Softball Instructors
Meet The People Behind The Development
Faith Cain
Softball Pitching & Hitting Instructor
Faith played two years at Syracuse University as a starting first baseman and power hitter in the ACC after transferring from Highland Community College. She went on to play professionally in the American Softball Association (ASBA), bringing elite-level experience to her coaching. With years of lesson experience, Faith offers instruction for hitting, fielding, and pitching mechanics. She also helps athletes strengthen their mental game, building confidence, managing pressure, and staying focused under stress, offering one-on-one lessons.
Danielle Romanello
Softball Coach
A former Florida and San Diego State utility player and catcher, Danielle brings high-level collegiate experience, positional versatility and a strong understanding of competitive softball development.
Brooklinn Thomas
Pitching, Hitting, Catching Instructor & Coach
Brooklinn just finished her second year at Duke University. She is a true utility players having experience every position growing up - pitching, catching, infield and outfield. Brooklinn was an everyday starter in RF as a freshman at Duke.
Emily Joss
Hitting & Infield/Defense Instructor
Emily specializes in Hitting and Infield/Defensive Lessons Emily was a six-year member of the Utica University softball team, where she primarily played middle infield & centerfield. She holds six career program records and one conference record, and was a two-time all-region selection, including ECAC Shortstop of the Year and NFCA Region III OF. With experience coaching at both youth and collegiate levels, she specializes in arm care, infield/outfield defense, hitting, and base running. Outside of Riptide, she practices as a pediatric physical therapist, having earned her doctorate in physical therapy from Utica.
Dana Vollmuth
Softball Catching & Hitting Instructor
Current Head HS Coach Former Collegiate Catcher & 1st Base @ Suny Potsdam Specializes in Hitting & Catching work with HS and Youth Athletes
Kaycee McAlexander
Summer Softball Hitting & Pitching Instructor
Kaycee is an experienced hitting and pitching instructor with Riptide since 2021. She can also do defensive fundamentals lessons. Kaycee is an infielder who plays for the Appalachian State club team. She transferred to App St. after playing a season for Louisburg College. Kaycee played locally and very competitively in travel ball as a pitcher and utility player.
Corey Gross
Riptide Owner
Corey supports Riptide program leadership and athlete development with experience in collegiate coaching and competitive team environments.
Paul Garcia
Riptide Owner
Paul works with Riptide athletes through team coaching, instruction and the consistent fundamentals required for confident competitive play.
Ellie Goins
Former Riptide Softball Instructor
From Mooresville, NC and currently play softball at NC State. At Mooresville High School, she was a multi-time All-Conference and All-state Selection, and also contributed to making deep playoff runs. Throughout high school, Ellie played for a highly competitive travel ball team that placed in National Tournaments and got national recognition. At NC State, she has been a 3-year starter in the outfield.
Sanaa Thompson
Former Softball Coach
3 Year Starting Outfielder at UNC. Career .400 hitter. Multiple All ACC Honors Ranked 20th Best Outfielder in D1
Experience That Supports Every Stage
A staff connected to collegiate competition, coaching and player development.
- Collegiate playing experience at Florida and San Diego State
- SEC and Mountain West competition experience
- Collegiate coaching and recruiting background
- Hitting, pitching, catching and defensive instruction
- Individual, clinic and team-development environments
- Baseball and softball development under one organization
Train With A Riptide Coach
Choose the softball skill you want to develop and reserve an available lesson time.
