MEET OUR

INCREDIBLE TEAM

MEET OUR INCREDIBLE TEAM

We're Athlete Centric.

At Sports U, all of our coaches have one thing in common: a passion for learning and sharing what we know. Our mission is to provide the best training based on the latest science. We aim to help our students grow, improve, and perform better on and off the field.

Angela Underwood

Before joining Sports U, she was a stay-at-home mom and military wife, as her husband served 22 years in the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring in Louisiana. Both of her daughters played travel and high school ball, with one continuing to play NAIA college softball, earning All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and Gold Glove honors. They both trained with Chad Fortenberry, who did a great job coaching them

Tj Salvaggio

A North Shore High School graduate and former shortstop at Southeastern, TJ has spent his life around the game of baseball. After college, he played in Pennsylvania’s MLB Draft League, continuing the same passion and discipline he now brings to every lesson.

TJ’s lessons focus on building solid fundamentals, improving confidence, and developing a real love for the game.

Chuck Constant

Studied Kinesiology and Athletic Coaching at Southeastern Louisiana University.  Coached youth sports for 8 years at Rec. District 7 in Pearl River. Recently coached the Krewesaders 13u All-Star team to a state championship and is currently an assistant coach on Sports U’s 10u travel team..

Chad Gough-Fortenberry-Owner

2009 graduate and state champion at Northshore High School 5A state MVP. Drafted in the 43rd round by the Dodgers. Played at Southeastern, Delgado and graduated with a physical education degree from Delta State. Specializes in hitting and catching.

Preston Ratliff

Graduate of Northshore High (2020), collegiate career at Jones College, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, and William Carey University
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor in Biology
Two-way player: 92–94 mph pitcher, .335 batting average his senior year with 14 HRs and 12 doubles
Currently training for independent pro baseball
Brings discipline, high-level playing experience, and a passion for helping athletes prepare for the next level!

Jeff Mills

A graduate of Loyola University, where he also started as a pitcher for four years. Played for the Pope John Paul II Baseball team where he was All-Parish, District MVP and All-State honorable mention in 1991. Currently teaches Physical Education and serves as the Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Clearwood, Jr. High.

Greg Trumbach

Played at Marion Abramson High School from 1966-1970 and received a baseball scholarship from Whitworth College where he played from 1970-1971. Coached and mentored by one of the greats in the New Orleans Recreation Department, Coach Charlie Hickman.

Butch Jobert

Started coaching baseball in 1968 at age 15 in the NORD program. Since moving to Slidell in 1983, he coached youth baseball at SBBA, winning numerous championships. From 1995-1999 he coached AAU baseball winning 5 straight State Championships and 1 National Championship. Currently the assistant coach for the NHS Metro Team.

Joey Smith

Graduated from Salmen High School in 2019 and played at Lyon College. After an injury, returned home and began coaching at Salmen as an assistant for two years, followed by a year as an assistant at Pope John Paul. He was elevated to head coach at Salmen and now serves as an assistant at Slidell High School.

Fred Zoller-Owner

Graduated from Pearl River in 1993, earning 1st Team All-District, All-Metro, and All-State Honorable Mention honors. Played at Gulf Coast Community College for two years. As a father of seven, he's been coaching baseball and softball for 15 years. Most of his children have trained with the amazing Sports U coaching staff!

Christian Garcia

Originally from Slidell, he played baseball at Northshore High School from 2016 to 2019. His passion for the game took him to Southeastern Louisiana University, where he played for five years. During his time with the Lions, he contributed to a conference championship and set the record for the most outfield assists. He is now excited to share his love for baseball and help others develop their skills and appreciation for the sport.

Abby Mayfield

Abby graduated from Pearl River High School, receiving multiple honors, All District and All-State. She has been coaching and doing lessons for the last 4 years and is great at making relationships with the kids. Her clients adore her and the results show!

Jay Hodges

Jay Hodges has over 25 years of experience coaching high school baseball in Louisiana as both an assistant and head coach. In 2023, he was named head coach at Northshore High School in Slidell, Louisiana. Hodges played collegiately at Nicholls State University, where he also served as a student assistant for the Colonels before graduating. In addition to coaching, he spent two years as an associate scout for the Montreal Expos.

Key Coulon

Key Coulon is a 22-year-old graduate student in Occupational Therapy with an expected graduation date of 2028. She earned her undergraduate degree from Christian Brothers University, majoring in Health Science with a minor in Psychology, and graduated Cum Laude.

At Christian Brothers University, she competed for four years as a Division II softball student-athlete in the Gulf South Conference. As a utility player, she gained experience at every position and contributed both offensively and defensively, finishing her career with 73 RBIs, 13 home runs, and 42 stolen bases.

She attended North Shore High School from 2017 to 2021, where she was a four-year starter on a semifinalist team, playing primarily in the middle infield, outfield, and catcher positions. She now gives back to the program as an assistant softball coach, mentoring athletes and supporting player development.

Her academic and athletic experiences have shaped a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and a passion for helping others as she pursues a career in occupational therapy.

Ian Landreneau

Ian Landreneau is entering third year as the freshman head coach and varsity pitching coach at Slidell High School. I graduated from John Curtis Christian School, where I was part of three state championship teams. I played college baseball at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Delgado Community College, and finished my career at Texas Wesleyan University.

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