBALL COACH
Dani Tachell heads up our softball program at FOC. She works with hitters, catchers, and fielders and brings a unique energy to teaching. She graduated from Woodinville H.S. after an undefeated season and state championship in 2005. Dani played college softball at Boston College rotating between 1B, 3B, and Catcher. After 4 years of D1 softball, she continued her career professionally in Switzerland for one season. This is where her passion for coaching became evident. Dani returned to Woodinville and coached for her alma mater from 2011- 2021. In 2016, Dani was awarded the Washington State Coach of the Year and in 2017, led the Falcons to the 4A State Title and earned the National Fastpitch High School Coach of the Year. Dani lives in Carnation with her husband, Chad and their 4 children; Kaili, Keagan, Kacey and Andi.

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR (PITCHING & HITTING)
Nick has been a pitching & hitting instructor at FOC since 2020. He graduated from Argonaut H.S. in Jackson, CA in 2005 where he was the captain of the baseball team. Nick played at Cochise College in AZ and De Anza College in CA before earning a full scholarship to play NAIA at Texas College in Tyler, TX. Nick has coached in the Seattle area since 2013. He has coached the Rippers, North Seattle Rainiers, FM Sports, Wildcats Baseball Club, and the FOC Bears. His Wildcats teams from ‘18- ‘21 went 59-27 and won 6 tournaments. Nick was also the JV pitching coach at Eastlake H.S. in 2018. Nick has trained players who have gone on to play at Notre Dame, TCU, UW, Bellevue College, Oregon State, Washington State, Brown, and many more. His focus is not only on player development but also making sure each individual understands the importance of making a difference off the field and succeeding in the classroom.

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR (PITCHING)
Sam Lawrence graduated from Skyline High School where he played baseball all four years, earning all conference honors. He went on to pitch at Pacific University for four years, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Over the past five seasons Sam has coached multiple levels from 13U-18U as well as providing pitching instruction for players at Field of Champions.

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR (PITCHING)
Jacob is a native of Issaquah who anchored the starting rotation of Issaquah High School's state championship team in 2007. He earned three varsity letters in baseball and football, All-Kingco honors, and served as captain in both sports. He played two years at Edmonds Community College, where he served as team captain. Jacob moved on to play D1 ball at Liberty University in Virginia where he compiled a 2.97 career ERA and led the team in saves in 2012. He then competed in the California Winter League and signed with the Rockford Aviators of the Frontier League before injury ended his playing career.
Jacob specializes in pitching instruction, and has coached at Eastside Catholic HS (2016), Issaquah HS (2023) and Lakeside Recovery (2011 - 18U, 2022 - 14U, 2023 - 15U). He also owns and operates Kemmerer Pitching Instruction serving committed pitchers ages 13-21. Jacob and his wife Alyssa live in downtown Issaquah with their German Shorthaired Pointer, Lou.

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR (HITTING & FIELDING)
Max graduated from Mt. Si H.S. and played Center Field for the 2011 Wildcats State Championship team. In the Championship game he hit a two out walk off single for the Wildcats’ first state baseball title. He went on to play at Bellevue College, Kansas State, and in 2015 Max was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was selected to represent the first ever New Zealand national team in 2012 and plays professionally in New Zealand and Australia. Max is a great instructor, and his love for the game shows when he’s working with athletes.

BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR (HITTING & INFIELD)
“Coach Ritt” has coached nine seasons from youth to High School ball. Marc played at Newport H.S. earning All-State honors and winning a state championship his senior year. He went on to play four years at the University of Washington, leading the Huskies in homeruns his junior year and posting a .308 career batting average. Marc was drafted by the Florida Marlins. Coach Ritt teaches the game with a focus on fundamentals, playing loose and fast, and competing every pitch.